The Southern Cultural Heritage Center will come alive with talent next Saturday with The Dual Demo, an art and cooking show.

The event, also a fundraiser for the SCHC, set for 6 p.m. Aug. 2, will feature an art and cooking demo by Hattiesburg restaurant owner and author Robert St. John and Clinton artist Wyatt Waters. The two have paired to create two books – “A Southern Palate” and its follow-up, “Southern Seasons.” The publications are a blend of Southern cuisine, wit and illustrations.

“Not long after I began employment here, several people offered suggestions on different things that could be done and I got this idea,” said Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation Executive Director Annette Kirklin. “I contacted Robert St. John’s office to see if he and Wyatt could come, and it actually worked out. This is something they don’t do very often because of their busy schedules. It is very exclusive.”

St. John is a Hattiesburg native and has, for the past two decades, been executive chef, president and CEO of three Hub City restaurants – Purple Parrot Cafe, Crescent City Grill and Mahogany Bar. He writes a food and humor column and has been featured on The Food Network and The Travel Channel.

“Robert will be cooking a five-course meal and those with VIP and Super VIP tickets will be allowed to taste the food,” said Kirklin. “After he cooks, Wyatt will be painting. Jason Hopkins with Hopkins Photography will be filming everything so everyone in the audience will be able to get a close-up view no matter where they’re sitting.”

Waters is a Mississippi native, a graduate of Clinton High School and Mississippi College, and is known for his colorful paintings that depict Southern culture. His works have been featured in Art and Antiques, American Artist, Watercolor, and Mississippi Magazine.

“I just feel privileged and excited to know this event will be happening here at the center and here in Vicksburg,” said Kirklin. “I am just thrilled.”

If you goThe Dual Demo is set for 6 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center. General admission is $25. Super VIP tickets are $100 and include a front-row seat and a “Southern Seasons” cookbook. A book-signing will follow the show. For information or tickets, call 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.