{"id":40827,"date":"2026-05-12T16:18:18","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T21:18:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/?page_id=40827"},"modified":"2026-05-14T15:09:05","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T20:09:05","slug":"jackson-county-welcome-center-moss-point","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/jackson-county-welcome-center-moss-point\/","title":{"rendered":"Jackson County Welcome Center &#8211; Moss Point"},"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-d0243851287f06d08a46ce8554af11a0 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-2b22e185e4dcd5d2c08fc7416493f130\">Mississippi Art Collection: <br>Jackson County Welcome Center &#8211; Moss Point<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Jackson County Welcome Center in Moss Point 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;6a4262d79e1ba&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;6a4262d79e719&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4262d79e719\" 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=\"40828\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-Final-1024x817.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40828 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"817\" 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=\"40828\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-Final-1024x817.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40828 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-Final-1024x817.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-Final-300x239.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-Final-768x612.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-Final-502x400.jpg 502w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-Final-500x399.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-Final-800x638.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Dot Courson<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Hometown: Pontotoc, MS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Delta Summer<\/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>Delta Summer <\/em>grows from my childhood in the Mississippi Delta. The painting recalls the relief of shade along dusty roads up near Marks and Sledge, the sweet scent of cotton in late summer, and fields rising from cracked earth to shoulder-high abundance. The sharecropper shacks echo the homes of my momma\u2019s family, who lived and worked on the same borrowed land together for generations. This painting is an invitation to leave the main road, follow the backroads, and see what still remains\u2014a rare few tenant houses, miles of flat open fields, and a rich saturated culture shaped by labor, memory, and place. As you find them, pause and remember the lives that filled them, and the quiet beauty of the Delta itself.<\/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\/Courson-Profile-845x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40829 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"845\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-Profile-845x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40829 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-Profile-845x1024.jpg 845w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-Profile-248x300.jpg 248w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-Profile-768x931.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-Profile-330x400.jpg 330w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-Profile-500x606.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-Profile-800x970.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Courson-Profile.jpg 990w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 845px) 100vw, 845px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dot Courson is a North Mississippi fine artist whose work is deeply rooted in the land, culture, and memories of the Mississippi Delta and hill country. Born in 1953 and raised on a small farm near Corinth, Mississippi, Courson\u2019s earliest memories were shaped by the fields, creeks, and woods of her childhood. Her father, a deaf man with a sensitive heart, taught Courson the craft of drawing when she was a child and inspired her lifelong pursuit of fine art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Courson spent many summers with her grandparents, sharecroppers near the Delta town of Sledge, Mississippi. Surrounded by an expansive landscape and immersed in the heat and dust of cotton fields, Courson was struck by the beauty of the Mississippi Delta. To this day, her connection with the charms of rural Southern living informs her paintings. These memories are reflected in the rich authenticity, quiet beauty, and breadth of experiences expressed in her subject matter. Courson hopes to capture the memories, heritage, and dignity of rural Southern life in a way that speaks to all who call this place \u2018home.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A former nurse and healthcare administrator, Courson pursued art alongside her professional career before becoming a full-time artist. She has since painted professionally for over two decades. Although Courson is largely self-taught, her work has been shaped through workshops and advice from established artists. Her signature style is informed by her childhood memories, and her paintings feature Delta landmarks such as outstretched fields and rural landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Courson\u2019s work has been widely exhibited in solo and group shows and has earned numerous regional and national awards. Her work has been featured in published art books, magazine articles, and even featured on HGTV\u2019s <em>Home Town<\/em>. In 2014, she was invited to teach as a featured artist in Art in the Open in Wexford, Ireland, one of Europe\u2019s largest plein air painting events. In 2017, her work was installed in the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (The MAX) in Meridian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, Courson lives and works in Mississippi, where she owns and operates a private studio, gallery, and art school. She continues to paint full-time, teach, and contribute to the Mississippi artistic legacy while honoring the land and memories that first shaped her vision.<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\">Feixue Yang<\/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;6a4262d79f23a&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;6a4262d79f4c5&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4262d79f4c5\" 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=\"40831\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-WAM-Final-2-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40831 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=\"40831\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-WAM-Final-2-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40831 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-WAM-Final-2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-WAM-Final-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-WAM-Final-2-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-WAM-Final-2-374x500.jpg 374w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-WAM-Final-2-500x667.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-WAM-Final-2-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-WAM-Final-2.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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;galleryId&quot;:&quot;6a4262d79f814&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;6a4262d79fa6d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4262d79fa6d\" 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=\"40832\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Ocean-Final-1024x749.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40832 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"749\" 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=\"40832\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Ocean-Final-1024x749.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40832 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Ocean-Final-1024x749.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Ocean-Final-300x220.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Ocean-Final-768x562.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Ocean-Final-540x395.jpg 540w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Ocean-Final-500x366.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Ocean-Final-800x585.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Ocean-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\">Walter Anderson Museum-Ocean Springs<\/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 watercolor was inspired by a quiet moment outside the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, a place that reflects the artistic spirit and cultural depth of coastal Mississippi. I was drawn to the way light filters through the trees and settles on the museum\u2019s glass entrance, creating a feeling of calm, warmth, and welcome. Rather than focusing on architectural detail, I wanted to capture the atmosphere\u2014the gentle Southern November light, the surrounding greenery, and the sense of creativity that lives in this space. Ocean Springs represents a side of Mississippi that is thoughtful, artistic, and closely connected to nature. Through loose brushwork and layered watercolor washes, this painting reflects Mississippi\u2019s slower pace and quiet beauty, inviting viewers to imagine walking these paths, exploring local museums, and spending more time discovering the rich culture, history, and natural landscapes that make Mississippi both surprising and deeply rewarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Downtown Ocean Springs<\/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 watercolor captures a sunlit moment in downtown Ocean Springs, a place that reflects the relaxed rhythm and creative spirit of coastal Mississippi. I was inspired by the everyday life unfolding along the sidewalk\u2014the soft afternoon light filtering through the trees, the unhurried pleasure of people browsing shops, and the gentle balance between nature and small-town architecture. Rather than emphasizing exact details, I focused on the atmosphere: warm shadows, reflections on the pavement, and the feeling of unhurried time. Ocean Springs represents an inviting side of Mississippi\u2014welcoming, creative, and rich in everyday character that visitors can easily step into. Through loose brushwork and layered watercolor washes, this painting celebrates the charm of local streets where art galleries, caf\u00e9s, and boutiques invite exploration. It encourages viewers to slow down, walk the sidewalks, and experience Mississippi not as a destination rushed through, but as a place to linger, discover, and enjoy the quiet richness of daily life.<\/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\/Yang-Profile-2-1024x825.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40830 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"825\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Profile-2-1024x825.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40830 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Profile-2-1024x825.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Profile-2-300x242.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Profile-2-768x619.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Profile-2-496x400.jpg 496w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Profile-2-500x403.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Profile-2-800x645.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yang-Profile-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Feixue Yang is a self-taught watercolor artist based in Madison, Mississippi. Born and raised in China, she developed a love for painting outside of formal art education, teaching herself through practice, observation, and a deep desire to express emotion through visual storytelling. Her work blends Eastern sensitivity with contemporary watercolor expression, often reflecting quiet moments of daily life.<a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Feixue draws inspiration from the world around her: street scenes, flowers, southern rural landscapes, and familiar objects, as well as from her travel experiences. Her paintings are known for their luminous atmosphere, expressive brushwork, and poetic realism.<a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her work has received growing recognition in Mississippi. She earned 1st Place in the 2024 Paint the Town Mississippi Plein Air Competition, followed by 2nd and 3rd Place awards in 2025. Her artwork has been exhibited at the Lucile Parker Gallery at William Carey University (2023) and at Itawamba Community College (2025). She is represented by Pacesetter Gallery in Flowood, Mississippi, and online at pacesettergallery.com<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;6a4262d7a043e&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;6a4262d7a06b0&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4262d7a06b0\" 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=\"40833\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mccullough-Final-Profile-1-1024x821.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40833 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"821\" 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=\"40833\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mccullough-Final-Profile-1-1024x821.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40833 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mccullough-Final-Profile-1-1024x821.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mccullough-Final-Profile-1-300x241.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mccullough-Final-Profile-1-768x616.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mccullough-Final-Profile-1-499x400.jpg 499w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mccullough-Final-Profile-1-500x401.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mccullough-Final-Profile-1-800x641.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mccullough-Final-Profile-1.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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">George Ann McCullough<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Hometown: Ocean Springs, MS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Magnolia, Sectioned<\/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)\">The magnolia is the Mississippi state flower, but that\u2019s not the reason I painted it. Yes, it\u2019s gorgeous with waxy green leaves, soft white blossoms, and unforgettable fragrance. Unforgettable for me because I\u2019m allergic to it. So that\u2019s my conflict. I adore the beauty, but cannot stand the fragrance. That tension became the inspiration for this piece.&nbsp;<\/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)\"><em>Magnolia, Sectioned<\/em> is an abstract response to the magnolia tree, built through fragmented forms, colors, and layered surfaces rather than direct depiction. Petals and leaves become structure and weight, suggesting growth and memory. The magnolia is a presence to be felt rather than an image to be recognized.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Artist Bio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">George Ann McCullough is a mixed-media artist residing in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. She holds degrees in art, art education, and advanced studies from Texas Lutheran University, the University of Houston, and the Arrowmont School of Crafts, respectively. Ms. McCullough is a Mississippi Arts Commission Grant Recipient. She is an active member of the Mississippi Art Colony and has attended the Tougaloo Art Colony. She is a charter member of the National Museum of Women in the Arts and an artist member of the Mississippi State Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, having been recognized as an Honored Artist for 2015. Her work has won numerous awards and has been included in regional, national, and international exhibitions. Her paintings are included in the permanent collection of the Meridian Museum of Art and the Kenneth Quinn Collection at Mississippi College. She was one of the spotlighted artists at The Five Senses of Ohr: A Party For Your Senses in 2019 and again in 2025. Her most recent exhibition, \u201cA Series of Series, A Retrospective,\u201d was at the Duckett Gallery in the Mary C. O\u2019Keefe Cultural Center, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, November 2023\u2013February 2024.&nbsp;<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;6a4262d7a0dee&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;6a4262d7a0ffd&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4262d7a0ffd\" 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=\"40834\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Duque-Final-509x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40834 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"509\" 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=\"40834\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Duque-Final-509x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40834 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Duque-Final-509x1024.jpg 509w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Duque-Final-149x300.jpg 149w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Duque-Final-199x400.jpg 199w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Duque-Final-500x1005.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Duque-Final.jpg 597w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 509px) 100vw, 509px\" \/><\/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\">Lucia Duque<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Hometown: Clinton, MS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Journey Through the Mist<\/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 painting belongs to <em>The Nomad\u2019s Journey<\/em> collection, a body of work that explores migration, displacement, and the inner landscapes we cross when we leave one place behind in search of another. The blurred forms, layered washes, and downward drips evoke movement through uncertainty\u2014a moment of transition where decisions are made amid fog, without a clear vision of what lies ahead. The work speaks to the leap of faith that migration often requires: trusting that the journey, though unclear, may lead to a better place.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Artist Bio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Born in 1984 in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, and raised in M\u00e1laga, Spain, Luc\u00eda Duque is a Spanish artist currently based in Clinton, Mississippi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4262d7a18a4&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4262d7a18a4\" class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized 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\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Duque-Profile-2-1024x818.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40835 lazyload\" style=\"width:250px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"818\" 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\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Duque-Profile-2-1024x818.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40835 lazyload\" style=\"width:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Duque-Profile-2-1024x818.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Duque-Profile-2-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Duque-Profile-2-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Duque-Profile-2-501x400.jpg 501w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Duque-Profile-2-500x400.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Duque-Profile-2-800x639.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Duque-Profile-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><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the age of four, her family moved to Spain, fleeing the violence that affected Colombia in the 1980s. Her artistic style is a fusion of Latin American and European influences, blending vibrant colors, expressive forms, and deep symbolism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She specialized in mural painting at La Palma School of Art in Madrid and completed her studies at the Sevilla School of Art. Throughout her career, she has explored various techniques, focusing on acrylic and watercolor to adapt her approach to different themes. Migration, identity, and human resilience are central to her work, allowing her to tell both personal and collective stories through art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With decades of experience in painting, teaching, and community engagement, Luc\u00eda is passionate about collaborative art. She has led large-scale murals with the NGO Haciendo Barrio in Malasa\u00f1a, Madrid, encouraging community participation through public art. Additionally, she has taught painting in schools, after-school programs, and workshops for underprivileged children, believing in the power of art as an educational and empowering tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her paintings have been exhibited in Spain and the United States, including solo exhibitions from her <em>Saastah<\/em> collection at the Osuna Museum in Seville, the Diputaci\u00f3n de M\u00e1laga, and Espacio Pozas in Madrid; the exhibition Making Neighborhood at the Conde Duque Center in Madrid; as well as exhibitions in California, Indianapolis, and Pacesetter Gallery in Mississippi. Her work, <em>Leap of Faith,<\/em> was exhibited in 2021 at the Art Party at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Her most recent solo exhibition, <em>The Nomad\u2019s Journey<\/em>, was presented in April 2025 at the Arts Center of Mississippi. Her latest mural is located at 201 Clinton Boulevard, Mississippi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond her personal practice, she has coordinated cultural initiatives, including Welcome Donostia in San Sebasti\u00e1n, Spain, as well as various art events and community projects. Through her work, she continues to explore universal themes, using art to bridge cultures, foster dialogue, and inspire meaningful connections.<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;6a4262d7a2070&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4262d7a2338&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4262d7a2338\" 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=\"40838\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-Final-1024x824.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40838 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"824\" 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=\"40838\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-Final-1024x824.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40838 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-Final-1024x824.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-Final-300x242.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-Final-768x618.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-Final-497x400.jpg 497w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-Final-500x403.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-Final-800x644.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Robert Williams<\/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\">MS Coastal Abstract<\/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>MS Coastal Abstract <\/em>is an exploration of the rhythmic pulse and mysterious allure of the Pascagoula River. I was inspired by the legendary &#8220;singing&#8221; sound\u2014a low, humming vibration\u2014that rises from the water, echoing the ancient stories of the Pascagoula people who once called these banks home. I hope this piece encourages viewers to venture into the coastal wilderness of Mississippi, where you can kayak through ancient cypress swamps or sit quietly on the riverbank to hear the water\u2019s song for yourself. Beyond the canvas, Mississippi offers a rare, untouched serenity; I invite you to explore the winding waterways of the Gulf Coast and experience the profound sense of peace that comes from a land that still moves at nature\u2019s own melodic pace.<\/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\/Williams-Profile-1-751x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40837 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"751\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-Profile-1-751x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40837 lazyload\" style=\"width:auto;height:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-Profile-1-751x1024.jpg 751w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-Profile-1-220x300.jpg 220w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-Profile-1-768x1047.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-Profile-1-293x400.jpg 293w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-Profile-1-500x682.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-Profile-1-800x1091.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Williams-Profile-1.jpg 880w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 751px) 100vw, 751px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Robert Williams is an abstract artist whose love for art began as a painter and faux finisher.&nbsp; As he grew and began to master aspects of painting technique in faux finishing, he felt compelled to do more with the creative, God-given talent he had stumbled upon. As he began researching different types of art and artists, he discovered a passion for abstract art, and that\u2019s where the journey began.<a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Robert has studied under Anton Weiss, a former student of Hans Hoffman, and Lisa Jennings, both of Nashville, Tennessee.&nbsp;Some of his influences include Antoni Tapies, Oscar Murillo, Willem de Kooning, and Jackson Pollock. His work has been featured at York and Friends Gallery, Art on the West Side, and Martin Masters Fine Art, in Middle Tennessee; Robert Kent Galleries in Marietta, Georgia, and Lagerquist Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia.&nbsp;You can find Robert\u2019s current work at Pacesetter Gallery in Flowood, Mississippi, online at pacesettergallery.com, The Showroom Gallery in Little Rock, Arkansas, and The John Richard Collection based in Greenwood, Mississippi; as well as area businesses throughout his hometown of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.&nbsp;He continues to pursue his career in the arts, not only through his abstractions but also by creating beautifully mastered painted finishes, architecturally applied, in homes and businesses throughout the country.<a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Art is a journey, constantly evolving from one thing to another.&nbsp; Sometimes, you can spill paint on a canvas, and magically, in no time at all, you\u2019ve created a masterpiece.&nbsp; Other times, you may have to work harder at it, but that\u2019s the beauty of the journey.&nbsp;I love to paint; it\u2019s my release, my sanctuary.&nbsp; Painting, for me, is a way of life. I have to do it, not for money, but for internal joy.&nbsp;I thank God every day for blessing me not only with this talent, but for the solace it brings me.&nbsp;I am blessed to be living in a world full of color and boundless opportunities.&#8221;&nbsp; Robert Williams<br><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--70);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Sherry Phillips Carlson<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Hometown: Saucier, 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;6a4262d7a300e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4262d7a32d7&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4262d7a32d7\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full 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=\"42105\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Trip-Final-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42105 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"869\" 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=\"42105\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Trip-Final-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42105 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Trip-Final-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Trip-Final-1-300x217.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Trip-Final-1-1024x742.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Trip-Final-1-768x556.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Trip-Final-1-540x391.jpg 540w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Trip-Final-1-500x362.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Trip-Final-1-800x579.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/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\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Trip to Horn Island<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"42106\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Shells-Final-1024x762.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42106 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"762\" data-id=\"42106\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Shells-Final-1024x762.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-42106 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Shells-Final-1024x762.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Shells-Final-300x223.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Shells-Final-768x572.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Shells-Final-538x400.jpg 538w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Shells-Final-500x372.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Shells-Final-800x595.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Carlson-Shells-Final.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Horn Island Shellscape<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">These watercolors have been inspired by a group art excursion to Horn Island led by Heather and Jason Martin, owners of Ethotera Art Studio and Wild Horizon Expeditions of Ocean Springs. They provide day trips and overnight multi-day experiences leading, setting up base camp, transportation, providing water and some meals.&nbsp;<\/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)\">Horn Island is the perfect escape for solitude in nature. The late artist Walter Anderson knew this and made treacherous skiff trips out to the island for over twenty years capturing the rhythms and patterns of nature. I\u2019ve been fortunate to travel with small groups including John Anderson, Walter\u2019s youngest grandson, and fellowship with other artists. The slow pace of the island also allows an artist to slip into solitude, introspection, and appreciation for the abundant animal and plant life on the island. The shifting light and sands are constantly changing the landscape while I paint, revealing new colors and lines. It pulls you in to come closer and notice something you didn\u2019t see before,&nbsp; a small crab, a nest or exotic small flower. Just 8 miles off shore, this thin barrier island is its own world of tropical color and pockets of experience that differ from one side to the other. This immersion in nature will fill your soul. Just watch your step in this area of broken shells on the north side of the island.<\/p>\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 data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4262d7a428e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4262d7a428e\" class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized 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\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Carlson-Both-Profile-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40841 lazyload\" style=\"width:200px\"\/><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\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Carlson-Both-Profile-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40841 lazyload\" style=\"width:200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Carlson-Both-Profile-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Carlson-Both-Profile-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Carlson-Both-Profile-1-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Carlson-Both-Profile-1-374x500.jpg 374w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Carlson-Both-Profile-1-500x667.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Carlson-Both-Profile-1-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Carlson-Both-Profile-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><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Gulfport, Mississippi native, Sherry has always loved art and her coastal home. After a career in graphic design, several corporate and magazine jobs, she made her way back home from years of military moves, including Texas and Alaska. She immersed herself in local fine art communities, joining and serving in art organizations. Her natural inclination is towards watercolor and plein air painting. She enjoys teaching others to paint and to appreciate local life. Field trips to beaches, harbors, cafes, and landmarks are favorites. Her enthusiasm can be felt through lively brushstrokes and intense saturation of color.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her artwork can be found in Ocean Springs at the Pink Rooster Art Gallery\/Gallery Garbo, and the OS1515 Downtown Hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her classes and workshops are through Ethotera Art Studio in Ocean Springs. Art trips to Horn Island are booked through Ethotera or Wild Horizon Expeditions.<br><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;6a4262d7a4833&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-10 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4262d7a4a71&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4262d7a4a71\" 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=\"40842\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Spencer-Final-1024x655.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40842 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"655\" 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=\"40842\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Spencer-Final-1024x655.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40842 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Spencer-Final-1024x655.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Spencer-Final-300x192.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Spencer-Final-768x491.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Spencer-Final-1536x982.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Spencer-Final-2048x1310.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Spencer-Final-540x345.jpeg 540w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Spencer-Final-374x240.jpeg 374w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Spencer-Final-800x512.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Spencer-Final-500x320.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Spencer-Final-1280x819.jpeg 1280w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Spencer-Final-1920x1228.jpeg 1920w\" 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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Karen H. Spencer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">Hometown: Jackson, MS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gray Day Mississippi Sound<\/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)\">The artwork exhibited here is an oil painting of oyster shells gathered from the Mississippi Sound. The Mississippi Sound is a gently changing, slowly moving, and mysterious body of water that runs along the coast of Mississippi. Spencer&#8217;s painting suggests the often soft, mild, but intriguing life on the Mississippi coast on a cloudy day.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spencer, a native of Mississippi, turns out pieces of original art from &#8220;Life in Mississippi.&#8221; This means that Spencer arranges objects found in Mississippi in a pleasing pattern, directs light onto them, and uses oil paint to replicate the image on canvas. In Mississippi&#8217;s semi-tropical spring and summer, Spencer often paints images of roses, camellias, azaleas, and gardenias, which she grows in her backyard. However, when winter sweeps away the blooms, Spencer becomes fascinated by her collection of oyster shells assembled from Gulf Coast beaches. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spencer delights in producing paintings of oyster shells for several reasons: First, the shells are organically formed, so no two shells are alike, which makes constructing the form interesting; second, the opalescent nature of the shells causes iridescent color shifts from shades of blue to green to yellow and gray. This soft color shift challenges Spencer&#8217;s painting skills and produces an image that seems alive. Finally, the organic shapes of the shells cast intriguing, mysterious shadows that bring life and movement to the painting. Similar to the intriguing, mysterious life in the small coastal towns of Mississippi.&nbsp;<\/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)\">Spencer maintains that walking the coastal beaches and collecting shells is an excellent way to engage in Mississippi&#8217;s coastal life. Spencer hopes her painting will inspire you to walk the beaches, pick up shells, and experience the gentle, soft, colorful, and mysterious beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.<\/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\">Karen primarily paints from life, creating floral still lifes from David Austin roses, colorful camellias, and beautiful local flora, all grown in her backyard. Karen\u2019s floral works are distinctly informed by her studies with Stephanie Birdsall and Elizabeth Robbins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She has trained under nationally collected landscape painters Matthew Read Smith and Michael Lynch, and internationally acclaimed Los Angeles oil painter Jove Wang, to develop a uniquely Southern sense of style and place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Karen is a collector of Mississippi birds&#8217; nests and uses her collection to create colorful still-life works. When Karen is not painting bird nests, she produces unique still-life images of Mississippi Gulf Coast oyster shells.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Karen usually paints from life, but has been inspired by the beautiful photography of Sam King, a well-known Mississippi wildlife photographer, to create oil paintings of Mississippi barns and birds. Picturesque landscapes and techniques were learned from painting instructors, Mississippi oil painter Bob Tompkins, and the late Joe Anna Arnett.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can follow Karen on Instagram @khspencerart and learn more about the artist at her <a href=\"https:\/\/www.karenspencerart.com\">website<\/a>. To see her additional works, visit Pacesetter Gallery in Flowood, Mississippi, and pacesettergallery.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"http:\/\/karenspencerart.com\/\"><\/a><br><br><a href=\"http:\/\/pacesettergallery.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">H. C. Porter<\/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<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;6a4262d7a540e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-11 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4262d7a565c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4262d7a565c\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full 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=\"40845\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Final-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40845 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" 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=\"40845\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Final-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40845 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Final-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Final-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Final-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Final-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Final-1-533x400.jpg 533w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Final-1-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Final-1-800x600.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/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\">Four Pound Netters<\/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)\">H.C. Porter&#8217;s works reveal the sense of place that is Mississippi through the events and moments of Mississippians in their everyday lives.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A \u201cpound netter&#8221; refers to a fisherman who uses a pound net, or a large, stationary fish trap comprising stakes and netting, forming an enclosure and directing fish into a holding area.&nbsp;<\/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)\"><em>Four Pound Netters <\/em>depicts four of these fishermen hard at work, highlighting the strength of Mississippi&#8217;s people and showing our landscape is as bountiful as it is beautiful.<\/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 data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4262d7a5da0&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4262d7a5da0\" class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized 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\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Profile-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40844 lazyload\" style=\"width:250px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" 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\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Profile-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40844 lazyload\" style=\"width:250px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Profile-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Profile-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Profile-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Profile-1-540x360.jpg 540w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Profile-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Profile-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Porter-Profile-1.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\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">H.C. Porter, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, is an internationally known artist with a signature gallery in historic downtown Vicksburg, Mississippi. For more than 30 years, she has told the stories of her home state, using her distinctive style that blends photography, printmaking, and painting into colorful pieces that reflect the vibrancy of Mississippi\u2019s people and landscapes. Her artwork is in private and corporate collections worldwide and has been featured in numerous museum exhibitions over the past 30 years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2011, H.C. Porter\u2019s work was included in the prestigious Mississippi Invitational at the Mississippi Museum of Art. In 2015, her <em>Backyards and Beyond <\/em>painting series became a permanent exhibition in the Ground Zero Hurricane Museum in Waveland. In 2024, the Mississippi State Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts recognized Porter as an Honored Artist, praising her &#8220;willingness to take on monumental issues and making us aware of our resilience and creativity&#8221; as Mississippians. Most recently, the Smithsonian\u2019s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., added one of Porter\u2019s pieces to their collection.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her work is featured on CD covers, including one featuring the voices of Maya Angelou, Patti LaBelle, and Chaka Khan. Porter\u2019s work is also featured on the cover of <em>Beyond Katrina<\/em>, a book by U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey. Her work hangs in the Mississippi Senate offices in Washington, D.C., and is in the collection of former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Marsha Barbour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more information and to see her additional works, visit Pacesetter Gallery in Flowood, MS and pacesettergallery.com<br><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;6a4262d7a62d9&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" 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data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Both-Final-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40847 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=\"40847\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Both-Final-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40847 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Both-Final-768x1024.jpg 768w, 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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;6a4262d7a6b7d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4262d7a6b7d\" 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=\"40849\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Country-Final-3-817x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40849 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"817\" 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=\"40849\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Country-Final-3-817x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40849 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Country-Final-3-817x1024.jpg 817w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Country-Final-3-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Country-Final-3-768x962.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Country-Final-3-319x400.jpg 319w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Country-Final-3-500x626.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Country-Final-3-800x1002.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meadows-Country-Final-3.jpg 958w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 817px) 100vw, 817px\" \/><\/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\">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\">Mississippi Blues Trail and Mississippi 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)\">These two paintings were created as a commissioned pair for a Mississippi welcome center, celebrating the Blues Music Marker Trail and the Country Music Marker Trail\u2014two stories that are deeply personal to me and deeply rooted in this state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I grew up in Mississippi, and I truly believe Mississippi is the home of the Blues. The Blues Trail includes more than 200 markers, each one telling a story of a place, a sound, and a musician that helped shape American music. As a young adult, I spent many nights at the legendary Subway Lounge in Jackson, listening to different bands and musicians play the Blues. Those nights left a lasting impression on me, and that feeling\u2014gritty, soulful, and alive\u2014is something I wanted to carry into this painting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Country music runs just as deep for me. My father was a huge country music fan. He played, sang, and passed that love on to me. He was also instrumental in helping establish the Jimmie Rodgers Festival, which makes Mississippi\u2019s country music legacy especially close to my heart. Because of him, country music has always felt like home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In both paintings, I highlighted some of my favorite Mississippi musicians with hand-painted portraits. To honor the many others who couldn\u2019t be featured individually, I scattered marker icons throughout the map to represent the wide reach and incredible depth of talent this state has.<\/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)\">I am extremely proud of the musicians who have come from Mississippi and the influence they\u2019ve had on music around the world. It was truly an honor to paint these pieces and to celebrate the sounds, stories, and soul of Mississippi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Artist Bio<\/h3>\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.<\/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;6a4262d7a74bc&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-13 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure 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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=\"40851\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Boldo-Timelapse-1-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40851 lazyload\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Boldo-Timelapse-1-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Boldo-Timelapse-1-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Boldo-Timelapse-1-225x400.jpg 225w, 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style=\"aspect-ratio:1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"675\" height=\"1200\" 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=\"40852\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Boldo-Timelapse-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40852 lazyload\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Boldo-Timelapse-4.jpg 675w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Boldo-Timelapse-4-169x300.jpg 169w, 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data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Boldo-Final-Artist.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40853 lazyload\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1055\" height=\"1200\" 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=\"40853\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Boldo-Final-Artist.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40853 lazyload\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Boldo-Final-Artist.jpg 1055w, 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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<\/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\">Hector Boldo<\/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\">A Day on the Okatoma 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)\">This painting was inspired by the energy, joy, and sense of community found along the Okatoma River in Mississippi. I wanted to capture a day where people of all ages come together to float, paddle, fish, swim, and celebrate the river as a gathering place. In the foreground, a woman drifts downstream on an inner tube, while a couple nearby pauses to capture a shared moment. In the background, a canoe navigates the rapids, a fisherman reels in a catch, and a child leaps into the water. Through these layered scenes, I invite viewers to experience the Okatoma\u2019s natural beauty, the simple pleasures of outdoor recreation, and the warmth of Mississippi\u2019s riverside life, encouraging them to explore, relax, and connect with the vibrant landscapes and communities the state has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Artist Bio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hector Boldo is a Mexican-American multidisciplinary artist whose work connects cultural heritage with contemporary life. Inspired by the mix of Indigenous and Spanish traditions, he explores themes of identity, inclusivity, and community storytelling. Through painting, ceramics, and sculpture, he often focuses on the immigrant experience and amplifies voices that are too often overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond his studio practice, Boldo is deeply involved in Mississippi\u2019s arts community. He is co-founder and President of the Mississippi Latinx Art Association and co-owner of Nuestro Arte Gallery in Hattiesburg, where he helps provide space for Latinx artists and celebrates the richness of local culture.<\/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;6a4262d7a86da&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/gallery\" class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-14 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a4262d7a8970&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4262d7a8970\" 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=\"40854\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-2-1-1015x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40854 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1015\" 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=\"40854\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-2-1-1015x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40854 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-2-1-1015x1024.jpg 1015w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-2-1-298x300.jpg 298w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-2-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-2-1-768x774.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-2-1-397x400.jpg 397w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-2-1-500x504.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-2-1-800x807.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-2-1.jpg 1190w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1015px) 100vw, 1015px\" \/><\/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;6a4262d7a8d47&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a4262d7a8d47\" 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=\"40855\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-4-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40855 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=\"40855\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-4-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40855 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-4-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-4-533x400.jpg 533w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-4-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-4-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Final-4.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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" 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<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Formal Affair<\/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)\">Great white egrets are a favorite subject of mine. I am drawn to their sculptural presence and the luminous purity of their white plumage. What captivates me most is the dialogue between that white and its surroundings, the dark rhythm of branches, the soft geometry of trees, the shifting movement of water. Within a seemingly simple white subject lives an entire spectrum of color, and exploring those subtle hues continues to intrigue and inspire me in a deeply personal way. The abundant variety of wildlife found here in my beloved Mississippi always captivates me.<\/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\/Wellington-Profile-2-1024x880.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40856 lazyload\" style=\"width:200px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"880\" src=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-2-1024x880.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40856 lazyload\" style=\"width:200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-2-1024x880.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-2-300x258.jpg 300w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-2-768x660.jpg 768w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-2-466x400.jpg 466w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-2-500x430.jpg 500w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-2-800x687.jpg 800w, https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Wellington-Profile-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\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.<\/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.<\/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.<\/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 and the National Oil and Acrylic Painters\u2019 International Show, \u201cBest of America.\u201d&nbsp; One 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>.&nbsp;Additional 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<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Susan is an active member of several professional organizations, including Oil Painters of America, National Oil and Acrylic Painters, American Impressionist Society, Mississippi Oil Painters Association, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her work is represented by the Caron Gallery in Tupelo and Laurel, the Jackson Street Gallery in Ridgeland, and Pacesetter Gallery in Flowood and online at pacesettergallery.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mississippi Art Collection: Jackson County Welcome Center &#8211; Moss Point The Jackson County Welcome Center in Moss Point features a curated collection of original works by Mississippi artists that celebrate the cityscapes, history, and culture of the Magnolia State, offering [\u2026]<\/p>\n<p>\n","protected":false},"author":708,"featured_media":42083,"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-40827","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>Jackson County Welcome Center - Moss Point - 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=\"Jackson County Welcome Center - Moss Point - Visit Mississippi\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Mississippi Art Collection: Jackson County Welcome Center &#8211; 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Moss Point The Jackson County Welcome Center in Moss Point features a curated collection of original works by Mississippi artists that celebrate the cityscapes, history, and culture of the Magnolia State, offering [\u2026]","og_url":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/jackson-county-welcome-center-moss-point\/","og_site_name":"Visit Mississippi","article_modified_time":"2026-05-14T20:09:05+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Yang-Hero.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"27 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/jackson-county-welcome-center-moss-point\/","url":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/jackson-county-welcome-center-moss-point\/","name":"Jackson County Welcome Center - Moss Point - Visit Mississippi","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/jackson-county-welcome-center-moss-point\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/jackson-county-welcome-center-moss-point\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Yang-Hero.jpg","datePublished":"2026-05-12T21:18:18+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-14T20:09:05+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/jackson-county-welcome-center-moss-point\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/jackson-county-welcome-center-moss-point\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/jackson-county-welcome-center-moss-point\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Yang-Hero.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Yang-Hero.jpg","width":1920,"height":1080},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/jackson-county-welcome-center-moss-point\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/visitmississippi.org\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Jackson County Welcome Center &#8211; 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