Julie Keyes Offers Literary Events

Julie Keyes generally hosts openings for artists at her Sag Harbor gallery adjacent to the American Hotel on Main Street.

But this weekend, she is bringing in the authors.

First up, on Thursday, August 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. Keyes welcomes Mary Alice Monroe and Katherine Kaneb Bellissimo, who will share their story of riding out a hurricane in the Carolinas that served as the inspiration for Monroe’s book “The Summer Guests.” Copies of the book will be available for purchase and author signing at the gallery.

As the impending Hurricane Noelle approaches the southeastern coast, a scenic horse farm in the North Carolina mountains becomes a place of refuge for an illustrious cast of characters. “The Summer Guests” takes place as hurricane season is in full swing, forcing a group of eclectic strangers to escape the storm’s path and begging the question — what do you treasure?

A New York Times, USA Today and SIBA bestselling author of nearly two dozen novels and two children’s books, Monroe has received numerous awards. Her bestselling novel, “The Beach House” was adapted into a Hallmark Hall of Fame original movie in 2018. She lives near Charleston, South Carolina.

Katherine Kaneb Bellissimo is currently a partner in Wellington Equestrian Partners that own and operate the Winter Equestrian Festival, The Adequan Global Dressage Festival as well as the International Polo Club in Wellington, Florida, as well as a partner in Tryon Equestrian Partners that own and operate the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, North Carolina and Colorado Equestrian Partners that own and operate the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colorado. She was the publisher of the publication The Chronicle of the Horse, Untacked. Bellisimo lives in Sag Harbor and Wellington.

The second book event at Keyes Gallery is a family friendly one on Sunday, August 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. That’s when Sag Harbor’s Billy Baldwin, the creator of numerous stories for children and young adults, and a self-confessed daydreamer, will talk about “Story Glass,” his latest book for youngsters.

The book, which is illustrated by Liesl Bell, follows a young girl who is transported back in time by a magic bottle and is required to complete five challenging tasks in order to return home.

Baldwin was, himself, diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, and when asked why he chooses to challenge himself with writing books, responded by saying his desire to create stories was far more rewarding and fulfilling than any of the struggles or frustrations he experiences due to dyslexia.

That’s obviously true. “Story Glass” is Baldwin’s fourth children’s book.

Keyes Gallery is located at 53 Main Street in Sag Harbor.