You can celebrate spring by discovering the masterful works of accomplished authors, artists and artisans who call Mississippi home.
Mississippi, known as the most Southern of all states, invites visitors to experience the homes, studios, shops and workshops where these artists and writers create and display their work. From the towns in the foothills of the Appalachians in northeast Mississippi to the spectacular Mississippi Gulf Coast, a tour centered on Mississippi’s offerings in the arts and literary arts is one of endless variety and depth.
The 2013 Oxford Conference for the Book is set March 21-23 and is the 20th annual event to celebrate books, reading and writing. It is only fitting that the conference is held each year in the beautiful town of Oxford, Miss., home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Faulkner and his beloved residence, Rowan Oak, which is also open to the public.
For those who love fine art as well as artisan crafts, don’t miss the Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival on April 6 and 7, in Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland. This festival (formally Renaissance Fine Arts Festival) was recently named a Top Twenty Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. It is a juried show that features some of America’s finest artists and artisans working in clay, drawing/pastels, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and wood.
Events like the Columbus Spring Pilgrimage, which is from April 1 to 13 this year, highlights another aspect of the state’s arts culture: architecture.
There are many colorful arts festivals all across the state throughout the year. Highlights include the annual Gum Tree Festival in Tupelo in May and the 36th Chimneyville Crafts Festival in Jackson this November.
Visit www.VisitMississippi.org for more information about these artists, artisans, writers, events and interesting places.
For more information about top events in Mississippi take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Mississippi.