In the he ‘art’ of the city: Mulberry hosts MSC Women in Arts showcase

On May 2, the Mississippi State Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts hosted the opening of their annual showcase at the Jackson Street Gallery at The Mulberry Vicksburg. The showcase featured 25 women artists from around the state and their more than 50 pieces of artwork created in an array of mediums.

Nancy Branton, who serves as the MSC-NWMA president, said the event is held annually and rotates to different galleries or museums around the state. This year the showcase is being held in Vicksburg through June 2 at 1310 Mulberry St.

The artist’s showcase, she said, is also one that is adjudicated. Each piece was judged by Vicksburg resident Jean Blue and winners were announced at the opening.

Branton said the judge is selected from the city where the showcase is being held.

The winners from this year’s event were Jamie Tate — taking home Best in Show — and Terri Cribb, Kim Whitt, Mary Hardy, Banda McCormick and Betty Press, who all received the Judges Favorite Award.

Branton said any artist who is a member of the MSC is welcome to participate in the showcase, whether they are notables or showing for the first time.

“Some of the artists in the shows are well-known artists and some years we have artists who have never shown before. So, this is a way for newer artists to participate in a show because it’s not an invitational show, it is open to all of our members,” she said. “It is truly an artist showcase.”

The MSC was started 28 years ago, and Branton said it was the first state committee formed as a support group of the National Museum of Women and the Arts, which is in Washington D.C.

“This is the only museum dedicated just to women,” Branton said.

Vicksburg resident Melody Golding’s photography has been featured in solo exhibitions at the NMWA, Branton said and H.C. Porter’s “Blues @ Home: Mississippi’s Living Blues Legends” will be donated to the museum this year.

In addition to hosting the artists showcase, the MSC also holds an annual luncheon, Branton said, in which two artists are honored.

“Lesley Silver is our latest we have honored from Vicksburg,” Branton said.

Silver is the owner of the Attic Gallery located on Washington Street.

Branton said membership into the MSC is open to artists, supporters of artists and people that want to promote women artists in Mississippi and collect their work, as well as nationally and internationally.

For those interested in becoming a member of the MSC, Branton said, applications are available on their Facebook page — Mississippi State Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Branton said they can also reach out to members for information on how to join or they can call her at 601-951-0929 or email nabranton@bellsouth.net.

Artwork in the show is available for purchase.