{"id":40258,"date":"2026-03-04T15:47:32","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T21:47:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/?page_id=40258"},"modified":"2026-05-14T10:57:48","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T15:57:48","slug":"lauderdale-county-toomsuba","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/lauderdale-county-toomsuba\/","title":{"rendered":"Lauderdale County Welcome Center &#8211; Toomsuba"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-vms-white-color has-vms-mblue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-66b06cbb0fef986e2161286aedf04522 is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-vms-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fdda4ae2d2e96b007a1cd959f4612c7e\">Mississippi Art Collection: <br>Lauderdale County &#8211; Toomsuba Welcome Center<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lauderdale County Welcome Center in Toomsuba features a curated collection of original works by Mississippi artists that celebrate the cityscapes, history, and culture of the Magnolia State, offering a creative glimpse into Mississippi life. Each of the state\u2019s welcome centers showcases its own unique selection of Mississippi art, giving visitors a distinctive introduction to the creative people and noteworthy places that shape the state. The collection was curated in partnership with <a href=\"https:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\">Pacesetter Gallery<\/a>, whose support helps highlight the remarkable talent and vision of Mississippi\u2019s artists.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d5417305 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;galleryId&quot;:&quot;6a426309498b6&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4263094a1b5&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4263094a1b5\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"40446\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Koystal-Final-1-632x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40446 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"632\" height=\"1024\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"40446\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Koystal-Final-1-632x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40446 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Koystal-Final-1-632x1024.jpg 632w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Koystal-Final-1-185x300.jpg 185w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Koystal-Final-1-768x1245.jpg 768w, 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height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4263094a8fc&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4263094a8fc\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"40443\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-WIP3-643x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40443 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"643\" height=\"1024\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"40443\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-WIP3-643x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40443 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-WIP3-643x1024.jpg 643w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-WIP3-188x300.jpg 188w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-WIP3-768x1223.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-WIP3-965x1536.jpg 965w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-WIP3-251x400.jpg 251w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-WIP3-500x796.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-WIP3-800x1274.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-WIP3.jpg 1256w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 643px) 100vw, 643px\" \/><\/noscript><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Work in Progress<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Andrea Kostyal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Hometown: Hattiesburg, MS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meridian Downtown Cityscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">My dreamlike painting, <em>Meridian Downtown Cityscape<\/em>, captures the vibrant downtown area of Meridian, showcasing its beautiful architecture and historic landmarks, including the Three-Foot Hotel, Kress Building, and St. Patrick&#8217;s Catholic Church. The lively scene features colorful boutiques and beloved restaurants, such as Weidmann\u2019s, creating a whimsical atmosphere. A carousel of painted horses symbolizes the historic Denzel carousel, a highlight of the public art project. Surrounding these elements are the city\u2019s cultural gems, including the MS Museum of Art and the Max and Temple Theater, all of which contribute to the rich character of this charming town.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Artist Bio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-Profile-1-1024x984.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40448 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"984\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-Profile-1-1024x984.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40448 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-Profile-1-1024x984.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-Profile-1-300x288.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-Profile-1-768x738.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-Profile-1-1536x1476.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-Profile-1-416x400.jpg 416w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-Profile-1-500x481.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-Profile-1-800x769.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-Profile-1-1280x1230.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-Profile-1-1920x1845.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kostyal-Profile-1.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Andrea Kostyal is a studio artist living in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She is the co-founder of the Singing River Art Studio and the Artists Across Borders artist group. She is currently serving as the visual art coordinator for FestivalSouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Originally from and trained in fine art in Hungary. She has been a resident of Hattiesburg for 16 years. For the past 20 years, she has specialized in abstract, dreamlike, mixed-media cityscapes that reflect her interests in unity, diversity, and equality by emphasizing the unique architecture of different places and cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her paintings have been invited to solo and group exhibitions at the Mississippi Museum of Art, the Meridian Museum of Art, the University of Connecticut, the University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University, many galleries, and to juried exhibitions regionally, nationwide, and internationally. Her paintings are represented by The Caron Gallery in Tupelo and Laurel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She teaches workshops on her unique photo transfer technique for organizations and groups around the state. In the past couple of years, she has been commissioned by Main Street Vicksburg and the Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art to create large murals and paint several utility boxes as public art projects, in which she integrated her design with the specific location and the viewers themselves. She received an Individual Visual Artists fellowship for her Public Art Murals from the Mississippi Arts Commission in 2024.<a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e51bd11f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#efefef;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;galleryId&quot;:&quot;6a4263094b8dd&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images 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data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"40438\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Inspiration-2-608x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40438 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Inspiration-2-608x1024.jpg 608w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Inspiration-2-178x300.jpg 178w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Inspiration-2-768x1294.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Inspiration-2-912x1536.jpg 912w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Inspiration-2-237x400.jpg 237w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Inspiration-2-500x842.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Inspiration-2-800x1348.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Inspiration-2.jpg 1187w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 608px) 100vw, 608px\" \/><\/noscript><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Inspiration<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Cary Haycox<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Hometown: Meridian, MS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The Max)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">This piece is unique in that it incorporates a peripheral view of the architecture within the MAX.\u00a0 This painting was created to take you to a select moment in time. The surrounding space begins to merge into view as if you had just walked into the space. Angling upward is a geometric display of color that illustrates a connection to Mississippi and the talents that represent the state.\u00a0 This movement of color and lines develops a path that leads to the many interactive spaces within the MAX and invites you to explore the areas of interest.\u00a0 Flowing from circular floors of wonder, imagination, and experience to an open area that is both inside and outside. Music can be heard from local musicians who add their own bit of artistic audio to the open environment that is the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Artist Bio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Profile-727x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40436 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"727\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Profile-727x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40436 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Profile-727x1024.jpg 727w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Profile-213x300.jpg 213w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Profile-768x1082.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Profile-1091x1536.jpg 1091w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Profile-284x400.jpg 284w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Profile-500x704.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Profile-800x1127.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Profile-1280x1803.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Haycox-Profile.jpg 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 727px) 100vw, 727px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cary Haycox enjoys experimenting with multiple ways of making art. This tends to lead to an inherent chaotic approach to each work he creates.\u00a0 His current work reflects the constraint of time.\u00a0 Works are created within a three- to four-hour timeframe during events around Meridian. Creating art like this prevents overworking certain areas and allows Cary to focus on the moment, enjoying much success and facing new challenges. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through this journey, Cary has learned to be confident in his work and leave it as completed, without wanting to make changes later. It has also shown areas for improvement.\u00a0 The works represent a satisfying revelation: Cary is on the right path, and his journey, though not over, is enjoying the many twists and turns that affect all aspects of his world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Satisfying deep breath&#8230; and&#8230; exhale!<a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e51bd11f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;galleryId&quot;:&quot;6a4263094cc0e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4263094cec4&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4263094cec4\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"40451\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Final-MS-Music-Makers-507x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40451 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"507\" height=\"1024\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"40451\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Final-MS-Music-Makers-507x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40451 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Final-MS-Music-Makers-507x1024.jpg 507w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Final-MS-Music-Makers-149x300.jpg 149w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Final-MS-Music-Makers-768x1552.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Final-MS-Music-Makers-760x1536.jpg 760w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Final-MS-Music-Makers-198x400.jpg 198w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Final-MS-Music-Makers-500x1010.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Final-MS-Music-Makers-800x1616.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Final-MS-Music-Makers.jpg 990w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 507px) 100vw, 507px\" \/><\/noscript><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4263094d32c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4263094d32c\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"40453\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-Artist-WIP-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40453 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"40453\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-Artist-WIP-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40453 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-Artist-WIP-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-Artist-WIP-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-Artist-WIP-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-Artist-WIP-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-Artist-WIP-374x500.jpg 374w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-Artist-WIP-500x667.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-Artist-WIP-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-Artist-WIP-1280x1707.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-Artist-WIP.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/noscript><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Work in Progress<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Cliff Speaks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Hometown: Flowood, MS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mississippi Music Makers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Patrice Moncell and Cleo Brown were both well-known performers and entertainers from the Meridian area. This piece is created with vivid colors that tell the story of the colorful, celebrated lives of both women.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Artist Bio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-805x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40452 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"805\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-805x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40452 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-805x1024.jpg 805w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-236x300.jpg 236w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-768x976.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-1208x1536.jpg 1208w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-315x400.jpg 315w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-500x636.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-800x1017.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile-1280x1627.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Speaks-Profile.jpg 1573w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 805px) 100vw, 805px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cliff Speaks is a native of Brandon, Mississippi.\u00a0Cliff grew up in Mississippi and still calls it home.\u00a0His art reflects his upbringing in Mississippi. His work features rich integration of art movements such as the Mexican Muralists, Abstract Expressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, and Pop Art. His work draws on the approach of a variety of artists such as Jackson Pollock and Vincent van Gogh.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cliff arrived at painting through graphic design.\u00a0This background serves as a bridge, transmuting the realm of the ear into that of the eye.\u00a0Line, form, and design under the hegemony of color laid down patterns of syncopation, beat, rhythm, melody, harmony, chord, and scale.\u00a0Instruments, instrumentalists, and music merge into a single visual composition that &#8220;sounds&#8221; joyful notes to the optic nerves.\u00a0Cliff says, &#8220;I am especially attracted to music.\u00a0Music is often a theme of my work.\u00a0I see blues, punks, rockabilly, classical, and soul.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to his abstract and abstract-figurative paintings, Cliff produces pure figurative works. He is a master of creating visual performance on canvas. The viewer cannot help but recognize the type: self, friend, family members, or a universally known stranger. Cliff&#8217;s great affection for Southern culture and imagery is the impetus.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cliff&#8217;s abstract depictions and his figurative representations, both driven by a powerful use of color, endear the archetype, lift it to a joyful and soulful place, and offer to the viewer as refreshment for heart and mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cliff holds a Bachelor&#8217;s of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Cliff has created commissions for the band Three Doors Down and the Pearl River Casino.&nbsp; His works have appeared in galleries and exhibits from New York to Australia. Cliff works from his studio in Brandon, Mississippi.&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e51bd11f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#efefef;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;galleryId&quot;:&quot;6a4263094e1fc&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4263094e501&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4263094e501\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"40456\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ethridge-Final-Artist-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40456 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"40456\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ethridge-Final-Artist-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40456 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ethridge-Final-Artist-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ethridge-Final-Artist-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ethridge-Final-Artist-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, 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\/><\/noscript><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4263094e9b2&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4263094e9b2\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"40454\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ethridge-Installation2-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40454 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"40454\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ethridge-Installation2-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40454 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ethridge-Installation2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ethridge-Installation2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ethridge-Installation2-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ethridge-Installation2-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ethridge-Installation2-374x500.jpg 374w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ethridge-Installation2-500x667.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ethridge-Installation2-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ethridge-Installation2-1280x1707.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ethridge-Installation2.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/noscript><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Installation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Daniel C. Ethridge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Hometown: Meridian, MS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Country Music Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">This original painting celebrates Meridian, Mississippi, as the hometown of four country music greats whose influence still echoes today. At its heart is Jimmie Rodgers, the legendary \u201cFather of Country Music,\u201d alongside his sister-in-law, Elsie McWilliams, the pioneering songwriter who penned many of his most enduring songs. They are joined by Paul Davis, whose smooth, soulful voice carried Meridian\u2019s sound into pop and R&amp;B, and Moe Bandy, the honky-tonk hitmaker who kept country\u2019s roots alive. Together, they embody the spirit, storytelling, and musical legacy born in Meridian and shared with the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Artist Bio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Daniel C. Ethridge, also known as fuzzfur, is a fine artist and lifelong native of Meridian, Mississippi. With over 25 years of experience in the graphic design industry, he now shares his expertise as a Graphic Design Instructor at Meridian Community College. Beyond the classroom, Daniel serves as an art ambassador for his city, exhibiting work and creating murals that celebrate Meridian\u2019s culture and community. As a dedicated working artist, he continues to develop new projects, prepare for upcoming shows, and pursue commissions and creative opportunities that expand his artistic reach.<br><a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e51bd11f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;galleryId&quot;:&quot;6a4263094f50e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" 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data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-1024x508.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40459 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"508\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"40459\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-1024x508.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40459 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-1024x508.jpg 1024w, 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style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Susan Wellington<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Hometown: Flowood, MS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-1024x880.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40457 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"880\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-1024x880.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40457 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-1024x880.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-300x258.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-768x660.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-1536x1320.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-465x400.jpg 465w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-500x430.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-800x688.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-1280x1100.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-1920x1650.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dunn&#8217;s Falls Diptych<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Being asked to paint a scene for a Mississippi Welcome Center has been a huge honor.&nbsp; As I pondered over what to paint for the Lauderdale Center, I thought about the beauty that abounds in Mississippi that is often overlooked.&nbsp; We have so many treasures to see and appreciate dotted around our lovely state, which I am proud to call home.&nbsp; Dunn\u2019s Falls is certainly one of these treasures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting reference photos proved to be quite a challenge.\u00a0 Upon visiting the site, I realized I could not capture \u201cthe photo\u201d I wanted to do the site justice.\u00a0 So, I enlisted the help of a dear friend and photographer, Sam King, who had a drone camera. I knew he could get the shot I needed.\u00a0Using his photos for reference, but taking a bit of artistic license with the seasons and greenery, I set to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When I was standing before my easel, I knew my vision for this diptych was for it to feel as if the viewer were stepping into a warm Mississippi afternoon, where the hum of cicadas might mingle with the steady, soothing sound of Dunn\u2019s Falls. On the left canvas, I strove to give the old mill a weathered dignity\u2014its rusted roof catching the sun, its blank windows gazing out over the rushing water as if guarding the history of those who worked here long ago. The slope and stairway pull the viewer\u2019s eye gently down toward the falls, where the two panels meet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the right panel, the water becomes the heart of the composition\u2014spilling over the dam and tumbling across sun-warmed rock, and collecting in the cool blue shallows below. The green canopy frames the scene, its varied tones hinting at both the deep shade of forest and the rustle of leaves touched by sunlight. I kept the sky soft and calm, so that the restless motion of the falls would be even more alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">To me, this work is as much about the quiet endurance of place as it is about the beauty of the landscape\u2014the mill and the falls sharing a conversation that\u2019s been going on for over a century, and now captured in paint for just a moment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Artist Bio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Born in Sasebo, Japan, and rooted in Mississippi for most of her life, Susan has always felt a deep connection to the South\u2019s landscape and spirit. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Art from Mississippi College in 1978. Although life took her away from the studio for many years, she returned to painting with renewed passion once her children were grown\u2014embracing a long-held desire to create and express.<a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Susan\u2019s artistic journey is one of continuous growth and exploration. Unlike many artists who specialize in a single medium, she has pursued mastery across watercolor, pastel, and oil painting. Her dedication to learning has led her to study under master artists such as Roger Dale Brown, Stephanie Birdsall, and Joe Anna Arnett. She also credits her friend and mentor, Bob Tompkins, for encouraging her development. Deeply inspired by the writings of historic art figures like John Carlson and Edgar Payne, Susan blends classical principles with hands-on experience\u2014especially through painting en plein air, which has transformed the way she sees and interprets the world around her.<a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drawing inspiration from the places she knows best\u2014her Mississippi home and the scenes she discovers on her travels\u2014Susan paints from life, striving to capture not only what she sees but also what she feels. Her work seeks to reveal the quiet beauty and subtle color found in each subject, creating a visual narrative that stirs emotion and memory in the viewer.<a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Susan\u2019s talent and vision have been recognized through awards and juried selections at local, state, and national levels. She has been recognized as a \u201cFav 15%\u201d winner by the Bold Brush Art Competition and has exhibited in three Oil Painters of America National Shows and two American Impressionist Society National Shows. Her work was recently selected for inclusion in the Degas Pastel Society International show.\u00a0One of her pieces has been acquired for the permanent collection of the Mississippi Governor\u2019s Mansion, and several have been featured on HGTV\u2019s <em>Home Town<\/em>.\u00a0\u00a0Additional accolades include honors from the Vicksburg Art Association, The Cedars Juried Show, Mississippi Watercolor Grand National Show, Art on the Rez, and Woman Painters of the Southeast.<a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Susan is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society, the Mississippi Oil Painters Association, the Mississippi Plein Air Artists, and the Pastel Society of Mississippi. She holds signature membership in both the Mississippi Watercolor Society and the Degas Pastel Society.<a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When not painting, Susan enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, and spending cherished time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.<br><a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mississippi Art Collection: Lauderdale County &#8211; Toomsuba Welcome Center The Lauderdale County Welcome Center in Toomsuba features a curated collection of original works by Mississippi artists that celebrate the cityscapes, history, and culture of the Magnolia State, offering a creative [\u2026]<\/p>\n<p>\n","protected":false},"author":708,"featured_media":42078,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-block.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-40258","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"is_tracked":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Lauderdale County Welcome Center - Toomsuba - Visit Mississippi<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Lauderdale County Welcome Center - Toomsuba - Visit Mississippi\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Mississippi Art Collection: Lauderdale County &#8211; 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