Author: benjaminalanmorris

As part of their closing series of essays and interviews this month, Pelican Bomb has a brief piece on the future of arts criticism in New Orleans.

Just in time for the Louisiana Book Festival this weekend, the printing wizards over at Antenna and Paper Machine have delivered the second edition of Ecotone. Bigger, bolder, and brighter than before, this edition is even more beautiful than the first, and shows off Myrtle von Damitz’ paintings even more vividly than before. I am thrilled and humbled to be taking this book to Baton Rouge on Saturday to join a panel of exceptional poets: Anne Babson, Megan Burns, Julie Kane, Dylan Krieger, and Peter Twal, all moderated by the current poet laureate of Louisiana, Jack Bedell. If you’re anywhere near the state capitol this weekend, come and join us! The reading is absolutely free, and starts at 2.15pm in the Capitol Park Welcome Center.

Pelican Bomb has a short take on the mysterious, beautiful lumen prints of Natasha Sanchez at Ochsner Imaging Center — prints which are as much a lesson in the history of photography as they are gorgeous works of art in their own right.

What a thrill to be appearing at this year’s Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge, one of the warmest and most joyful gatherings of readers and writers in the Gulf South. And what an honor to read alongside such remarkable poets as Anne Babson, Megan Burns, Julie Kane, Dylan Krieger, and Peter Twal — moderated by state Poet Laureate Jack Bedell, it’s sure to be a memorable afternoon. The reading begins at 2.15 on Saturday, November 10, with a signing to follow; full details about the festival (which is free!) are available at http://www.louisianabookfestival.org/index.html.

This Thursday, October 18, is the state arts conference sponsored by the Mississippi Arts Commission, held on the grounds of the capitol building in Jackson. With panels, keynotes, and discussions all day long, this conference is one of the single best ways each year to connect with the work of artists and arts advocates across the Magnolia State. This year is even more special, with the 50th anniversary celebration of MAC, founded in 1968. There may be a few spots left for registration; details are available on the MAC website. Hope to see everyone there!

Pelican Bomb has a longer review of “Changing Course: Reflections on New Orleans Histories” currently on view at NOMA until September 16. I’m grateful to the editors for their insightful questions, and to the curators for their welcome as I made my many visits; if you’re in the area and you haven’t yet seen the show, I can’t recommend it highly enough.

This year’s Mississippi Book Festival is next weekend, August 18, on the grounds of the state capitol in Jackson. Free, open to the public, featuring hundreds of authors and dozens of events, including the protean Jesmyn Ward and Salman Rushdie, this year’s festival promises to be the best yet. If you’re anywhere in the area, brave the humidity, clear off your nightstand, and come ready to revel in a day with thousands of other readers, writers, and book-lovers. Full schedule and panel information available here.