Honors College Student Union Hosts Inaugural Fine Arts Showcase at Powerhouse

The Double Decker festival is renowned for its artistic showcases, and the festival goers can leap into the weekend with a local fine arts showcase this Saturday.

The Honors College Student Union is hosting the inaugural Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College Fine Arts Showcase titled The Southern Wild at the Powerhouse this Saturday at 7:00 p.m.

Honors scholars of many artistic inclinations will have their works depicting their interpretation of a Southern experience. Bruce Levingston, widely acclaimed pianist and Chancellor’s Artist in Residence, will join these students in his contribution. Philip Jackson, prized realist painter and associate professor of painting at the university will also contribute.

A preview of the artwork can be seen on the event’s Facebook page: a hand-drawn picture of the Walk of Champions by Jake Thrasher, SMBH student.

Picture by Jake Thrasher featured on The Southern Wild event Facebook page

Eleanor Anthony, a SMBH student, is one of organizers of the event. She said, “We feel that there will be something for all members of our Oxford, University of Mississippi and SMBH community to enjoy, so we encourage you to come, not only to support the Honors College artists with your presence, but also to connect with different artistic expression of Southern identity.”

Anthony extended her gratitude to Bruce Levingston and Philip Jackson for their support and involvement, and also the Honors College for supporting and funding the event.

Douglass Sullivan-Gonzalez, dean of SMBH, said, “Our students continue to set the performance bar very high! We are thrilled that our students have organized a powerful showcase of the arts for our University and community. The evening will be fun and inspirational!”

Wayne Andrews, director of the Powerhouse, is ready to host the showcase during the Double Decker weekend. He said, “The Arts Council strives to provide the tools and support that allow community groups to present and promote the arts. We are excited by this project with the Honors College as it highlights how the University through the students, faculty and staff is part of the creative community of Lafayette County. I think it makes an exciting addition to the Double Decker weekend which is a celebration of the music, visual and culinary arts of the region.”

For more information visit its Facebook event page.

Callie Daniels is a staff writer/reporter at HottyToddy.com. She can be reached at callie.daniels@hottytoddy.com.