Katie Phillips stands in front of her mural for the Creative Corridor Challenge. Courtesy Eventbrite/David Hedden.

A celebration of the life of artist and arts advocate Katie Phillips is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 17 at the EXPO Arts Center in Bixby Knolls. Phillips, who passed away in October, dedicated much of her time to engaging the community with art as a project manager for the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association.

The open house, including an exhibition of Phillips’ works in the front two gallery spaces, will be hosted by her husband, David Hedden, and family from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Live music, snacks and beverages will also be provided.

‘A beautiful soul’: Artist Katie Phillips passes

A world traveler, adventure seeker and artist, Phillips was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 but fought against letting the disease define her. When, in 2017, the cancer resurfaced, Phillips endured difficult treatments but still managed to keep a positive attitude, sharing her experiences for others to learn from, as well.

Phillips’ family has asked the community to make donations in her memory to the Arts Council for Long Beach.

Celebrating the Life & Art of Katie Phillips will take place Sunday, Nov. 17 from noon to 3 p.m. at EXPO Arts Center; 4321 Atlantic Ave. For more information on the memorial, and to donate, visit the Eventbrite page here

A memorial for close friends and family has also been scheduled for Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. Those interested in attending can RSVP with Hedden by e-mailing [email protected].

Asia Morris is a Long Beach native covering arts and culture for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her @hugelandmass on Twitter and Instagram and at [email protected].