{"id":40744,"date":"2026-05-12T15:58:46","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T20:58:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/?page_id=40744"},"modified":"2026-05-13T16:43:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T21:43:01","slug":"desoto-county-welcome-center-hernando","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/desoto-county-welcome-center-hernando\/","title":{"rendered":"DeSoto County Welcome Center &#8211; Hernando"},"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-f0cd669ee9b7d5849346b6c12e6af37c 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 has-large-font-size wp-elements-4b2b4977d099bfdf3ca0a3b5ddcdc72e\">Mississippi Art Collection: <br>Desoto County Welcome Center &#8211; Hernando<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Desoto County Welcome Center in Hernando 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;6a4261b2b440e&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;6a4261b2b496d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4261b2b496d\" 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=\"40745\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40745 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=\"40745\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40745 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final-374x500.jpg 374w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final-500x667.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final.jpg 900w\" 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><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4261b2b4db8&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4261b2b4db8\" 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=\"40747\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-WIP-5-Closeup-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40747 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=\"40747\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-WIP-5-Closeup-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40747 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-WIP-5-Closeup-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-WIP-5-Closeup-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-WIP-5-Closeup-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-WIP-5-Closeup-374x500.jpg 374w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-WIP-5-Closeup-500x667.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-WIP-5-Closeup-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-WIP-5-Closeup.jpg 900w\" 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\">Details<\/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\">Laura Mayo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Hometown: Byhalia, MS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Arkabutla Lake Education &amp; Nature Center Trail-Hernando, MS<\/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)\">Through this piece, I wanted to capture the beauty and unexpected adventure found along this Mississippi ARK hiking trail. There\u2019s something special about the way sunlight filters through our forests, how the paths wind past creeks and meadows\u2014each turn offering a reminder that Mississippi is full of places worth slowing down for, and it\u2019s okay to slow down here in the south!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a north Mississippi artist, I\u2019m inspired by the landscapes that tell our story\u2014not just the vast fields and small towns, but the wild spaces, too. It is inspiring to be present among our flourishing native plants and the variety of birds and wildlife busy in the tree canopy. Get connected to the deep soul of our Mississippi\u2014as resilient as the kudzu vines. There\u2019s genuine hospitality, grounding natural beauty, and many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.<\/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)\">My hope is that this painting encourages travelers to lace up their boots, wander this scenic trail, and experience the ARK firsthand. Trails here lead to something far greater than a destination\u2014they lead to connection, reflection, and a deeper appreciation for Mississippi.<\/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\/Mayo-Final-Profile-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40746 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final-Profile-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40746 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final-Profile-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final-Profile-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final-Profile-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final-Profile-374x500.jpg 374w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final-Profile-500x667.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final-Profile-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayo-Final-Profile.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">JFresh crayon shavings pressed between sheets of wax paper with an iron\u2014one of Laura\u2019s earliest memories of her fascination with color. Then, a book she received, <em>The Adventure of the Three Colors<\/em>, taught her, through layered cellophane pages, how three simple colors mixed to make all the others. A Lite-Brite on Christmas morning, art classes for children on Saturdays at Memphis State, a spirograph, and 4-H photography were also inspirational to her artistic journey.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Laura has evolved from crayons to acrylic paint, from unicorns to landscapes, but color itself is still her obsession. The psychology of color fascinates Laura. One can use colors in various aspects to create an entire mood and even subtly influence others. The theories of color psychology are used in professional interior design schemes. Naming new interior paint colors would be her dream job!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tonalism is an art style Laura has fallen in love with, although she paints in a variety of styles and adheres to no set rules. Tonalism involves atmospheric moods and color. It\u2019s gorgeous! Tonalism reminds her of her favorite form of poetry\u2014haiku. A haiku poem\u2019s brief arrangement of carefully chosen words creates a snapshot in the mind. Laura paints to capture such on the canvas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before Laura transitioned to a career in art, she taught language arts and special education for a fulfilling twelve years in the Mississippi public school system. She is also a wife and mother to three wonderful children, Nathan, Vivien, and Jillian. In the summer of 2020, they moved to Marshall County, MS. In the &#8220;country,&#8221; surrounded by the rural charm of our Mississippi landscapes, she has been greatly inspired and enjoys capturing the beauty of color and light around her. Laura looks forward to spending time in their sunroom creating exciting, colorful, and new \u201cfriends\u201d on canvas.<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-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#efefef;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Maggie Mayer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Hometown: Madison, MS<\/p>\n\n\n\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;6a4261b2b5976&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4261b2b5b5a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4261b2b5b5a\" 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=\"40748\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Final-1024x493.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40748 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"493\" 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=\"40748\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Final-1024x493.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40748 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Final-1024x493.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Final-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Final-768x370.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Final-540x260.jpg 540w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Final-500x241.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Final-800x385.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Final.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/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<\/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<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Yalobusha River<\/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)\">In my painting of the Yalobusha River in Grenada, MS, I aim to share not only the state\u2019s natural beauty but also the warmth, nostalgia, and sense of belonging that make these rivers and creeks in Mississippi like coming home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One memory that stands out is a canoe trip down the Bogue Chitto River with a childhood friend and our parents when we were about ten years old. That adventure sparked my early love of the outdoors and a lasting appreciation for the beautiful rivers of Mississippi. We paddled through tranquil stretches of slow meandering rapids, laughing nonstop as we explored together. Those moments taught me the joy of connection and the value of sharing experiences in the natural world with people I love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Family gatherings at our cousin\u2019s farm in Magee, MS, were another tradition around a river in Mississippi. After the meal, my aunts, uncles, and cousins would walk or float down the Strong River. The river was a natural swimming hole, and we enjoyed the clear water and scenic views surrounded by lush greenery. This was a ritual that turned ordinary get-togethers into treasured memories. We\u2019d skip rocks, wade into the cool water, and bask in the sun, feeling the timelessness of the river and the bond of kinship.<\/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)\">When I chose to paint the Yalobusha River, I wanted to bring my memories of growing up around waterways in Mississippi to life. This painting represents the spirit of Mississippi and the connections that unite families and friends.<\/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\/Mayer-Profile-2-1-1024x973.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40750 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"973\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Profile-2-1-1024x973.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40750 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Profile-2-1-1024x973.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Profile-2-1-300x285.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Profile-2-1-768x730.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Profile-2-1-421x400.jpg 421w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Profile-2-1-500x475.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Profile-2-1-800x760.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mayer-Profile-2-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Growing up, Margaret Marya Mayer (aka Maggie or Marya McNamara) was always artistic and recognized the beauty in everyday life. Since childhood, she has experienced life in places all over the world, from Colorado to Europe and the Middle East. She lived in Atlanta, GA, most of her adult life and moved back to Mississippi in 2019 to be near her elderly parents, Daniel and Mary McNamara. Her father passed away in 2021. Maggie is a Christ follower. She has three grown children. She works as a Marketing Graphic Designer for Mid South Rehab Services in Ridgeland, MS, and paints during her free time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She grew up in Jackson, Mississippi. Her family owned land and a log house off the Natchez Trace Parkway in Farmhaven. When her father was offered a two-year contract in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the family moved there. Maggie, at age 15, got to see the world. She attended Jackson Academy until 9th grade and graduated from high school at S.I.P.S., Salzburg International Preparatory School in Salzburg, Austria. She moved back to the States and went on to receive her bachelor&#8217;s degree in Environmental Design from the University of Colorado in Boulder. Her faith in God, life on the farm, love of nature, and travels abroad greatly influence her work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;My primary medium is oil. My favorite part of painting is telling a story. If I am outside painting, I want to share this moment in time with the viewer. My plein air paintings are little windows into that day of painting. I try to capture feeling in the painting with the nuances of light, shadow, and atmosphere. To do this, I sketch the scene in my sketchbook, which allows me to work out the composition and how the lights and dark play upon one another. After my drawing is solid and my values are working, I introduce color.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mayer is a current member of the Mississippi Artists\u2019 Guild and a previous Gallery Coordinator and Member of Atlanta Artists Center. Her work was recognized as a Merit Award winner at Plein Air Marksville, Louisiana, in 2022. She is a former member of the Atlanta Fine Arts League, received Best of Show at Art Station in Stone Mountain, GA, in 2007, and was previously represented by LONA Gallery.<\/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;6a4261b2b654a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex 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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\">Final Left<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4261b2b6b00&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4261b2b6b00\" 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\" 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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><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Final Right<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4261b2b6eb6&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4261b2b6eb6\" 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=\"40755\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Inspiration-3-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40755 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" 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=\"40755\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Inspiration-3-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40755 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Inspiration-3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Inspiration-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Inspiration-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Inspiration-3-533x400.jpg 533w, 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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\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4261b2b71e6&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4261b2b71e6\" 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=\"40756\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Inspiration-2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40756 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" 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=\"40756\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Inspiration-2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40756 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Inspiration-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Inspiration-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Inspiration-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Inspiration-2-533x400.jpg 533w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Inspiration-2-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Inspiration-2-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Inspiration-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/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\">Linda J Peters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Hometown: Oxford, MS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sardis Waterscape 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)\">Inspired by Psalm 19:1, <em>Sardis Waterscape Diptych<\/em> captures the glory of a Mississippi sunset over Hurricane Landing at Sardis Lake. Painted on dual canvases with a limited palette and layered glazes, the work reflects both natural beauty and spiritual wonder. This historic site\u2014once home to the Chickasaw people and later a Civil War skirmish ground\u2014reminds viewers that Mississippi\u2019s skies hold both memory and majesty. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\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\/Peters-Profile-2-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40754 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Profile-2-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40754 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Profile-2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Profile-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Profile-2-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Profile-2-374x500.jpg 374w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Profile-2-500x667.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Profile-2-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Peters-Profile-2.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Linda J Peters is a Mississippi landscape painter whose work captures the character and beauty of her home state. Born and raised in Hamilton, she is a self-taught artist working primarily in oils, with a passion for painting en plein air (painting outdoors)\u2014immersed in the fields, rivers, and skies that define Mississippi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now living in Lafayette County near Oxford with her husband, Brad, Linda is an active leader in the arts. She belongs to organizations such as the Oxford Artists\u2019 Guild, Mississippi Oil Painters Association, Plein Air South, and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, and she founded the Mississippi Plein Air Painters to celebrate the state&#8217;s unique landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her artwork and her leadership in building a statewide plein air community have been featured in <em>Mississippi Outdoors<\/em> magazine and local newspapers. She has received numerous awards and grants from the Mississippi Arts Commission for advancing the arts as both cultural expression and community gathering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Linda is dedicated to connecting people to Mississippi through the arts. She leads weekly studio sessions in partnership with the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and exhibits her work at Pacesetter Gallery in Flowood and the Oxford Artists\u2019 Guild Gallery in Southern Magnolia. Travelers can experience Mississippi\u2019s landscapes through her paintings \u2014 from the Delta\u2019s open fields to the rolling hills around Oxford \u2014 and discover why the state\u2019s art scene is as rich and inspiring as its natural beauty.<a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#efefef;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\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;6a4261b2b7db5&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;6a4261b2b7fd8&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4261b2b7fd8\" 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=\"40758\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Final-767x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40758 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"767\" 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=\"40758\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Final-767x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40758 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Final-767x1024.jpg 767w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Final-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Final-768x1025.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Final-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Final-374x500.jpg 374w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Final-500x667.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Final-800x1068.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Final.jpg 899w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 100vw, 767px\" \/><\/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<\/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\">Tony Davenport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Hometown: Vicksburg, MS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dockery Farms at Dusk<\/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 image is an expressive painting by artist Tony Davenport depicting a live blues music performance at the historic Dockery Farms. The painting captures the essence of life and music in Mississippi. The painting, characteristic of Davenport&#8217;s style, uses vibrant colors and fluid brushstrokes to convey the scene&#8217;s rhythm and energy. The artwork is a storytelling piece that reflects Mississippi&#8217;s rich musical heritage, a common theme in the arts. <\/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)\"><strong><em>Foreground:<\/em><\/strong> Four musicians are actively playing instruments. Two men are seated and playing guitars (one red, one blue electric bass), and another man is playing a drum set. A woman in a white dress stands center stage, singing into a microphone with her back mostly to the viewer.<\/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)\"><strong><em>Background<\/em><\/strong>: The musicians are performing in front of a white barn or building, which features a prominent sign reading &#8220;Dockery Farms EST. 1865-by Will Dockery, 1865-1936, Joe Rice Dockery 1905-1982.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\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\/Davenport-Profile-677x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40759 lazyload\" style=\"width:250px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"677\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Profile-677x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40759 lazyload\" style=\"width:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Profile-677x1024.jpg 677w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Profile-198x300.jpg 198w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Profile-768x1162.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Profile-264x400.jpg 264w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Profile-500x757.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Davenport-Profile.jpg 793w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 677px) 100vw, 677px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tony Davenport hails from Vicksburg, Mississippi. Davenport earned his BFA in Fine Arts from Jackson State University in 2002 and received a MAT in Teaching from Memphis College of Art in 2019. Tony is a certified K-12 Visual Arts teacher who has taught visual art in Mississippi and Tennessee for 18 years. As an art educator, he believes that arts integration is vital in teaching children to use creativity to navigate social interaction among people, cultures, and communities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As an artist, he is tasked to use creativity as a driving force for change. His work is purposed to spark dialogue and awareness concerning issues related to social and cultural relevance. In addition, visual representations are paired with historical and musical references to tell stories that transcend place and time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His painting style is influenced by the work of artists Ernie Barnes, Norman Rockwell, and Jack Vettriano. Davenport has illustrated magazine covers for the<em> Jackson Free Press <\/em>and official posters for Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festivals (2006, 2008, 2015 &amp; 2023).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The artist was recently awarded a Visual Artist Fellowship by the Mississippi Arts Commission (2024) and is also on the Artist and Teaching Artist rosters. In addition to being an accomplished artist, Davenport also performs as a live event painter.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Davenport&#8217;s creative process is Neo-Mannerism, consisting of painted elongated figures expressing movement and emotion coupled with historic southern landmarks, symbols, icons, and themes. He also incorporates both underpaintings and collages into his compositions, creating the illusion of depth and dimension.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His art is intended to engage the viewer, inviting them to engage with the work&#8217;s conceptual thought as an active participant. Moreover, the painted interpretations of locations and figures are not limited to aesthetic appeal; they also challenge the viewer to make connections between what they see, drawing on diverse social and cultural experiences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His work aims to empower people and communities to create conversation through creativity. To achieve this, he uses both an arts-integration approach to educate through historical figures and creates vistas that transcend time and place, without boundaries.<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;6a4261b2b89ea&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4261b2b8ce9&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4261b2b8ce9\" 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=\"40761\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Whitefield-Final-1-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40761 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" 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=\"40761\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Whitefield-Final-1-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40761 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Whitefield-Final-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Whitefield-Final-1-200x300.jpg 200w, 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srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Whitfield-Closeup-WIP-3-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Whitfield-Closeup-WIP-3-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Whitfield-Closeup-WIP-3-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Whitfield-Closeup-WIP-3-374x500.jpg 374w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Whitfield-Closeup-WIP-3-500x667.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Whitfield-Closeup-WIP-3-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Whitfield-Closeup-WIP-3.jpg 900w\" 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\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4261b2b9429&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4261b2b9429\" 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=\"40763\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Whitfield-WIP-4-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40763 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" 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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><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\">Robin Whitfield<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Hometown: Grenada, MS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chakchiuma Swamp Cypress I and II<\/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)\"><em>Chakchiuma Swamp Cypress<\/em> is a mixed-media diptych created for the Hernando Visitors Center by Grenada, Mississippi, artist Robin Whitfield. The paintings were begun on location at Lee Tartt Nature Preserve from the observation deck overlooking the oxbow lake known as Chakchiuma Swamp\u2014one of North Mississippi\u2019s quiet ecological treasures. In this setting, where bald cypress rise from dark water, and communities of lichen, moss, Virginia sweetspire, and marsh St. Johnswort cling to their scaly trunks and gnarled root systems, Whitfield found the layered inspiration that shapes this work. Her interpretation reflects her fascination with ecological relationships and what she calls visual poetry\u2014a revealing of simple yet specific forms within the seeming chaos of habitat. To foster this awareness, she works on location, taking it all in: river oats swaying in the wind, vireos and warblers darting and singing in the canopy, the steady drone of cicadas, and the earthy scent of leaf-rich mud that defines Mississippi\u2019s wetlands.<\/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)\">The pieces are composed of stitched paper with \u201cpatches\u201d created from papers stained with foraged pigments gathered directly from the landscape\u2014browns from black walnuts and the oily surface of swamp water, and black from oak galls combined with iron sulfate. The hand-stitched technique, inspired by sashiko\u2014an historic Japanese method of reinforcing worn clothing\u2014creates a subtle grid that strengthens the artwork while symbolizing connection, resilience, and the interwoven nature of the swamp\u2019s ecosystem. Whitfield\u2019s artistic practice centers on cultivating awareness of such connections and translating her sense of awe into visual form. In this work, geometric structures observed in nature intertwine with organic, intuitive shapes through her dialogue with watercolor. The result invites viewers to linger, look more closely, and feel inspired to explore the rich, living landscapes that make Mississippi a place of natural wonder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Artist Bio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Robin Whitfield is a watercolor artist and the founding Executive Director of Friends of Chakchiuma Swamp in Grenada, Mississippi. Working in swamps, forests, and rivers, she creates paintings using traditional watercolors and pigments foraged from plants and minerals. A Mississippi Arts Commission Fellow, she has taught nature-based art workshops across the Southeast and has exhibited widely in museums and galleries. Her work and environmental leadership have been featured on <em>Mississippi Roads<\/em>, <em>The Mississippi Arts Hour<\/em>, <em>Good Grit<\/em>, and <em>Delta Magazine<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her studio is located just off the square in historic downtown Grenada, a few blocks from her muse, Chakchiuma Swamp, in the Lee Tartt Nature Preserve.<br><a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#efefef;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\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 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https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Tunica-WIP-1-500x667.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Tunica-WIP-1-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Tunica-WIP-1.jpg 900w\" 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\">Kay Meadows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Hometown: Brandon, MS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">DeSoto Attractions I and II<\/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)\">&nbsp;I created this painting for Visit Mississippi as a vibrant tribute to the landmarks and experiences that make DeSoto County such a special destination. My goal was to highlight the wide variety of tourism spots in the area\u2014from the excitement of the Tunica casinos, the historical depth of the Blues Trail markers, to local favorites known for good food and happy times. I included the iconic Landers Center, the energy of Latimer Lakes Skate Park, and the thrill of baseball tournaments to reflect the county\u2019s lively community spirit. Each element was painted to celebrate the places that draw visitors in and make DeSoto County memorable, weaving together a colorful snapshot of the area\u2019s culture, recreation, and charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\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\/Meadows-Profile-922x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40766 lazyload\" style=\"width:250px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Profile-922x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40766 lazyload\" style=\"width:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Profile-922x1024.jpg 922w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Profile-270x300.jpg 270w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Profile-768x853.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Profile-360x400.jpg 360w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Profile-500x555.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Profile-800x888.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Profile.jpg 1081w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 922px) 100vw, 922px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Born and raised in the heart of Mississippi, Kay Meadows is an award-winning acrylic painter whose work reflects curiosity, travel, and a love of capturing beauty in the everyday. She paints both en plein air, where the immediacy of light and atmosphere fuels her creativity, and in her studio, where she refines these studies into finished works. Her subjects are often chosen for their vibrant color, distinctive character, or the quiet power of a landscape, resulting in paintings that balance spontaneity with intention and invite viewers to see the familiar in a new way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her creative journey has carried her beyond Mississippi, through years spent living in other states and traveling abroad, experiences that expanded her perspective and enriched her artistic voice. Though painting has always been her first love, she earned a degree in Commercial Design and Advertising and built a successful career as a graphic designer, working across retail, non-profit, publishing, and manufacturing industries. These chapters sharpened her skills and eventually led her back to fine art, where she now pursues personal projects, commissioned pieces, large-scale murals, and children&#8217;s book illustration, alongside her painting practice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Actively involved in the Mississippi art community, Kay has served as Art Show Chairman for the Mississippi Artists&#8217; Guild and was recently elected its director for the 2025-2026 term. She is also a member of the Pastel Society of Mississippi and the Vicksburg Art Association. Her achievements include multiple first-place awards in acrylic at the Mississippi Artists&#8217; Guild Juried Shows and the Vicksburg Art Association Show, recognition in plein air competitions, acceptance into the prestigious River Road Show Exhibition\/Competition, and support from the Mississippi Arts Commission through mini-grants awarded in 2022 through 2025. Through all of these endeavors, her work remains rooted in a simple mission: to share not only what she sees but the sense of wonder she feels in the presence of her subjects.&nbsp;<br><a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mississippi Art Collection: Desoto County Welcome Center &#8211; Hernando The Desoto County Welcome Center in Hernando 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":42072,"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-40744","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>DeSoto County Welcome Center - Hernando - 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=\"DeSoto County Welcome Center - Hernando - Visit Mississippi\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Mississippi Art Collection: Desoto County Welcome Center &#8211; 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Hernando The Desoto County Welcome Center in Hernando 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]","og_url":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/desoto-county-welcome-center-hernando\/","og_site_name":"Visit Mississippi","article_modified_time":"2026-05-13T21:43:01+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Mayer-Hero.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"18 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/desoto-county-welcome-center-hernando\/","url":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/desoto-county-welcome-center-hernando\/","name":"DeSoto County Welcome Center - Hernando - Visit Mississippi","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/desoto-county-welcome-center-hernando\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/desoto-county-welcome-center-hernando\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Mayer-Hero.jpg","datePublished":"2026-05-12T20:58:46+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-13T21:43:01+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/desoto-county-welcome-center-hernando\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/desoto-county-welcome-center-hernando\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/desoto-county-welcome-center-hernando\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Mayer-Hero.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Mayer-Hero.jpg","width":1920,"height":1080},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/desoto-county-welcome-center-hernando\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"DeSoto County Welcome Center &#8211; Hernando"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/","name":"Visit Mississippi","description":"The State for Wanderers","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/#organization","name":"Visit Mississippi","url":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/visitmslogo-dark.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/visitmslogo-dark.png","width":275,"height":111,"caption":"Visit Mississippi"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}}]}},"coauthors":[],"author_meta":{"author_link":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/author\/mwb\/","display_name":"Knol Aust"},"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 2 months ago","modified":"Updated 2 months ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on May 12, 2026","modified":"Updated on May 13, 2026"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on May 12, 2026 3:58 pm","modified":"Updated on May 13, 2026 4:43 pm"},"featured_img_caption":"","featured_img":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Mayer-Hero.jpg","series_order":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40744","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/708"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40744"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40744\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42072"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40744"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}