Writers Rejoice

Wearing their finest summer frocks and seersucker suits, New Orleans’ literary crowd and guests of Judith “Jude” Swenson celebrated famous Southern literary icons at the annual Juleps in June event, benefitting The Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society. Swenson, this year’s honorary chairman, welcomed guests to her beautiful and historic Vincent Avenue home, one of the oldest residential structures in Old Metairie and once part of the Vincent Plantation. Dressed to the nines in order to fulfill her hostess duties, Swenson wore St. John and Manolo Blahnik sandals to greet guests. Palate New Orleans catered the event, and Butch Steadman of Dorinac’s donated beverages. Courtesy of Faulkner House Designs, each guest received an engraved silver julep cup that evening. Jazz masters Tim Laughlin and his ensemble provided tunes for eager partygoers, including his wife Juliette Kim. This year’s honored author is Barb Johnson, a carpenter by trade for the past two decades. Through the years Johnson has won numerous accolades and grants, and later this year Harper Collins will release her first book, a collection of short stories, entitled, More of This World or Maybe Another. Artists Mary Soniat and Katherine Chamblee generously donated artwork for auction for the event, with the winning bids going to Claire
and Jacques Creppel. Proceeds from the festivities benefit the Faulkner Society.