NEW ORLEANS (Press Release) – The Garden District Book Shop has announced two events in February.
On February 2nd, the author of “Edgar Degas in New Orleans” will be held at the shop.
2023 marks the 150th anniversary of the iconic French artist Edgar Degas’ 1872 visit to New Orleans and New York.Historian, professor, author, and playwright Rosalie Hartel O’Neill wrote the play Degas of New Orleans, Focus on this trip. With her co-author Rory O’Neill Schmidt, Rosalie also wrote a non-fiction book titled “Edgar Degas of New Orleans” detailing Degas’ time in New Orleans. Both authors will come to the Garden District Book Shop on February 2nd to celebrate their work.
The grit and grandeur of New Orleans has made it an icon of French Impressionism. Edgar Degas longed to visit his late mother’s birthplace all his life, but he didn’t make it to New Orleans until he was 40. He finds Crescent City in post-Civil War devastation, even though his brother has plunged his family into bankruptcy and scandal. But even in the midst of the chaos, Degas found inspiration. Indeed, Degas’ dramatic time in New Orleans led him down a new path in his work: Impressionism.
Doors open at 6pm. Rosario and Rory begin with a discussion about work and Edgar Degas, followed by an autograph session. Copy of “Edgar Degas of New Orleans” will be available for purchase.
Additionally, author Jamila Minix will be at the Garden District Book Shop on February 8th to celebrate the release of her debut novel. “New Jessup moonrise.” Winner of the 2021 PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction, “New Jessup Moonrise” is a riveting and thought-provoking debut about a black woman who does whatever it takes to protect everything she loves on Alabama soil. Based on the history of the many black towns and settlements established across the country, Minix’s heartfelt and engaging productions celebrate black joy and the opposition that participated in desegregation in America. It is also a timely survey of the perspective of
It was 1957, and after leaving the only house she knew, Alice Young stepped off the bus and into the all-black New Jessup. In New Jessup, residents largely rejected integration as a means of black social progress. Instead, they seek to preserve and strengthen the communities they cherish on their “forest side.” At this place Alice falls in love with Raymond her Campbell. Campbell’s covert organizing activities challenge the long-standing status quo in New Jessup and could lead to the young couple being exiled from their cherished homes, or worse. As they marry and raise children together, Alice balances her undying support for his underground activities with her desire to protect New Jessup from the turbulent mounting pressures from in and out of town. We must find a way to take
The author event kicks off at 6pm and Minnicks chats with friend and fellow author Maurice Carlos Ruffin. The two discuss her work and share insights on “Moonrise Over New Jessup.”.” They can then have guests and sign copies of the book.The event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase.