What is public art? Public art is when art is displayed publicly for others to observe. These forms of art include (but are not limited to) wall murals on buildings (occupied or vacant), statues, and fountains. Mississippi has a wide variety of public art that captivates us. The Belhaven community is having their own public art movement that has been sweeping the area by storm for a few years now.
All About Murals
Let’s talk about one of the most common forms of public art: murals. Murals are paintings that are integrated with the surface of a ceiling, wall, or the outside wall of a building. They beautify the area and capture your eye, which can help start conversations about the artist and/or the painting itself.
Artists in Mississippi
Located in Jackson, MS, Belhaven Heights Historic District continues to bloom and color the city with intricately detailed murals that have been strategically painted on buildings. Artist/muralist Gavin Bird painted the longest mural in the state of Mississippi called “A Journey Through Jackson”. It is 478 feet long! You can find this on the Museum Trail.
One project located in Jackson is a mural painted by Belhaven resident, Laurin Stennis. She is a graduate from Millsaps College. Her painting is of Jackson native, Eudora Welty. Additionally, Jackson artist William Goodman and artist Adrienne Dominick have unique murals that are featured in the Jackson / Belhaven community.
A Beautiful View for a Walkable Community
Public art, such as the murals that decorate Belhaven’s Historic District, are important in a place like Belhaven that is one of the more walkable neighborhoods in Mississippi. When locals or tourists are in the area, they can check out the public art by the artists here in Mississippi. Having access to art openly can also encourage others to have conversations, and it may even peak their interest in art overall. Furthermore, people are inspired by beautiful things, so public art can also be a source of inspiration for someone. It could inspire them to start painting themselves, start to research (and connect with) more artists in the area, or just inspire them to get outside and take a walk in the neighborhood. Speaking of tourists, it can give them a different experience and perspective of the state. Most people may not think of murals when they think of Mississippi; however, this state is full of amazingly talented artists who work to make it a more beautiful place!
Art for the Park 2024
The Belhaven community has an event called Art for the Park. This year’s Art for the Park Event will be held on April 25, 2024. This event is held biannually and is an evening full of fun, food, connecting with others, live music, and (of course) art. Additionally, there will be a live auction that features work from Mississippi artists. It will be hosted by the Belhaven Garden Club and the Friends of Belhaven Park. Make sure you purchase your tickets for an evening of fun!
The Final Stroke (of the paint brush)
Public art has the power to bring people together and beautify communities. Belhaven has an abundance of talented artists who are passionately helping to bring the city together with their art. Besides Belhaven, what other communities within the state of Mississippi have a lot of public art? What is your favorite form of public art?
