Download the Salad Days 2026 prospectus here

The City of Slidell and the Slidell Commission on the Arts are pleased to announce a call for student artists for the annual Salad Days juried exhibition, celebrating the creativity and talent of St. Tammany Parish’s young artists. Students ages 5 to 19, in kindergarten through 12th grade, who reside in or attend school in St. Tammany Parish are invited to submit artwork for the opportunity to be showcased in a professional gallery setting.

This year’s juror is Joshua B. Wichterich, an award-winning artist, illustrator, author, and founder of Blue Wing Press. Wichterich has illustrated more than 60 children’s books, and his work has appeared in numerous City of Slidell exhibitions, including the 2024 show All in the Family, which featured artwork by his sister and late grandfather that had never before been publicly displayed. He was also selected as the White Linen 2025 Poster Artist and his work was featured event publicity. A dedicated advocate for artists, art, and children, Wichterich regularly dedicates his children’s books and artwork to the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany. He also collaborated with the museum and St. Tammany Parish art students on the butterfly art installation that debuted there in 2025. Deeply involved in the community, he has served on the judging panel for the Louisiana Wildfowl Carvers and Collectors Guild, is participating in the Leadership Northshore Class of 2026, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Slidell and the Ozone Camellia Club. Wichterich’s work has been featured in The Times-Picayune, the St. Tammany Farmer, Nola.com, and Social Northshore. He has twice been named “The Northshore’s Best Artist of East St. Tammany Parish” by Sophisticated Woman magazine, and his artwork has appeared on four covers of Slidell Magazine.

Exhibition Eligibility and Awards
The Salad Days exhibition is open to K–12 students who either live in or attend school in St. Tammany Parish. Submissions will be judged in four age groups:

• Ages 5–8
• Ages 9–11
• Ages 12–14
• Ages 15–19

Each student may submit up to three pieces of original artwork. First-place winners in each age group will receive a prize of $50. All artists whose work is selected for the exhibition will receive a certificate of recognition from the City of Slidell.

Submission Guidelines
Artists should submit high-resolution JPEG images of their work (maximum 300 dpi). Entries may be submitted in one of the following ways:

• Email: culturalaffairs@cityofslidell.org
• Mail (digital entries on USB drive):
  Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall
  P.O. Box 828
  Slidell, LA 70459
• In-person delivery (digital entries on USB drive):
  Department of Cultural & Public Affairs
  250 Bouscaren Street, Suite 304
  Slidell Technology and Cultural Arts Center
  Monday – Thursday, 9 a.ml to 4 p.m.

The submission deadline is Monday, March 16, 2026, by 4:00 p.m. Late entries will not be accepted.

Notification and Artwork Delivery
Artists will be notified of their selection status by Thursday, March 19, 2025. If notification has not been received by Friday, March 20, 2025, artists are asked to call (985) 646-4375 for an update.

Artists whose work is selected for the exhibition must deliver their physical pieces to the Slidell Cultural Center, 2055 Second Street, on one of the following dates:

• Monday, March 23, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 24, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Additional Information
For more information, including complete rules and specifications, please refer to the Salad Days 2026 prospectus or contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

Download the Salad Days 2026 prospectus here

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal invites you to a festive evening of music with the Northshore Community Orchestra on Sunday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m. at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. This holiday concert is free to the public.

The Northshore Community Orchestra, the only symphony orchestra in St. Tammany Parish, is dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of music for both youth and adults. Established in 1987, the orchestra has continuously brought together musicians of all ages and backgrounds to perform a diverse repertoire, including classical, jazz, pop, folk, ethnic, traditional, movie themes, and Broadway hits. The orchestra regularly participates in community events, such as Some Enchanted Evening and Slidell’s annual Christmas concerts.

Musicians hail from Slidell, St. Tammany Parish, and surrounding areas across the Greater New Orleans region and south Mississippi. The orchestra’s members reflect a wide range of backgrounds, from students and educators to medical professionals, engineers, scientists, homemakers, and retirees. The ensemble’s diverse age range includes its youngest member at just 9 years old and its oldest in his 80s. Many families share the joy of music together, with parents, children, siblings, and spouses performing side by side.

The orchestra has been conducted by Slidell native Mrs. Susan Messina since 2006. With over 30 years of experience as a music educator and a master’s degree in music from Southeastern Louisiana University, Mrs. Messina brings her passion and expertise to the ensemble. A seasoned band director and private music instructor, she continues to inspire musicians of all ages through her leadership.

The concert will take place at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, located at 2056 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about this event, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For the latest information about City of Slidell news and events, visit MySlidell.com or follow the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.