The Crosby Arboretum Foundation Inaugural Art Show scheduled for April

The Crosby Arboretum Foundation will hold its inaugural art competition, A Piney Woods Art Affair, in April with nearly two weeks of activity leading up to three days of public display, according to Senior Curator Jill Mirkovich. The facility, part of the Mississippi State University Extension Service, honors the native flora of the Pearl River Drainage Basin and all entries should depict some aspect of the Piney Woods region plant or animal life or culture.

Arboretum officials have defined two categories of art to be considered. Visual arts, including paintings in oil, acrylic or watercolor, drawings and photography make up Category A. Three-dimensional works comprise the B Category and may include ceramics, sculpture, metal, wood or heritage crafts. Although there is no registration fee, each item entered must be accompanied by a $10 entry fee. Students in grades 7-12 may participate free of charge.

Awards for adults, awarded in both categories, include $150, a family membership to the Arboretum and a copy of the book “The Crosby Arboretum” by Robert Brzuszek for first place. Second place winners receive $75 and a family membership, while third place earns $50 and six one-day passes to the Arboretum.

Student prizes include: first place, a plaque and a family membership to the Arboretum; second place, a ribbon and six day passes; third place, a ribbon and two day passes. Ribbons will be awarded for Honorable Mention. The top four placements also receive a Mississippi State Bulldogs lanyard.

Onsite registration and delivery of art begins at 10 a.m. on April 1 and continues on April 2 and 4 until 4 p.m. each day. Entries will be accepted on April 8 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. as display set up begins and continues 10 a.m-4 p.m. April 9.

The show opens on Friday, April 10 at 10 a.m. and is open to the public until 4 p.m. Judging takes place on Saturday, April 11 with the show open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Sunday, April 12 will see the show open to the public at 1 p.m. in conjunction with the Crosby Arboretum Strawberries and Cream Event. Awards will be presented at 2 p.m. 

Removal of the art begins and 3 p.m. All art removal must be completed by 4 p.m., Saturday April 18.

The entry form with complete rules is available on line. The completed form may be submitted in advance by mail or brought to the Arboretum beginning April 1. Appropriate fees should accompany the registration form.

The Crosby Arboretum

370 Ridge Road

Picayune, MS 39466

Originally appeared 03/11/2016 at http://www.examiner.com/article/the-crosby-arboretum-foundation-inaugural-art-show-scheduled-for-april

Mississippi Welcome Centers connect past, present, future

The past meets the future in elegant style at the Welcome Centers scattered along the Interstate Highways in Mississippi. Designed and furnished to resemble traditional antebellum homes, the centers offer tourist information, hot coffee, clean restrooms and Southern hospitality while celebrating the rich traditions of Mississippi.

 

At thirteen locations ringing the state, travelers can stop in for maps and brochures about Mississippi’s attractions while stretching their legs and reviving their spirits. At the same time, they can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the area from staff members knowledgeable about the state’s offerings. Questions about local shopping and dining mix with requests for information about historic sites and contemporary events as the staff welcomes a steady stream of visitors.

Cindy Poland, supervisor of the Pearl River County facility on Interstate 59 at Picayune, credits her job with opening her personality.

“I used to be an introvert,” she says. “Meeting and greeting people every day has helped me open up and be comfortable speaking to others.” She enjoys meeting visitors from all over the world and helping them find what they need in Mississippi.

Each person who enters the building receives a warm “Welcome to Mississippi,” and the offer of a cup of complimentary coffee. Folks in need of a restroom get pointed in the proper direction. A quick request for the visitor to sign the guest book (anonymously, if they prefer) and provide a zip code allows the center to track the origins of their clientele. Some folks even provide the reason for their trip, whether it be business or pleasure, to a Mississippi destination or somewhere beyond the state borders.

In addition to the standard variety of brochures and maps, the centers provide seasonal décor and monthly displays celebrating the contributions of local talents. The themes cover the tapestry of Mississippi treasures. January focuses on Food; February looks at History; Arts and Literature star in March. April goes Outdoors while May celebrates the state’s rich Music heritage. June shares Fun Things for Children to Do in Mississippi; July brings Festivals and Fairs; August promotes Free in Mississippi, free things to do throughout the state. September tees off with a Golf theme; October, Agritourism; November, Shopping and December finds the centers decked out in seasonal finery to honor Holiday Happenings.

The monthly themes add to the basic charm of each location and make the Mississippi Welcome Centers a worthwhile destination even for those travelers who don’t need a cup of coffee or a rest stop.

Originally appeared 03/07/2015 at http://www.examiner.com/article/mississippi-welcome-centers-connect-past-present-future

Ocean Springs jewel: The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center of Arts and Education

The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center of Arts and Education sits a few blocks east of Washington Avenue, the main street visited by many tourists in Ocean Springs, Miss. Yet the Mary C., as it is known locally, could well be considered the heart and soul of the art shops, restaurants and other attractions on Washington and elsewhere on the Gulf Coast. Within its walls wait hundreds of opportunities each year for shopping, learning and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for education, music, food or just beautiful art, the Mary C. can fill the bill.

The stately building was constructed in 1927 as the Ocean Springs Public School building. Named for the first female public school superintendent in Mississippi, it honors her legacy as a progressive educator and provides a center for arts and classes of all kinds.

The building alone is worth a visit. It has earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. A loving restoration which began as a dream in 1998 has become a reality, thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center. The architectural features of the structure have been preserved as much as possible and more modern decorative additions have kept the art deco flavor of the original period.

Besides the historic interest of the building, the Mary C. houses the Ocean Springs Historic Museum. Visitors can follow the history of the area through displays, artifacts and documents of the Ocean Springs area. Admission is free.

The Duckett Gallery offers a spacious two room art gallery with exhibitions of meaning to the area. Local artists as well as artists who create locally-themed art have been on display in the gallery. Exhibits are open to the public at no charge. Drawing, painting, ceramics and sculpture are among the media which might be found in any given show. Check the website for the current exhibit theme and artist.

What was once a school auditorium now houses the Trent Lott Performing Arts Theater, a stage for productions in many categories. Concerts, plays, ballet, recitals and more are offered in the modernized yet charming theater. With over 380 seats, the site can accommodate many types of events. The playbill changes regularly, so check ahead. The theater can be rented for private functions, as well.

Other facilities include the Scharr-Ello Studio, a professional-grade audio and video recording studio; visual arts room; performing arts room and many community gathering rooms throughout the building.

Best of all, the Mary C.’s ever-changing spectrum of classes means educational tourists will find opportunities for a meaningful vacation. Learn to spin yarn from alpaca wool, cook a gourmet meal, throw pottery, draw human figures, act, dance like a Broadway hoofer or paint -- these subjects and more show up on the classroom schedule at the Mary C. What’s happening during your vacation? Check the website or email the facility for the latest information.

Other events at the Mary C. include the Ocean Springs Art and Antiques Market, held on the first Saturday of the month. The grounds became a bazaar, with food, art and antiques available up and down the campus. Admission is free.

Remember, admission to the building, the Ocean Springs Historic Museum and the Duckett Gallery are free. Classes and performances have fees attached, with Mary C. members receiving a discounted price in many cases. Visit the website, subscribe to the newsletter or follow the Facebook page for the latest offerings.

The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center of Arts and Education

600 Government Street

Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Originally appeared 08/05/2014 at http://www.examiner.com/article/ocean-springs-jewel-the-mary-c-o-keefe-cultural-center-of-arts-and-education

Art exhibits to enjoy during your visit to Mardi Gras

Although visitors come to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, there’s a lot more to the Crescent City than parades and partying. Take time to enjoy the museums and free venues for art around town for a delightful change of pace. Beyond the art galleries in the French Quarter, visitor can find many artistic treasures in the city. Check venue hours during the hectic days of the Carnival season to avoid disappointment. Here are a few to get you started.

Jackson Square

The artists surrounding Jackson Square present a colorful introduction to the New Orleans art scene. The eclectic genres available assure something for everyone. Browse along fence to see the work of up to two hundred artists, operating on licenses granted by the city. Looking is free, and visitors might find the perfect piece to purchase as a souvenir of the visit.

Woldenberg Park

Across Decatur Street from the square, climb the steps to the Riverwalk and turn right along the path to visit another free venue, Woldenberg Park, sixteen acres of green space and art leading toward Canal Street. The park operates under the auspices of the Audubon Foundation which also operates the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, among other attractions. Sculptures and mobiles dot the park, giving art lovers an open-air viewing experience along the bank of the Mississippi River. Watch river traffic glide by for a glimpse of reality art in motion.

Dutch Alley

Tucked away behind the buildings lining Decatur Street at Dumaine, a circular fountain hosts a band in silhouette. The characters captured there welcome visitors to Dutch Alley, a combination of open-air art exhibit and art gallery. Step into the alley and meet Jacques the Butcher by Eric Kaposta, who greets visitors entering the Alley.

Ogden Museum of Southern Art

Go beyond the boundaries of the French Quarter and into the Warehouse District to enjoy art created by a wide spectrum of southern artists. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art boasts multiple floors of paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography and installation art. The reasonable admission fee coupled with the variety of artists makes the O an excellent destination for any art lover. The Confederate Museum next door will interest history buffs.

Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans

Stroll across the street from the Ogden Museum to reach the Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans and another reason to love the Camp Street museum corridor. Park once for access to both art centers, plus the National World War II Museum.

New Orleans Museum of Art and Besthoff Sculpture Garden

Venture out of the French Quarter and Central Business District for a visit to a New Orleans legacy, the New Orleans Museum of Art. Although the traditional museum facility requires an admission fee, the stunning open air Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA does not. More than sixty sculptures dot the peaceful garden, including the iconic Hercules the Archer which stood at the main entrance to the museum for decades.

Originally appeared on 02/24/14 at http://www.examiner.com/article/art-exhibits-to-enjoy-during-your-visit-to-mardi-gras