Local writer/performer to speak at gallery Dec. 3

 On Thursday, Dec. 3, from 10 to 11 a.m., Sunset River Marketplace art gallery in Calabash, NC will present its final event in its 2015 Coffee With the Authors series  with a presentation by local writer and storyteller, Joan Leotta.

The author of Simply a Smile, a collection of short fiction, each inspired by an object, such as a shell on the beach, a recipe, or a sculpture piece in a museum, Leotta will share her secret of finding inspiration in objects, especially works of art. She will also discuss how objects intertwined with memory in the development of other recent works, including her Legacy of Honors series, novellas about the experiences of strong women during times of war from World War II to the Gulf War; and her latest, a picture book entitled “WHOOSH!”

Leotta’s writing career began in 1982, when she left a job with the Department of Labor to stay home with her children. She began writing for local newspapers and magazines. After taking her son and daughter to a storytelling show at Wolf Trap National Park For the Performing Arts near Washington, D.C., she realized that was her dream. She studied at the Kennedy Center, joined local and national groups, and began volunteering as a teller at her son’s preschool. “And so began my dual career of writing and telling,” Leotta says. “Each facet is still equally important to me.”

She currently writes poetry, fiction, and magazine articles in addition to story telling throughout the region. She has presented programs locally at Hickman Crossroads Library in Calabash and the Franklin G. Burroughs‑Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Other performances include the conference of N.C. School Library Media Association; and a presentation on World War II for the N.C. History Museum State Day. She has also been a featured presenter at the National Storytelling Network National Festival.

The event at Sunset River Marketplace is free, but seating is limited so reservations are required.

Register by clicking here and adding Coffee With the Authors to your cart. Once you do that, please be sure to include the presentation date, name of the author and number in your party. If you prefer,  you can call 910-575-5999 or send an email to lassiter@staging.careful-crib.flywheelsites.com

About Sunset River Marketplace

Sunset River Marketplace showcases work by over 200 North and South Carolina artists, and houses some 10,000 square feet of artwork in virtually every genre. Custom framing, painting and pottery classes and art workshops are also offered through the gallery. Since opening its doors in 2002, Sunset River Marketplace has supported not only the visual arts, but literary and performing arts, as well. It has become a popular community center and art hub for both Brunswick County and nearby Horry County, S.C.

Sunset River Marketplace is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW, Calabash, N.C. Regular hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 910-575-5999 or visit the website: www. staging.careful-crib.flywheelsites.com. For daily updates, “like” the gallery’s Facebook page.

Sunset River Gallery