Slidell Mayor Bill Borchert and the members of the Slidell Commission on the Arts would like to congratulate Joshua Wichterich for being selected as the White Linen and Lagniappe 2025 Poster Artist. His artwork, “Stars, Sweet Tea, and a Slidell Soiree” will be featured on the event poster and publicity materials.

“We are incredibly happy that Joshua was selected as the White Linen and Lagniappe poster artist for this year,” said Mayor Borchert. “His talent and passion for Slidell shine through in his artwork, and he has created a poster that truly captures the spirit of this event. I’d like to thank the Slidell Commission on the Arts for their work in selecting the poster artist.”

Joshua B. Wichterich is an award-winning artist, illustrator, author, and founder of Blue Wing Press. He has illustrated more than 60 children’s picture books, designing many from cover to cover and assisting bestselling authors in self-publishing. A prolific artist, Wichterich continuously refines his craft. His art has been featured in numerous Slidell exhibits, including the 2018 Mixed Media exhibit, where he won first place for his large watercolor piece, “Second Death.” He also showcased his art in the 4 Corners art exhibit in 2022, sponsored by the City of Slidell and the Olde Towne Arts Commission. He frequently exhibits his work at Notting Hill in Olde Towne for event such as Arts Evening and White Linen and Lagniappe. In the summer of 2024, the City of Slidell hosted his art show at City Hall, All in the Family, where he exhibited his art along with pieces from his sister and work created by his grandfather that had never been publicly displayed.

Wichterich is also an advocate for artists, art, and children. He dedicates many of his children’s books and art to the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany and is working on an art installation for the museum with the art students of St. Tammany Parish, which will debut in the fall of 2025. Joshua has been proudly featured in local publications such as the Times Picayune, the St. Tammany Farmer, Nola.com, and Social Northshore. He was awarded the title “The Northshore’s Best Artist of East St. Tammany Parish” by Sophisticated Woman magazine for two consecutive years and has been featured on four covers of Slidell Magazine, collaborating with editor Kendra Maness Davis and with artist Kylah Odle.

“I am honored to have been chosen at the White Linen and Lagniappe 2025 Poster Artist, and thrilled to have my work represent this event,” said Wichterich. “Creating ‘Stars, Sweet Tea, and a Slidell Soiree’ was a joy. Inspired by my ‘Mad Hatter Tea’ piece which is part of my Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland art series, I crafted this whimsical watercolor and ink illustration to capture the unique charm of Olde Towne and Slidell. I’ve woven in little ‘easter eggs’ of my favorite local treasures throughout the piece. It’s a story of friends, family, and Louisiana critters, all dressed in their finest white linen, enjoying the magical atmosphere of a Slidell evening with music, moon pies, and delightful conversation.”

Wichterich will be selling signed copies of the event poster during White Linen and Lagniappe.

The 9th annual White Linen and Lagniappe takes place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell. This event provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to browse artwork while shopping at antique and boutique stores, listening to live music, eating hot food and enjoying cold drinks all throughout Olde Towne Slidell. Admission is free.

For more information about White Linen and Lagniappe, 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.