Literary Landscape Exhibit opening June 5 at UCHM

 

Scenes from the Literary Landscape by the artists of the Mississippi Painters Society is an exhibit and sale that will open at the Union County Heritage Museum on Thursday, June 5, 2025, 5:30 – 7 p.m. The public is invited.

The artists of the society have brought to life scenes from the work of William Faulkner as well as other writers in compelling ways, said Jill Smith, Museum Director.  “We are excited that these artists from throughout Mississippi are participating.  As part of the annual Literary Fest, the exhibit brings a new aspect of storytelling by pairing the artwork interpreting the written word. There are more than 30 artists who have created work for this exhibit and sale.

This is a great time to find that piece of artwork that tells a story.  Union County artists including Bengie Foley, Leanna Hollis, Sheila McMillen, and Sharon Davis Clemmer will have work in this show as will other artists from Corinth, Tupelo, Mooreville, Fulton, Belden and other locations.  Work in watercolor, mixed media, oils, pastels, pyrography and even blood are in this show.

Alfred Jones, Tupelo artist, who created a mixed media piece interpreting William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily”, used his blood as part of his creative process.  He is a portrait artist who also paints with coffee in his Tupelo studio.

Jerry Jones who has a BFA from the University of Southern Mississippi now lives in Tupelo and creates in oil, watercolor, pen and ink and bronze.  He has interpreted a scene from William Faulkner’s The Big Woods – The Bear for this exhibit.  He said that reading Faulkner’s The Big Woods is going to be an annual event now that he has discovered it in preparation for the exhibit. This is the literary work on which he has based his art work for the exhibit.

Stories, scenes and characters, including Barn Burning, Col. John Sartoris and Caddy, The Sound and the Fury, The Canterbury Tales, the Catcher in the Rye  and others  come together in this exhibit that brings words to life.

The exhibit opening will have live music, refreshments and is free. Come and bring a friend.

Thank you to the museum’s Community Partners which makes the programming possible.  The museum is located at 114 Cleveland Street in New Albany. For more information call 662-538 -0014. The exhibit ends August 9, 2025.

Jill Smith, Director
Union County Heritage Museum
114 Cleveland Street
New Albany, MS 38652