A city known for its creative spirit that lives continually with the possibility of its own destruction, New Orleans has always danced in defiance of death. During Hurricane Katrina, artists were among those who refused to leave and were some of the first to return, drawn back to the beautiful, often dysfunctional city that was their inspiration. Since the disaster, they continue to struggle as never before.

James LaLande was one of those who stayed. For months afterwards he could not concentrate well enough to paint, but the need for repairs to his home spurred him back to work, and in autumn 2006 his vinyl paintings were part of a group show at the Art League of Long Island featuring Gulf Coast artists who survived Katrina.