Letter from Artist Andrea Mistretta

As an individual partner, and an artist in love with New Orleans, it has been amazing for me to first see for myself how this new neighborhood in Musicians Village came from an empty lot in the devastated 9th Ward 2 years ago during my Mardi Gras visit from my home in New Jersey. Then seeing the foundations laid during Jazz Fest in May 2006 when I introduced The ReNew poster.

Now a rainbow of houses row after row make many a place called home, as Gina Stilp was so kind to take a few moments from her hectic schedule to show me.

My 2006 Mardi Gras poster stated, “After the Storm, Let There Be Rainbows.” And so there was.  But there is still much more to do there so my partnership with New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity continues by donating half of my royalties from 4 of my posters since the storm. My New Orleans Jazz Heritage poster which honors some of the great innovators of the American art form of jazz and its significant cultural influence in the world.

A special signed and numbered limited edition of 150 will be the only prints to include actual mounted collector postage stamps with of portraits of Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Sidney Bechet, and  Buddy Bolden. The print includes biographies and a certificate of authenticity.

This New Orleans Jazz Heritage poster was released by my wonderful publisher of 23 years, Devin Dedeaux of Cunningham Enterprises in New Orleans, during the 25th anniversary of French  Quarter festival on April 11, 2008. For purchase inquiries please patronize a New Orleans Bywater business by contacting Devin at hdevin@bellsouth.net A note: Devin and family also experienced absolute devastation by Katrina but has “Risen as the Phoenix” and sees the rainbow through the clouds always!

Love and Rainbows!

Andrea Mistretta

 
To see Andrea’s Gallery of posters: http://www.mardigrasgraphics.com