Jackson Arts Council celebrates local artists while beginning transition to next director
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Jackson Arts Council’s main objective is to promote the work of local artists, and they did that this past week with its second annual The Arts Backstage event.
The event is held on the stage at The Ned, and local artists were lined up throughout the stage area and to the side where backstage would be during a production with their work on display.
“We spread it out some this year because last year’s inaugural event happened in February right before the pandemic,” said Melinda Reid, who finished up more than eight years as executive director for JAC on Friday. “But this allows for the artists to have more room to mingle and for visitors to come in and have a more relaxed experience.”
Jackson s leaders promote local artists
STAFF REPORTS
The Arts Backstage is a new invitation only event for Jackson s leaders to meet Jackson s Artists sponsored by the Jackson Arts Council. It will take place on the stage at The NED on May 11 at 5 p.m. This is a great opportunity for Jackson s leaders to connect with Jackson’s artists and become advocates for them in the community, said Ginger Williams, board member and chair of the event. One of the most common things we hear from the Jackson Arts Council is that our local artists are able to sell outside of Jackson but they struggle to sell in Jackson. We want to honor these local artists and encourage them to stay and make a living here in Jackson.
Young artists work displays Love for Jackson at gallery in City Hall
Tuesday’s Jackson City Council meeting began with a few items of recognition, and one of those was the winners in a student art contest named the Mayor’s Collection of Masterpieces.
About 50 submitted pieces for the contest are on display through the end of May on the third floor of City Hall for the spring art exhibit.
“The Mayor’s office asked if we’d like to partner with them in coordinating this, and of course we were all for it,” said Melinda Reid, the director of the Jackson Arts Council. “We appreciate the fresh ideas Mayor Scott Conger and his staff have to focus on the local arts in Jackson and how they’ve made the arts a priority in the city.”