‘The Story of Us’ Exhibit Celebrates Slidell’s Spirit While Supporting Hospice House
The City of Slidell invites the public to experience The Story of Us: Our City, Our Culture, Our Spirit, an invitational art exhibition celebrating local artists and community spirit while supporting the ongoing effort to build a second Hospice House.
The exhibition will open Friday, November 6, with a free public reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at the George Dunbar Gallery in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall. The artwork will remain on display through December 17, 2026.
Curated by Connie Born of MisChief Creations and Charlotte Collins of the Olde Towne Arts Commission (OTAC), the exhibition features eight artists who originally volunteered for the Community Spirit Art Project, a public art initiative supporting the Hospice Foundation of the South, a local nonprofit that operates the Hospice House.
The Community Spirit Art Project invites artists to transform small fiberglass houses into works of art, using each house as a blank canvas. Businesses can sponsor the houses and display them in front of their businesses throughout the community to raise awareness and support for the Hospice House.
“We were delighted when world-renowned New Orleans artist Terrance Osborne agreed to paint the first house!” said Connie Born, who leads the project. “His support really meant a lot to the project, and many artists agreed to be a part of this project to support the Hospice House.”
The Hospice House provides a comfortable setting where terminally ill patients receiving hospice care can spend their final days with family and around-the-clock support from caregivers. Patients receive care at no cost to them. The Hospice Foundation of the South relies on community donations to continue its work and is working toward building a second Hospice House to extend its services to more families.
Featured artists include Charlotte Collins, Keith Delaune, Tracey Hammill, Matt Litchliter, Mandie Manzano, David Miller, Terrance Osborne, and Michael Reed.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists, learn more about the project and see their creative Hospice House designs alongside examples of work that reflects each artist’s unique style.
“OTAC is honored to be a part of this project and to help curate the exhibit,” said Charlotte Collins, president of OTAC. “We would like to thank Mayor Randy Fandal and the City of Slidell for hosting this exhibit in the George Dunbar Gallery, and we hope that people enjoy it.”
Opening night will also give visitors a chance to create their own piece of Slidell history. Anyone who makes a donation to Hospice House during the reception will have the opportunity to select a 100-year-old slate roof tile salvaged from the original Dixie Brewery building and use it as a canvas to create their own artwork.
“I encourage everyone to come see this exhibit in the George Dunbar Gallery,” said Mayor Randy Fandal. “We are honored to host artwork by these compassionate artists giving their time and talent to support this project and the Hospice House. I would like to thank Connie and Charlotte for their hard work in making this exhibit possible for our citizens.”
Light refreshments will be donated by Hospice House sponsors. The event is free and open to the public.
The George Dunbar Gallery, located in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall at 2055 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell, is open Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visits are by appointment only, and same-day appointments are usually accommodated.
The exhibition is produced by the City of Slidell, Slidell Commission on the Arts, Olde Towne Arts Commission, MisChief Creations and Hospice House.
For more information about the exhibition, contact Connie Born of MisChief Creations at (985) 707-5191. To schedule a gallery appointment, contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For more City news and events, visit MySlidell.com and follow the City of Slidell on Facebook and Instagram.
