The City of Slidell is honored to host “Slidell’s Big Shot: Zulu Big Shot 2023 Meets Slidell Royalty” a Mardi Gras costume exhibit featuring Zulu Big Shot 2023 Terrance McGuire’s Zulu Big Shot costume. His wife Hyacinth’s costume will also be on display, along with other Zulu memorabilia.

The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club was formed in 1909 and the Krewe is known for their colorful floats and elaborate costumes. Their signature throw, hand-painted coconuts, are highly sought after each year. Zulu’s Big Shot character was created in the 1930’s by member Paul E. Johnson. The role of the Big Shot is to one-up the King, by throwing more elaborate parties and wearing flashy clothing. The Big Shot is second only to the King.

Mardi Gras costumes worn by Slidell Mardi Gras royalty will also be on display. The costumes are on loan from the Slidell Mardi Gras Museum, from the collection of museum curator Bonnie Vanney.

“Terrance is the first Zulu Big Shot from Slidell and we are honored to have the opportunity to display his costume in the City of Slidell,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “I would like to thank Terrance and his family, Bonnie Vanney and the Slidell Mardi Gras Museum, and the staff of the Dept. of Cultural & Public Affairs for putting together this exhibit for our citizens.”

The opening ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. in conjunction with the City of Slidell’s 29th annual Arts Evening, a large art block party featuring artists, live entertainment, fine and casual dining and unique shopping opportunities in Olde Towne Slidell. Both events take place on Saturday, April 15, 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.

Salad Days are here again!

After a few years off due to the pandemic, the Salad Days Juried Exhibition of Student Art returned this year with an opening reception and award presentation on Friday, March 10. The 32nd annual exhibit, featuring the works of St. Tammany Parish students from kindergarten to 12th grade, is currently on display in the George Dunbar Gallery Gallery at the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall.

“We are incredibly blessed to have so many talented students here in St. Tammany Parish and I would like to congratulate all the Salad Days artists,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “I invite everyone to come to City Hall and see these amazing works of art.”

This year’s juror is Victoria Allen, an editorial illustrator, artist and art teacher. A former Salad Days student, Allen started painting when she was young and had work accepted into local and regional exhibits. Her more recent work has been showcased, recognized, and received awards in numerous exhibitions and competitions both statewide and nationally. Allen graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design, and then worked in New York City as an illustrator with Imaginary Forces. In 2020, she received her Master’s in Mass Communication and Certificate in Strategic Communications from Louisiana State University. She now works as a Social Media & Creative Strategist for TILT advertising agency in Baton Rouge and is also an Adjunct Professor of Visual Communication at LSU Manship.

Salad Days entries are divided into four age categories. First, Second, Third and Honorable Mentions are awarded in each category.

Category A (5 – 8 years old)

• 1st Place – Laura Chin, Flamingo
• 2nd Place – Matthew Landry, Blue Jay
• 3rd Place – Jack Tomasich, Monet of Flowers
• Honorable Mention – Dru Chagnard, The Lost Alligator
• Honorable Mention – Laura Chin, Springtime Bears

Category B (9 – 11 years old)

• 1st Place – Ashley Mannin0, Blue and Me
• 2nd Place – Owen Davenport, The Wolf and the Starry Night
• 3rd Place – Aaliyah Atamanyuk, Pretty in Pink
• Honorable Mention – Albert Bernard Jr., The Prince of Rails
• Honorable Mention – Dylan Landry, Bruce the Moose
• Participating artists – Joseph Bordes, Amelia Chin, Rhyan Higginbottom, Morgan Roberts, and Olivia Yi

Category C (12 – 14 years old)

• 1st Place – Hana Wall, To See Clearly
• 2nd Place – Hana Wall, Cursing Imagination
• 3rd Place – Max Stark, Tiger
• Honorable Mention – Melanie Clapp, Dog
• Honorable Mention – Cambrie Roger, A Glimpse of Peace
• Participating artist – Camille Hicks

Category D (15- 18 years old)

• 1st Place – Zoe Boudreaux, Fishy Business
• 2nd Place – Abigail Gumpert, Misery Loves Company
• 3rd Place – Connor Carollo, Chess with Grandpa
• Honorable Mention – Kaiden McKleroy, Apres la nuit
• Honorable Mention – Ella Steele, Serendipity
• Participating artists – Kate Marks, Nhi Nguyen, Alexis Cierra St. Romain, Rylie Richards, and Isabella Vindell

The Slidell Cultural Center is located at 2055 Second Street, on the first floor of Slidell City Hall. Gallery Hours are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12 to 4 p.m. Gallery viewings are by appointment only by calling the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. Same day appointments are available. Admission is free.