MISSISSIPPI ART COLONY returns to canton

By Courtney Warren

Canton is known as the city of lights, however its history remains rich in other arts, as well. 

Canton is proud to host the Mississippi Art Colony. 

The Smithsonian lists Mississippi Art Colony as the country’s oldest artist-run  organization of its kind. Mississippi Art Colony has been guided by a collective of  artist members for 75 years. Their activities are funded through fees from workshop sessions, grants from the Mississippi Arts Commission, and generous  contributions from supporters who value the arts and appreciate the  contributions of artists with a wide range of unique perspectives. 

JoAnn Gordon, director of the Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau, said she was excited to see the Mississippi Art Colony return to Canton due to its roots in the city.

The late Inez Wallace of Canton helped found the Mississippi Art Colony and  “We pay homage to the fact that it belongs to Canton. We used to have it every year, and now we are bringing it back, because it’s part of Canton’s history and heritage. Our Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau created the Allison Wells Center for Arts and Crafts. We support the arts and try to create an environment where we have artisans and craftsman year round.” Canton has a plethora of artisans. 

“We have painters, we have art exhibits, we have film makers, we have the Allison Wells quilters, we have the rug hookers, and we have rockers. We are all about the artisans and cultivating the art culture in Canton,” said Gordon.

“Colony” is an invitation-only community providing arts learning experiences for  adult artists. By providing week-long practicum experiences with a qualified guest  artist facilitator, their goal is to help Mississippi artists develop their artistic  abilities, build their professional skills, build community with other artists, and  ultimately keep the visual arts scene thriving in Mississippi. 

Colony members come together twice a year, spring and fall, to spend a week  creating without the distractions and hindrances that everyday life often  presents. Each session offers an opportunity for attendees to submit work for the  Colony Traveling Show adjudicated by the session’s guest artist. This current exhibit was curated by Mark Rigsby in April of 2024. A limited number of works is selected for this show and represents the spirit of Colony and the  accomplishments of the artists. 

“We are so excited to have the traveling show back. It’s such an honor to have been selected and to be able to host this show for a month,” said Gordon. 
For more information about the Mississippi Art Colony, go to www.msartcolony.net. and for more on Canton visit cantontourism.com.