VANCOUVER, Wash. Josh Neufeld, author of “A.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge,” the Washington State University Vancouver 2010-2011 Campus Reading Project book selection, will speak about his book at a Mardi Gras celebration at 4 p.m. March 8 in the Firstenburg Student Commons. Neufeld’s nonfiction graphic novel depicts seven real-life New Orleanians and their encounters with Hurricane Katrina.
The Mardi Gras festivities will also include New Orleans jazz, king’s cake and sweet tea, fun facts about Mardi Gras and a drawing for prizes. The event is free and open to the public.
In addition to speaking at the Mardi Gras celebration, Neufeld will host a panel discussion with WSU Vancouver faculty who have used “A.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge” in their courses. He will also spend time in classrooms and computer labs in order to connect directly with students.
Neufeld is a Brooklyn-based cartoonist who works primarily in the realm of nonfiction comics. His art has been exhibited in galleries and museums in the United States and Europe.
“A.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge” has been covered by the New York Times, Newsweek, NPR, Salon.com, Rolling Stone, the Wall Street Journal and many others. The graphic novel was excerpted in the 2010 edition of Best American Comics. MTV’s “Splash Page” blog called “A.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge” the best nonfiction comic of 2009.
A graphic novel and comic art exhibit will enhance the Mardi Gras celebration. Artwork from the diverse library of Vancouver-based publishing company Bluewater Comics and the eerie drawings of Jeremy Colwell will grace the gallery walls. The exhibit will run March 2 – April 7 in the Administration building gallery.
The Campus Reading Project is designed to enhance a sense of community between students, faculty and staff and introduce first-year students to the intellectual life at WSU Vancouver. This project involves reading the chosen book and participating in discussions and events throughout the year. Faculty members are invited to incorporate the book into their courses.
For more information on the Campus Reading Project, contact Sue Phelps at 360-546-9178 or asphelps@vancouver.wsu.edu.
WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-Tran bus service. Parking is available at parking meters or in the Blue Daily Pay lot for $3.