The MAX: PLACE Quarterly_Winter 2022

Blues + Art in Clarksdale Clarksdale Blues Wall, Photo by Andy Brack

PARTNERSHIPS

Coming out of the two-year pandemic, The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) has realized a steadily rising level of on-site program attendance and visitors to the museum. We continue to utilize new skills that helped us continue to advance our mission during those challenging years. Planning for the future includes presenting a robust series of public programs and exhibitions, with an emphasis on three activities: (1) presentation of educational programs focused on the “hero” identified in the strategic planning process as K-12 students, (2) adult education studio courses and teacher training and support, and (3) building a broader network of partnerships statewide. The MAX is experiencing the return of school field trips and the return of more significant numbers for youth activities such as the recording studio workshops, weekly toddler programs, family films, and First Saturdays family programs. In addition to presenting all planned exhibitions, lectures, performances, and classes, momentum is building for our third annual “edutainment” fundraiser Sipp & Savor Food and Drink Experience, hosting nearly 40 award-winning chefs in downtown Meridian on April 1, 2023.

If you have missed some of our recent programs, visit our landing page MAXLive.org or our YouTube Channel, where you will discover a series of sophisticated streaming programs. Practically every public program was streamed or recorded and can be viewed on these platforms. Analytics reveal that 60 percent of people reached through these streaming sources were in Mississippi, and 40 percent were out of the state. The Mississippi breakdown is 35 percent local (Lauderdale County), with the remaining 65 percent from other cities around the state. Five percent of the overall total came from countries outside the United States, including the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Italy, Mexico, India, and Chile. Other countries combined reported less than five (5) users a day. Finally, nearly everything we do of significance at The MAX is in partnership with others. Our partners are extensions of us—our mission and our vision. The MAX is an essential partner with other cultural and civic organizations throughout East Central Mississippi and the entire state.

Regards, Mark

A Tullos

Jr. President | CEO

The MAX

Big T signing the Clarksdale Blues Wall on 3rd Street near Deak’s Mississippi Saxophones. Cover photo ©Andy Brack, Charleston, S.C., 2016

Above: “The Crossroads,” courtesy of Mississippi Public Broadcasting. Below: Interior of Ground Zero Blues Club, courtesy of Visit Mississippi.

By Coleman Warner, Director of Development

Delta Community Finds New Vitality Through the Arts

But there’s no denying the authenticity of blues musicians and other artists who rightly claim a transformative impact in Clarksdale, a once-thriving farming and commercial center that suffered major population losses.

It has taken decades, an assortment of activists and investments, and attention from media interests (from bloggers to documentarians), but Clarksdale, population approximately 15,000, has emerged as a model for how the arts can breathe life into a community’s economy and identity.

Cultural tourism and related educational ventures are putting this timeworn Delta community on the map in fresh ways, and arts enthusiasts across Mississippi and beyond are taking notice.

“If you just think of the musicians that had their origins in Clarksdale, it’s unbelievable,” said Ken Flynt, a Meridian-area arts supporter who used his building expertise to help design a craft beer bar at Ground Zero, a Clarksdale music club and restaurant opened by the late Bill Luckett, a former mayor of the city, and actor Morgan Freeman. “It’s not a pretentious (music scene). Everybody kind of checks their egos at the door when they show up.” Clarksdale native Penne Lucas Huff, a medical clinic administrator in Meridian, called the stimulus provided by Clarksdale’s music festivals “very hopeful.”

Two of five pending inductees into The MAX Hall of Fame in Meridian, “King of Soul” Sam Cooke (1931–1964) and “Father of the Blues” W.C. Handy (1874–1958), are associated with Clarksdale. Cooke, the son of a Baptist minister, was born in the Delta community before growing up in Chicago

The legend of “The Crossroads” features a young bluesman Robert Johnson selling his soul to the Devil in exchange for a guitar mastery spell. Associated with the junction of two highways near Clarksdale in the Mississippi Delta, the much-cited episode is more drama than music history.

and making his break as a gospel singer; Handy, a musician and composer, grew up in Alabama but spent part of his early career directing the Knights of Pythias band in Clarksdale, before moving to Memphis. Dozens of blues musicians who made their mark in Detroit, Chicago, and elsewhere are linked to Clarksdale and Coahoma County, giving credence to the “Birthplace of the Blues” label.

Thousands of music-loving visitors, including many from Europe, are attracted to the yearly Juke Joint Festival and Sunflower Blues and Gospel Festival, and stop in at Ground Zero and other local blues clubs. The Delta Blues Museum, housed in an old train depot building since 1999, collects awards and foundation grants as it presents artifacts and rich interpretation for the Clarksdale blues music story. One homegrown blues star, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, serves as an exhibits tour guide via the museum’s website.

Music isn’t the only big influence in this increasingly arts-centric Mississippi community. Visual artists have brightened the look of a partially-vacated downtown district with wall murals (often depicting musicians). The Tennessee Williams Festival, featuring theatrical performances, recalls childhood years spent in Clarksdale by the family of the famous playwright, a Columbus, Mississippi native.

The Girot Arts organization, offering after-school arts training for local students, is working to transform a section of Yazoo Avenue for use by arts programs, following donations of the historic JC Penny Building and Paramount Theater buildings. “Spaces for art, teaching, theater, and workforce training will soon

The Delta Blues Museum, photo by Rory Doyle, courtesy of visitclarksdale.com.

occupy these historic properties, bringing these once-darkened windows to life again, and lighting the way for a renaissance in historic Downtown Clarksdale,” the Girot Arts website says. A delegation from the Delta nonprofit recently visited The MAX in Meridian, eager to collaborate.

One illustration of the quest for a diverse economy tied to the arts is found in the efforts of Oliver Luckett, son of the former mayor. The 48-year-old Luckett, a social media expert, was born in Clarksdale, grew up in Memphis, and later worked in Los Angeles. He returned to Clarksdale in 2020 when his father was diagnosed with cancer. Since that time, Oliver and his husband Scott Guinn have developed a specialty tea production business, as they back mural-painting and other community art projects. They also are encouraging artists, especially individuals with blues music connections, to relocate to Clarksdale.

“People are very curious about Mississippi around the country, very serious about its evolution,” Luckett said. “We’ve been trying to reconnect the roots of Mississippi back to these artists … there are only opportunities here, is the way I look at it.”

A local limousine at Blues Alley, photographer Nancy Salwen, courtesy of FearOfSinging.com.

Just a few of Clarksdale’s art connections are highlighted at The MAX in downtown Meridian.

People

Rick Anderson, Painter Sam Cooke, Musician W.C. Handy, Composer Edward James “Son” House, Musician Bessie Smith, Musician Ike Turner, Musician Conway Twitty, Musician Tennessee Williams, Playwright Early Wright, DJ

Places

E.E. Bass Cultural Art Center

Cutrer Mansion

Delta Blues Museum

Devil’s Crossroads, Legend Site Ground Zero, Juke Joint Smitty’s Red Top Lounge, Juke Joint Stovall Plantation

Things

Let The World Listen Right, Blues Documentary

Sunflower River Blues Festival WROX-AM Radio Station

Known primarily for its connection to the blues, Clarksdale is also home to exceptional street art created by artists from around the world. One mural depicts playwright Tennessee Williams, who lived in Clarksdale during childhood.

Clarksdale’s Street Art Scene

Left, top to bottom:

1. Tennessee Williams, artist Stacey Williams-Ng, Memphis, Tennessee.

2. The Only Good Border, artist Erre Erre, Bogota, Columbia.

3. Plow Mule Blues, artist Church Goin Mule, Opelousas, Louisiana.

4. Portrait of Dr. Vera Mae Pigee, artist Charles Coleman, Clarksdale.

Right, top to bottom:

5. Trombone Player, artist Chase Reid, Denver, Colorado.

6. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, artists Jim Rockwell, a.k.a.Jim Vision, and Devin Liston, Los Angeles, California.

7. Goals & Dreams, Clarksdale High School Art Department, Class of 2015.

8. Watermelon Slim, artist Bryan “Woodcarver” Weems, Clarksdale.

9. Clint Eastwood as the Outlaw Josey Wales, artist Christopher Keywood, Clarksdale.

The MAX Winter 22–23

For a listing of events at The MAX, visit msarts.org

Midnight at The Crossroads, Clarksdale, Mississippi, Devin Liston.

Last year a crew of inspiring folks came together through the Delta Arts District to pay homage to Clarksdale’s musical history on the South Wall of @gzbluesclub. This bright mural reminds me of all the beauty of Mississippi, Blues, and our community.

—Morgan Freeman on Twitter August 20, 2021

Angeles-based

created murals and shown his art—ranging from large scale murals to oil paintings, drawings and design —across the U.S. and around the world.

Devin is curator of the Delta Mural Project, an organization seeking to bring accessible art, youth education, and creative programming to Clarksdale.

Los

multi-media artist Devin Liston has

News from The MAX Development

Museum Benefactors Invited to Ceremony

Planning for the December 15 induction ceremony for five new members of The MAX Hall of Fame offers a prime opportunity for showing appreciation to companies, foundations, government officials, and other individuals who provide critical support to the state-mission nonprofit.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi is once again serving as title sponsor for a high-profile induction ceremony at the MSU Riley Center as the museum celebrates new Hall of Fame members Sam Cooke, W.C. Handy, Marty Stuart, Alice Walker, and Ida B. Wells. The ceremony and a subsequent reception at The MAX will allow a diverse and culturally wellattuned crowd to learn more about these legendary Mississippi artists.

Among those invited to the events are leaders of the Hardin and Riley foundations, state political representatives, City of Meridian and Lauderdale County elected officials, directors of other Mississippi museums, executives of a wide range of companies—from Yates Construction in Philadelphia to Southern Pipe & Supply in Meridian—and dozens of individuals who played key roles in Sipp & Savor and other fundraising efforts. These generous friends will enjoy an opportunity to meet and talk with close associates of honorees as the total number of artists featured in the Hall increases to 33.

The ceremony and reception also serve as a benefit for MAX members, all of whom are invited (with RSVPs requested). The nearly five-year-old museum plans to deliver an exceptional time for these individuals whose financial backing and good will advance a vital mission.

“We want our members to know that we deeply appreciate their sustained support, and want them to stay engaged as the museum evolves, adding programs and connecting with new audiences,” said Director of Development Coleman Warner. “The Hall of Fame induction represents a special time for this institution.”

Left to right: The 2022 MAX Hall of Fame Inductees: Musicians Sam Cooke (Clarksdale), W.C. Handy (Clarksdale), and Marty Stuart (Philadelphia); writers Alice Walker (Jackson), and Ida B. Wells (Holly Springs).

Exhibit Sponsored by Meridian Couple

In one recent development, longtime MAX members Buck and Barbara Thomas of Meridian sponsored a special exhibit of works by North Mississippi-based artist Angi Cooper, Between Us and The Sun: Beautiful Beings Be. Barbara has volunteered for the museum and now serves on its board. The exhibit opened November 15 and will be on display through March 11, 2023.

Year End Giving Sustains Mission

The approach of the calendar year’s end offers a fresh opportunity for The MAX’s friends to provide a little extra—in many cases, with tax-deduction benefits. Focusing on sustaining (and expanding) vital programs, the museum’s Year End Appeal letter will be received by a wide range of individuals and entities. The MAX serves as a unique resource to families, educators, and cultural tourism advocates, and relies on private financial support to strengthen its financial base. Responses to the appeal are deeply appreciated.

Our Condolences

The MAX family expresses its condolences in the recent passing of Sherry Monroe Broadhead, executive of the Paul & Sherry Broad Foundation, a major supporter of the arts museum and other philanthropic causes. Wife of the late Paul Broadhead, noted developer of shopping malls, Mrs. Broadhead was remembered as a well-traveled, adventurous “daughter of Meridian” who loved interior design, fine art, and reading. Her family honored her memory through the establishment of a Meridian Public Library book donation program.

Membership

Looking for a gift for your employees?

Ask about our Corporate Membership Levels!

Looking for a place to hold your Christmas party?

Ask about our Corporate Membership Levels!

Need a place for your business meeting(s)?

Ask about our Corporate Membership Levels!

Want to record a commercial for your company?

Ask about our Corporate Membership Levels!

A Corporate Membership Package from The MAX is a great way to add benefits for your clients and employees. To find out more, contact our membership program at 601-581-1550 ext. 1 (memberships).

The MAX Store

One-Stop Holiday Shopping

The MAX Holiday Shopping Week December 17–24

Looking for

unique place to find a Christmas gift? Try your local museum shop at The MAX.

Join us for The MAX Holiday Shopping Week. Members will receive 20% off purchases (includes McCarty Pottery). Non-members will receive 10% off purchases. Already reduced merchandise excluded.

Free gift wrapping available as well as custom gift baskets. Not a MAX Member? Join now and save on this and other great museum offerings; call 601-581-1550 ext. 1 or visit www.msarts.org/ giving/membership/.

Holiday gift buying is much more fun when you can find something unique and perfectly appropriate for the recipient—and support a great local cultural organization or nonprofit in the process. Patrons will find a collection of unique, educational, and creative items—gifts you can’t find anywhere else, and gifts that everyone on their list will love. By shopping at The MAX Store, you’ll not only find the perfect holiday gifts for your friends and family, but you can also know that your dollars are directly supporting our mission and programs. It’s a way to shop consciously, shop smart, and shop local.

Of course, another great option is to purchase a gift card for use in The MAX Store, toward a MAX membership, tickets to special events, fees for classes, and more.

Need some gift shopping inspiration? Check out what The MAX Store has to offer:

For the Home Decorator McCarty Pottery, Etta B Pottery, Wolfe Birds, Candles, and more

For the Apparel + Jewelry Lover MAX t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats, Haute Mess jewelry

For the “Foodie” Seasonings, cheese straws, wine glasses, tea towels, cookbooks, coffee mugs, and more

For the Art + Book Lover Walter Anderson and Amanda Klein prints, Wyatt Waters calendars, books by various Mississippi authors

For the Kids Art kits, children’s books, and more

For the Holidays Thymes Frazier Fir candles, Thanksgiving and Christmas tea towels, holiday greeting cards, Christmas ornaments, stocking stuffers, and more

a

Taking cues from her love of nature and its varied ecosystems, Mississippibased artist Angi Cooper combines science, symbolism, humor, and social commentary into her artwork. This exhibition of her work, Between Us and the Sun, includes original paintings and 2D and 3D mixed media pieces.

BETWEEN US AND THE SUN: BEAUTIFUL BEINGS BE

On view through March 11, 2023 Free with museum admission

Join us this winter on the first Saturday of the month for educational and entertaining themed activites including ornament decorating, a jazz performance, free health screenings, and more. For event details, visit msarts. org. 1st Saturday discount admission: $5 adults, $1 youth 6–17, free for children 5 and under.

FIRST SATURDAYS: DAYS OF FAMILY FUN

12/3/22 | Holiday@TheMAX 1/7/23 | Jazz in January 2/4/23 | Self Care Saturday

Youth ages 10–15 are invited to develop friendships, explore new art forms, and learn more about Mississippi artists at these free monthly creative workshops led by a museum educator. Supplies included. Registration required. 12/6/22 | Painting Holiday Ornaments 1/3/23 | Calligraphy 2/7/22 | Creating Nature Art

FIRST TUESDAYS:MAXCREATES WORKSHOPS

A Membership to The MAX

All memberships include: n Free admission for one year n Quarterly subscription to PLACE newsletter n Exclusive invitations to select events n MAX e-news updates n Member welcome packet n Discounts on select museum events n 10% discount in The MAX Store + Double Discounts on Wednesdays (some exclusions apply.) For a complete listing of benefits for all membership levels, visit msarts.org/giving/membership/

I’d like to become a member.

Membership Levels (check one)

n $50 Individual n $90 Dual n $150 Family n $175 Family+1

n $250 Patron n $275 Patron+1 n $500 Grand Patron

n $1,000 Benefactor’s Circle n $2,500 Corporate Circle n $5,000 Performer’s Circle

Name Address City State ZIP Email Phone Name on Membership Card

I’d like to purchase a gift membership.

Membership Levels (check one)

n $50 Individual n $90 Dual n $150 Family n $175 Family+1

This is a gift from:

n $250 Patron n $275 Patron+1 n $500 Grand Patron

n $1,000 Benefactor’s Circle n $2,500 Corporate Circle n $5,000 Performer’s Circle

Name Please mail the gift membership to:

Name Address City State ZIP Email Phone

Name on Membership Card Please return this form with a check made payable to Mississippi Arts+ Entertainment Experience, P.O. Box 148, Meridian, MS 39302. To pay by credit card, visit msarts.org or call 601-581-1550 ext. 1 (memberships).

Thank You

TO OUR MEMBERS

Grand Patron Level and above are listed below as of October 31, 2022.

Charter Performer’s Circle

Dr. & Mrs. Gary Boone Mr. & Mrs. Marty Davidson

Charter Corporate Circle

Hon. & Mrs. Lawrence Primeaux

Charter Benefactor’s Circle

Dr. & Mrs. Woodie Abraham Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Ric Alexander Dr. & Mrs. Robert J. Cater Mr. & Mrs. Duncan D. Chalk Mr. & Mrs. Greg Creel Mrs. Robert B. Deen Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Thomas K. Dobbins EMBDC

Freddie’s Fine Spirits Insurance Advisory Group, LLC

Mr. & Mrs. Larry Love Mrs. Vicky McDonnell

Mr. & Mrs. Archie R. McDonnell Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Phillip McLain

Mr. & Mrs. Scott McQuaig Mr. & Mrs. Manny Mitchell Stifel Nicolaus

Dr. & Mrs. J. Lee Valentine Waters International Trucks Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Fred Wile Mr. & Mrs. Brad Woodall

Charter Grand Patron

Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Alexander Mr. William E. Arlinghaus

Mr. Claiborne & Mrs. Marian Barksdale Mr. & Mrs. Clayton Cobler

Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Coffin, III Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey N. Cook Crow’s Nest Properties

Mr. & Mrs. Michael M. Davis, II Mr. Tommy Dulaney & Mrs. Rebecca Combs-Dulaney

Dr. & Mrs. Frederick Y. Grant Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd S. Gray Mr. & Mrs. Bill Hammack Mr. & Mrs. Miles Hester Mrs. Alice James Mr. & Mrs. Larry Johnson LaBiche Jewelers, LLC

Mr. & Mrs. Ken LaBruyere

Mr. & Mrs. Alan Lamar

Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Loeb Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Sam E. Long, III Mr. & Dr. Evan McDonald

Mr. & Mrs. David G. Ray Mr. & Mrs. Don Rogers Ms. Carolyn Smith Mr. & Mrs. Buck Thomas Ms. Peg Wahrendorff Mr. & Mrs. Coleman Warner Mr. & Mrs. Duffee Williams Corporate Circle Atlas Roofing Mr. & Mrs. Jay Davidson Magnolia Beverage Company The Preserve at Meridian

Benefactor’s Circle

BankPlus

Mr. & Mrs. Bob Barham Brookdale Senior Living Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Coleman Ms. Juanita Crowe

Meridian Airport Authority Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Hall Dr. Thomas R. Singley Dr. Tonea Stewart Van Zyverden, Inc.

Grand Patron

Mr. & Mrs. Eldean Boyken Mr. & Mrs. David Brevard Mr. & Mrs. Tad Campbell Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Drinkwater Dr. & Mrs. Daniel J. Evans Mr. Courtland Gray & Mrs. Shannon Crowe Mr. & Mrs. Checky Herrington Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Kahlmus Mr. Robert Kennedy Mr. & Mrs. Bob Luke

Meridian OB/GYN, PLLC Mr. Sammy Moon Dr. & Mrs. Nathan Myatt Dr. & Mrs. Michael Nanney Mr. & Mrs. Stacy Nicholson Drs. Kendrick & Lindsey Prewitt Mr. Harry G. Robinson Jr. Mr. & Mrs. David Shipman Mr. & Mrs. Kyle Temple Dr. Thomas T. Tischer & Mrs. Elizabeth S. Frohse Dr. & Mrs. John D. Voss Mr. & Mrs. George S. Warner Mr. Terry Winstead