EDITORIAL
Alyssa Schnugg
Ian Sparks
CONTRIBUTORS
Davis Coen
Julie Hines Mabus
Mary-Katherine Herrington
MacKenna Sherer
Bolton Smith
Sonia Thompson
DESIGN
Victoria Hutton
EDITOR
Amelia Ott
MARKETING
Joseph Climer
ADMINISTRATION
Rebecca Alexander, Publisher
Luke Westphal, Audience Development
Davis Coen is a freelance writer and newspaper reporter from Oxford by way of South Carolina. He’s had stories published in various local publications including Oxford Eagle, Oxford Citizen and Daily Journal. He also maintains a music career with over a dozen tours of Europe and regular airplay on SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Mary-Kathryn Herrington is co-owner of Herrington Jones Interiors, an interior design studio helping clients with remodels, new construction and home furnishings since 2017. A Memphis native, Herrington has called Oxford home for 25 years. She is a wife, business owner and a busy mother to three children. In addition, she has contributed to many local and regional publications, covering a range of topics, including many home design features.
A native of Jackson, Mississippi, and graduate of Ole Miss, Julie went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Finance from Columbia University. She served as First Lady of the State of Mississippi from 1988-1992 and spent two years in Saudi Arabia, often challenging the strict rules imposed on women. She now resides in Oxford, where she tutors finance and accounting. She recently wrote her first book, “Confessions of a Southern Beauty Queen,” to universal acclaim.
MacKenna Sherer, originally from the suburbs of Chicago, is an undergraduate student at the University of Mississippi. She is pursuing a degree in Integrated Marketing and Communications and is expected to graduate in Spring 2026. MacKenna has been working closely with YAC to help promote local artists in the Oxford area through her writing. She enjoys all things music, spending time with her loved ones, and visiting new cities.
A Tennessee native, Bolton Smith is an undergraduate student at the University of Mississippi, pursuing a degree in Integrated Marketing and Communications with plans to graduate in the spring of 2027. Passionate about fashion, she founded and operates Buttoned by B, a local sports button business. When she isn’t studying or working, Bolton enjoys spending time with friends and playing pickleball.
Sonia Thompson is the marketing and communications director for the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area. She loves exploring the charming small towns of northeast Mississippi for work and also with her husband and two daughters. She grew up in mid-Missouri but has called Oxford home for 18 years. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, loves being outdoors, and especially coffee.
SSpring is here, bringing fresh opportunities, exciting changes, and the perfect time to explore Oxford’s ever-evolving real estate scene.
First up, we’re taking a deep dive into the local real estate market and trends with Oxford’s Best Realtor 2024, Tim Phillips, to see what’s really happening in Oxford’s housing market. Prices have skyrocketed nearly 50% since 2023, and demand is higher than ever. We’ll take a look at what’s driving these changes, the features buyers are prioritizing, and the role the university plays in shaping the housing market.
If you’re considering buying, we’ve got you covered with expert insights on buying and financing from Jake Ott, my husband (first and foremost—haha!) and Oxford’s Best Mortgage Lender 2024. From locking in the best interest rates to navigating loan options, our Q&A will help you make sense of the process and stand out in a competitive market.
And of course, we can’t talk about real estate without touching on the closing process—that final stretch that can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Matt McKenzie, Oxford’s Best Lawyer 2024, will break down what to expect, common mistakes to avoid, and the hidden costs buyers should watch out for.
But this issue isn’t just about homes—it’s about the people who make Oxford special. Our Women of Oxford feature highlights some incredible women who are shaping our community. From women like Ashley Atkinson and Amberlyn Liles, who help keep the city running smoothly, to Kate Bishop of Chicory Market, who brings fresh food to our tables, and Stephanie Barrett, who aims to keep Oxford healthy, these women—and so many more—are making a lasting impact. We’re also taking a moment to honor remarkable women from North Mississippi’s past with a guide to the monuments and historic sites celebrating their legacies.
Speaking of fascinating women, Julie Mabus introduces us to the stunning work of Cheryl Mossberg, a gifted and devoted mother of two, whose creativity further enriches our vibrant artistic community.
And because a fresh season calls for a fresh style, we have pages full of spring fashion trends, compliments of Bolton Smith and interior design inspiration from Mary-Kathryn Herrington to help refresh your home and wardrobe.
Whether you’re house hunting, celebrating the women who make Oxford great, or looking for inspiration this season, we hope you enjoy this issue.
Here’s to new beginnings and the place we call home!
amelia.ott@oxfordmag.com
William Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors Ford Center
April 1 | 7:30pm
Oxford Conference for the Book
University of Mississippi April 2-4
Zach Top The Lyric April 2 | 8pm
Oxford Junior Auxiliary Spring Fling The Powerhouse April 4 | 7:30pm
Easter Eggstravaganza mTrade Park April 8 | 5:30-7:30pm
Theo Von: Return of the Rat The Pavilion at Ole Miss April 9 | 6:30pm
La Canterine & The Beautiful Bridegroom Ford Center April 11| 7:30pm
Mississippi Day University of Mississippi April 12 | 10am-2pm
'Hadestown' Musical Performance Ford Center April 24 | 7:30pm
Marcus King Band The Lyric April 24 | 8pm
Double Decker Arts Festival Downtown Oxford April 25-26
Oxford String Project and LOU Youth Symphony Concert
David H. Nutt Auditorium April 30 | 7:30pm
Oxford Civic Chorus
David H. Nutt Auditorium May 3 | 3-5pm
Ole Miss Commencement 2025
University of Mississippi May 7-10
OLE MISS BB VS. FLORIDA
Swayze Field
March 27 - 7pm
March 28 - 6:30pm
March 29 - 1:30pm
OLE MISS BB VS. JACKSON STATE
Swayze Field
April 1 - 4pm
OLE MISS BB VS. ALCORN STATE
Swayze Field
April 9 - 4pm
OLE MISS BB VS. TENNESSEE
Swayze Field
April 11 - 6:30pm
April 12 - 4pm
April 13 - 2pm
OLE MISS BB VS. VANDERBILT
Swayze Field
April 25 - 6:30pm
April 26 - 5pm
April 27 - 1:30pm
OLE MISS BB VS. AUBURN
Swayze Field
May 15 - 6:30pm
May 16 - 6:30pm
May 17 - 1:30pm
BY KIESE LAYMON
The debut children’s book from former University of Mississippi professor Kiese Laymon is a lyrical picture book about three Black boys who form a deep connection during a transformative summer trip down South to visit family. With text brimming with love by the award-winning author of Heavy and deeply evocative illustrations by Ashley Franklin, City Summer, Country Summer illuminates the tenuous and tender bonds of friendship Black boys forge with one another.
Event: April 4 | 5pm | The Powerhouse
BY BERNICE MCFADDEN
On her second birthday in 1967, Bernice McFadden died in a car crash near Detroit, only to be resuscitated after her mother pulled her from the flaming wreckage. Firstborn Girls traces her remarkable life from that moment up to the publication of her first novel, Sugar, interwoven with her family's history, beginning with her four-times enslaved great-grandmother Louisa Vicey Wilson in 1822 Hancock County, Georgia. A memoir of many threads, Firstborn Girls is an extraordinarily moving portrait of a life shaped by family, history, and the drive to be something more.
Event: April 4 | 3pm | Off Square Books
Recommendations from Jude Burke-Lewis Square Books
BY JAZ BRISACK
Get on the Job and Organize is a compelling, inspirational narrative of the Starbucks and Tesla unionization efforts, telling the broader story of the new, nationwide labor movement unfolding in our era of political and social unrest. As one of the exciting new faces of the American Labor Movement, University of Mississippi graduate Jaz Brisack argues that while workers often organize when their place of work is toxic, it’s equally important to organize when you love your job.
Event: April 30 | 5:30pm | Off Square Books
BY CALLIE COLLINS
Against the vibrant, bluesy backdrop of 1970s Austin, Texas, this shimmering debut follows the collision between hicks and hipsters that ultimately results in tragedy. The Rush Creek Saloon, on the outskirts of Austin, is a bar without a crowd until a strange new house band transforms it from moribund honky-tonk to thriving blues bar. But are the throngs of people and the rowdy music worth the chaos that comes with them? Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine is a time capsule stuffed with heat and booze, electric guitar riffs and big, empty spaces.
Event: 10 | 6pm | Off Square Books
BY ALICE AUSTEN
On the eve of the Nazi occupation, in the heart of Brussels, life for the residents of 33 Place Brugmann is about to change forever. In the face of their perilous new reality, every member of this accidental community will discover they are not the person they believed themself to be. When confronted with a cruel choice--submit to the regime or risk their lives to save one another--each learns the truth about what, and who, matters to them the most.
Event: April 4 | 3pm | Off Square Books
BY MARTHA PARK
When Martha Park’s father announces he is retiring from the ministry after forty-two years, she moves home to Memphis to attend his United Methodist church for his last year in the pulpit. She hopes to encounter a more certain sense of herself as secular or religious. Instead, she becomes increasingly compelled by her uncertainty, and grows curious whether doubt itself could be a kind of faith that more closely echoes a world marked by loss, beauty, and constant change.
Event: May 12 | 5:30pm | Off Square Books
BY JULIE MABUS
Cheryl Wilson was born in 1979 in Birmingham, Alabama, the third child of Robbie and Diane Wilson. Although her parents were profoundly different people, each contributed to the artist Cheryl would become.
Cheryl’s father, Robbie, was an athlete in his youth. He played for the UAB (University of Alabama, Birmingham) men’s volleyball team and was awarded All-American status, making him one of the best volleyball players in the nation.
Cheryl spoke of her father in the context of his discipline as an athlete: “My father was a professional painter. He was a craftsman with his work. He had crews that did most of the painting, but when he started, he approached his work with the precision of an athlete. I remember he told me he left the workspace tidier than when he started his job.”
Cheryl clearly inherited the athlete’s discipline from her father. When I approached her newly built studio behind her home on Mississippi Highway 30, just east of Oxford, the black metal building stood framed by a backdrop of trees and a neatly covered entryway. Once inside the building, it was clear Cheryl was transforming the space into a studio and gallery for future art exhibitions. Her tools and finished works were thoughtfully
arranged, each seemingly placed to catch the dappled rays of western sunlight streaming through the trees on the property.
Cheryl and her four siblings were raised from a very young age by her father and stepmother, Kathy, a nurse anesthetist. Cheryl has vague memories of her young mother before that transition. “My sisters said she was a creative cook. If you are a great creator of food, you have to be a risk taker.” Cheryl mused about the connection between creating food and creating art. “You must be willing to try without fear of failure.”
When the children moved in with
moved out into the country. Robbie and Kathy weren’t satisfied with the schools, so Robbie started homeschooling the children. Cheryl was in the third grade.
I couldn’t imagine. “How in the world did your father manage to homeschool five children?”
Cheryl corrected me. “Oh, no, my siblings wanted to be in a school setting. I was the only one who continued the homeschooling for a few years. And since he worked for himself, he was able to manage his business and my schooling. Kathy helped when she could.”
“And when did you begin with your art?”
“My dad is definitely the one who discovered and fostered my creativity from a very early age. He himself is very creative. And he kept a steady flow of supplies readily available.
“Drawing became my artistic foundation—it helped me develop an eye.” Cheryl paused, reflecting for a moment before continuing. “We had a horse on the property, and I spent so much time in that barn, either drawing or doing homework.
“I was able to take art classes when I started seventh grade, but by then, I had already practiced so much that it came really naturally. That year, I won first place at the county art show. In high school I began painting extensively. Art became my identity, and even then, my friends associated me with being an artist.”
While art was important in Cheryl’s life, athletics, particularly volleyball, were
Dear Cheryl,
Your beautiful mother is gone now. For more than sixty years, she searched—tirelessly and often recklessly—to find meaning in her life. It was a struggle for all of you—for her, you, and your four siblings. But now, the struggle is over. As she made her transition, you held her, comforted her, and gave her the greatest gifts of all: understanding and acceptance. When her journey ended, you picked up a paintbrush and your palette of chosen oils. On a freshly stretched linen canvas, you began the process of healing as you worked to free her from the torment she carried in life.
Wilson family. After high school, Cheryl earned an athletic scholarship to Auburn University, joining the women’s volleyball team and following in her older sister’s footsteps. However, a coaching change during her sophomore year led Cheryl to explore other opportunities, ultimately resulting in her recruitment to the Ole Miss volleyball team.
“I majored in art at Ole Miss, focusing on painting, but my ceramics instructor, Ron Dale, left a lasting impression. He introduced me to the world of pottery.” Over time, as her style evolved, the textures and layering techniques she learned from working with clay naturally crept into her paintings.
While at Ole Miss, Cheryl also met her husband, Matt Mossberg. Originally from California, Matt had come to Ole Miss to play baseball. Their shared discipline as athletes created a natural connection. “Two college athletes getting together—we just got each other,” Cheryl said. The couple fell in love and were married six months after graduating.
Eventually, Matt accepted a coaching position at Ole Miss, bringing them back to
Oxford for about six years. During that time, he transitioned into sports administration, which led to a job opportunity at a college in Buffalo, New York, and their subsequent move north.
I questioned her, “I just watched a video in which you spoke of going to nursing school during that period in Buffalo. What about your art?”
“It’s interesting. Right after college, I started receiving requests for custom artwork from a loyal following—old friends and people I had met along the way. They wanted portraits, paintings of their pets, or artwork of football stadiums from their alma maters. I was selling paintings all over the country to people I knew.
“But before the move, I thought it would be helpful to supplement our income to help the cost of raising children. Nursing school seemed the right career move at the time.
“When we relocated to Buffalo, we had two little boys, Jack and Pete. I planned to continue nursing school in Buffalo.” But life took a turn for the couple.
Months after the birth of their second son, Pete, Cheryl and Matt’s orderly,
disciplined world began to unravel. Cheryl shared their heart-wrenching story on the podcast “Our American Stories.” She recounted that Pete had been a normal baby until about six months, when his ear infections started. By the time Pete was eighteen months, ear tubes followed by adenoid surgery had failed to produce any relief for Pete or the family.
“He began to isolate himself. He just went somewhere; that’s all I can say. We
had hopes of Pete coming back to us. That was not what happened. It got worse. He began refusing food.”
For Cheryl to continue nursing school, the couple needed to find a childcare facility. She shared her searching experience on the podcast. “At the end of the first day at a new school, the gentle but concerned director told me, ‘This is not going to
work; there is something wrong with your son.’”
After months of searching and evaluations, Pete was diagnosed with severe social and cognitive developmental deficits—a diagnosis that was later classified as autism. “I quit nursing school and dedicated 100% of my time and energy to Pete and Jack,” Cheryl recalled.
On the podcast, Cheryl
recounted the profound journey of self-awareness she has experienced in the twelve years since Pete’s diagnosis. “In the beginning, it was about me. What had I done wrong? I thought, ‘I have to fix this—it’s not working for us. The tantrums, the bad behavior— why can’t I control him?’
“Meanwhile, my son was suffering. I didn’t understand how he experienced the world, especially with his severe sensory processing challenges. Now, at fourteen years old, I can see that God had given me exactly what I needed as a parent. It was His way of saying, ‘This is not your son— he’s My son. You are here to care for him, guide him, and point him in the right direction.’”
Amid these family trials, Cheryl and Matt had a surprise pregnancy, and Roy, their third
son, was born. “But by the time Pete started kindergarten, I realized things had gotten easier with the kids. My sweet Pete was sandwiched between two typical brothers who just loved him. And, what happened to me? I started building canvases.”
As it happened, Matt got a job offer in Oxford, and the Mossberg family came home. It’s been nine years since their move from Buffalo. Matt is in business for himself, the children are in school, Pete is obsessed with motorbikes, and Cheryl has just finished her new studio.
Cheryl smiled as she discussed the evolution of her work. “I was slowly able to cut back on my commissions. They are hard work because you paint things you wouldn’t otherwise paint, and that process can hurt inspiration. I
began saying ‘no’ to the commissions three years ago.”
For the first time in the interview, I turned my eyes away from Cheryl’s face and focused on the paintings that lined the walls of her studio. These larger-than-life images—a winged horse; a unicorn; a beguiling woman in repose with her quiet control over a wild beast; a creature with the snakes of Medusa circling its head; a sphinx with gilded breasts and wings; a falcon, which symbolizes courage, transforming into the image of a masked woman; a deer with textured and gold leaf horns, Pan in the body of a woman; the eye of a horse whose soul seeps through the canvas—told the story of the pain and glory in Cheryl’s life. The splendor of mythology plays a decisive role in her images, with brilliant colors commanding the onlooker’s attention.
She explained, “As humans, we have things we keep inside. Creative people just let them out. I made a conscious decision to put it all out there and not be afraid of being childlike. Children are fearless. They are the most creative. And I try to take a risk on every single painting so that it can’t be replicated.”
I reacted. “You said that about your mother and her cooking.”
Cheryl paused. “May I show you something? I’ve recently completed three paintings since my mother died three years ago.”
Whether by design or raw emotion, the paintings spoke of the chains that bind us in this world and the freedom that may be found in death.
The first painting depicts a female figure—bound, almost choking—in black lace. Her bare, right thigh reveals that she is on her knees. She’s holding the reins of a horse—the embodiment of what she cherishes most.
The second image shows the woman balancing a column of light in her hand—a symbol of her power. The lace of her dress, now blood-red, falls from her body, which is embedded in stone.
The third painting reveals the woman with her horse again. Everything is white, including the lace that frames the painting. Perhaps this represents Cheryl’s journey through loss and healing, as well as her mother’s path from bondage to liberation. As Cheryl continues to grow as an artist, she carries forward a remarkable legacy and the profound lessons learned from grief and love.
For now, Cheryl is the artist in residence at Heartbreak Coffee, where many of her current paintings are available for purchase. Her new studio will also serve as a gallery where she will be marking a new chapter in her artistic journey.
As Cheryl channels her emotions through the paintings of spectacular creatures with vibrant colors, the possibilities are endless. She inspires. She beckons.
By Storm
BY DAVIS COEN
OOn February 22nd, 2025, singersongwriter and Ole Miss senior Izzy Arthurs packed local music venue Proud Larry's, drawing a crowd that stretched down the block. Fans were eager to experience her unique sound—a blend of contemporary pop and alternative rock, like a love child of Chappell Roan and Tori Amos.
She learned later that some of her friends weren’t even able to get in because the venue was at capacity for the better part of the evening.
Along with a strong accompanying band of talented musicians, made up of hired guns who travelled from her hometown of Jackson, Tennessee, Izzy had a lively crowd in the palm of her hands through the span of over a dozen popular cover renditions and originals.
“It’s really lucky that they believe in my project. I'm really grateful
for these guys,” Izzy said of her band, which consists of drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards. “I knew it was going to be a big deal for them to come down to Oxford, but I didn't know that Oxford would show up for me. I was overwhelmed with gratitude.”
Izzy finds that music is something she’s always gravitated toward naturally, ever since her parents put her into piano lessons back in elementary school.
“When I was a kid, my friends were like, ‘I want to be a firefighter.’ and ‘I want to be a doctor.’ And my knee jerk reaction was - ‘I want to be a rockstar,’” said Izzy, who began trying her hand at songwriting around the age of 10.
“It was always something that kind of made sense to me. And as I've kind of grown up, songwriting has been my way of processing life and connecting with other people, too,” she said.
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This eventually led to her playing any singer-songwriter showcase she could find, along with an acoustic guitar, until high school when she eventually met other like minded musicians and was able to form a group. Performing quickly became a focus in her life.
Although her parents weren’t very musical, Izzy grew up an only child and music became the vehicle through which she was able to relate to the world.
She doesn’t consider herself a “musician’s musician,” but claims to have a “basic handle on theory,” at least enough to pursue songwriting.
Even though Izzy has always been intent on getting her degree at Ole Miss, she discovered about halfway through her education that all she really wanted to do was perform music.
“I really made the conscious decision that this is going to be my life path,” she said, “and if I want to do this, I have to do it 110 percent.”
Arthurs also worked for an indie
record label in Jackson, where she was able to observe some other artists trying to get their foot in the door. This gave her more confidence that a career in music might be a reachable goal.
“It's just a million baby steps in the right direction,” she said.
Izzy sees the February 22 show at Proud Larry’s as her best performance yet, but the charismatic young woman is ready for her “next best performance,” which is sure to be somewhere right around the corner.
Also in the works is her debut EP, which she has been recording live in the studio in order to harness the authenticity and spontaneity of a band playing together.
“It’s high-risk, high-reward,” said Arthurs. “Everybody plays at the same time, then we see what the best take is. And the goal of that is to show what we sound like live.”
She plans on releasing her first single from the album, a song called “The Skeptic,” this spring, around the same
time as Double Decker Festival in Oxford.
Izzy describes her song as “a playful take on what it's like to fall for somebody when you've always been guarded.” She said, “At the end of the day, we all kind of give ourselves over to being a fool for love. We don't really stand a chance if we are the cynical, safe-playing kind of person.”
Arthurs has a strong sense of synesthesia when she writes her own music, and claims that each of her songs has a vibrant color attached to it. In the case of “The Skeptic,” she says the color is lavender.
Another one of the recordings is a song called “Orbiting,” which she’s been developing in her live set for a few years, and relates to the color green because it conjures impressions of planet Earth.
“It’s about what it's like to be a human in the 21st century, where we have all this technology and access to people who have left our lives in the
physical sense - like after a breakup or a falling out. But you can still keep tabs on them from a distance, through social media, and it's a very kind of lonely cycle. To me that feels like you're orbiting them, like a planet.”
But overall, she says the most pervasive thing in her songwriting now is trying to figure out life, through the eyes of a young person “It's a very painful and beautiful kind of thing.”
Izzy radiates authenticity, and it’s very quick to see in her live show. Besides hopes of a tour later this year, she’ll continue with local appearances until graduation.
These include a show at The Powerhouse on Tuesday, April 22nd, which is a bigger space to accommodate her growing fanbase.
She also intends to continue honing her skills as a songwriter, working on her media, and looking forward to the next recording project.
For more updates, visit IzzyArthurs.com or @IzzyArthursMusic on all social platforms.
BY MACKENNA SHERER
AAmidst the shopping centers of Chicago, Illinois, Debbie Myers’ passion for art blossomed. From an early age, Myers’ admired her mother, a talented artist, as she sold her pieces at local art shows amongst the bustling marketplaces. Meyers’ was always by her side; she took in the innovative energy around her which sparked her desire to create. Even as a child, she knew that art would always be a part of her life.
Her time growing up in Chicago granted Meyers’ the opportunity to indulge in the rich history and culture of the city. She often found herself reflecting on the pieces found in the Art Institute of Chicago, igniting her creative spirit as she indulged in the wide variety of art the Institute had to offer. Eventually, Meyers’ decided to leave her home in Chicago to attend college at Arkansas State and pursue a degree in Graphic Design. However, the artistry in her blood called forth her true passion for watercolor, a medium that ultimately captured her heart and career.
Meyers’ embraced her calling as a watercolorist, her passion leading her on a journey to embrace the medium as she worked to bring her artistic vision to life. She
2 Pairs + One Watercolor.This painting was done as a demo for a still life class Myers taught using Laurin McCracken's technique of painting a black background.
eventually met her husband, a Mississippi native. They settled in Oxford, Mississippi, in 2009, drawn in by the charm of the small town, beauty of the Delta, and of course, the history, music, and food of the Oxford culture. The factors that led the couple to nestle there still “...have an influence on [their] everyday life, which in turn, is reflected in [Meyers’] artwork.”
Meyers’ states her luck in having been blessed with the opportunity to explore Mississippi through an artist’s eye. As one of the founding committee members of the Mississippi Plein Air Painters, she has deeply become invested in sharing her work through organizing “Paint Outs” in local areas around Oxford, such as Laurel, Ocean Springs and Vicksburg.
She finds joy in painting simplistic images such as children at play, seeking to capture moments that evoke cherished memories. “I want the viewer to take away a memory of a simpler time, as a child, without a care in the world.” Meyers states. She aims to transport the viewer with nostalgia, such as playing outside, dancing in the rain, and embracing the whimsy nature of being unburdened. Meyers’ watercolor work stirs the viewer’s inner child, reminding them of carefree childhood days when the world felt light and airy.
Her residency in Oxford has granted her the time to approach other mediums as well. Her work stretches from her canvas to the historical buildings on the Oxford Square; her brush thoughtfully touches each brick of the town to be viewed and admired by its citizens. Each stroke represents a memory of the times she has spent in the community as she utilizes her craft to give back to others.
Through the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, she has been granted the opportunity and space to share her passion of watercolor with others in the Oxford area. Meyers’ teaches watercolor classes with the funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission for supplies and tools, allotting her the ability to not only practice her skills, but to build a collective artist community.
, Watercolor
“Mississippi embraces their artists and creatives,” Myers says. “We are a unique state that encourages and promotes the Arts.” There is no world she could imagine thriving in without having the ability to create and express her love of watercolor with others.
To learn more about Debbie Myers’, visit @ deep_roots_art on Instagram and Deep Roots Art on Facebook to view her previous work.
BY MACKENNA SHERER
TThe foliage of the South inherently calls to those willing to listen. Trees, specifically, called to Zach Adamz from an early age. His first memory of fascination stems from the joyous time he spent outdoors as a child in the landscape of Chattanooga, Tennessee. His time hiking the rocky Appalachian mountains and fishing in the nearby streams and lakes fostered his relationship with the biosphere, sourcing the inspiration for his art.
As humans and trees grow, age, and change, Zach Adamz embraced his call to become a muse for the natural world as a Bonsai artist. Adamz has practiced his craft for over a dozen years, even turning his passion for Bonsai into a business model to share with the Oxford community.
His journey to study the art of Bonsai
was one on an international scale. He left his home in Chattanooga shortly after graduating high school to study at the National Bonsai Museum in Seoul, South Korea, in 2019. He qualified as a Bonsai master and utilized his newgained artistic knowledge in the United States. He reminisces how the first of his works drew from his hikes among the trees in Korea and how his time abroad was integral to his artistic development. From Salt Lake City, Utah, to Austin, Texas, Adamz eventually was called to the University of Mississippi.
Amongst his travels, Adamz found love: his wife, whom he is happily married to, and their four children. The family’s move to the charming town of Oxford, Mississippi, was spurred by the offer of an academic teaching position.
The landscape of Northern Mississippi provided comfort and familiarity for Adamz, the mixed forest environment beckoning him back to his true calling.
However, his recreational passion was soon challenged by the necessity to provide for his family. About a year after moving to Oxford, the mundane lifestyle of academia was not fulfilling. As the University took a different route, Adamz looked at his craft in a new light. Taking up Bonsai as a full-time commitment, Adamz was forced to look actively at what he was creating from an outside perspective. He learnt “...how to balance personal taste and objective beauty in [his] art form.”
Thus, in 2021, Komorebi Bonsai was born. The Japanese term, Komorebi, meaning “sunlight that filters through the leaves to the forest floor,” inspired sharing his practice with the Mississippian community. From selling his work to offering workshop classes, Adamz has discovered a way to stay true to the core value of his art whilst providing.
“Every tree reflects a piece of memory within the landscape,” he says. As the rings of trees display age and memory, so do the miniature models of his work. He often states that a tree in his collection “Looks like the one we climb at grandma’s house”
or reminds a viewer of “That one tree at the lake by the cabin.” Adamz gains joy from fulfilling his artistic purpose and takes pride in connecting people with the cherished places of their past through the natural environment.
His art continues to pull from the landscape of the South, drawing on the creative sense that the natural world is not always the inspiration but more so the human-environment interaction. He values the people of Mississippi due to their ability to live within the realm of nature, not just on its soil. Mississippi shines through his pieces as he continues to explore the state’s biodiversity and cultural history and how that can be cultivated to be part of his craft.
Adamz shares his desire to contribute to the community
by showing that Bonsai is not just a Japanese art to be practiced in Mississippi, but an art form of Mississippi. He reflects the traditions and heritage of the South through the native species and climate by working in tandem with the natural world.
“Understanding how the tree works, how it grows, and spending that time with the tree takes you to the next level of contemplation with yourself and with something that can’t communicate with you on a verbal level.” Whilst nature cannot converse with words, Adamz has pursued his desire to express the words of the natural world with its viewers through Bonsai.
After practicing recreationally for 15 years, He continues to share his gift through his children. He spends his time helping them collect moss and rocks in the woods of Mississippi. His love for his family has
Satsuki Azalea
by Galen Holley
RReal estate in Oxford is at a premium.
The University of Mississippi provides academic and cultural opportunities, as well as top-quality SEC sports for fans’ enjoyment.
With the added presence of excellent medical facilities and schools, Oxford is a place where everybody wants to live.
Ole Miss is admitting record numbers of students, perhaps as many as 6,500 freshmen next year.
The city’s overall population is growing at a rate of nearly 2 percent annually and the market is in a perpetual state of flux.
According to the most recent data, dwellings in Oxford are selling faster and at higher prices. For example, as of March, 119 residential homes were either for sale or being built in the Oxford School District.
The median cost was $695,000, and they stayed on the market an average of 99 days. That’s compared to 2024, when, among 479 listings, the median cost was
$465,000, with 114 days on the market. As for condos, 76 were either ready to occupy or being built as of March, at a median cost of $482,475.
They have remained on the market an average of 63 days. Compare that to 2024, when, among 573 condo listings, the median cost was $439,000, with an average 114 days on the market. In terms of mid-range housing, as of March, the number of available residential homes, ranging from 1,500 to 2,450 square feet, was 22, with an average price of $656,000.
Census data shows that from 2019-2023, 43.6 percent of housing units were owner-occupied, indicating that while rental property is abundant, real estate ownership is a robust investment in Oxford. Indicators show that availability is struggling to keep up with demand.
Home values are expected to rise 2 percent by August, indicating strong demand and limited supply. This corresponds with a projected 7-12 percent increase in home values nationally.
JBy Mary-Kathryn Herrington, Designer, Herrington Jones Interiors
ust like clothing fashions change and evolve and sometimes leave us asking ourselves questions like,
“What style jeans am I supposed to be wearing right now?”, home trends change too and sometimes feel very daunting! So where do you start when updating your space in 2025?
Home trends may not move quite as quickly as fashion, but often if you are observant you can connect the two to predict what is coming. For instance, in the fall, brown seemed to be popping up in clothing in every retail store, and likely made its way into your closet! So it will not shock you to know that it should also be starting to appear in your home design purchases as well.
Warm, earthy tones are just one of the things you may have stared to see in magazines, on your Instagram feed or in your favorite furniture store. Wherever
you go for home decor inspiration, sometimes it can be overwhelming to know where to start and how to update your space! So, whether you want to make a few small purchases to help make your house to feel updated, you are redoing a space like your living room or bedroom, or maybe you are in the midst of a remodel or new build, here are five “of the moment” interior design looks to consider before you make that next purchase, no matter the size of your project.
Warm it up
For many, many years it seemed that cool whites and grays were the “it colors” in home interiors, the modern farmhouse moment has passed and although white and gray are both neutrals that will never go out of style, warmer tones are on the scene. Opt for a warmer whites, a mushroomy “griege” ( a blend of gray and beige) or a deep chocolate brown! This color palette isn’t brand new, in fact,
colors have started to trend this way for a little while, but opting to use some of these warmer tones will make your space feel more updated this year.
Earth tones can be incorporated by adding some new throw pillows or updated drapery using these richer colors. These are two approachable and easy ways you make your space feel up to date. There are so many great resources for decent looking ready made drapery, or work with a designer to get custom drapery made for your space!
Warm, layered tones also make a space feel very inviting. Look to famous designers like Amber Lewis for inspiration on how to layer your home with earth tones.
Jewel tones are also a rising trend. A deep wine color or burgundy is probably not the color palette you’ve used in recent years, but find a way to bring in these vibrant, dark colors to your space you’ll be
sure to be on the cutting edge!
Wallpaper is also a fun way to add these colors to your home. Wallpaper is definitely
back in fashion. Try adding some to your powder room, your bedroom or your dining room. Powder bathrooms are a great spot to start with adding wallpaper, and usually due to their size it can be the most economical place to add it as well. Whether you lean toward geometric prints, florals or just a tonal textured paper like grasscloth, there is a wallpaper for every taste and budget. Grab some samples and tape them up on your wall and see what strikes you! Paint it all and make a big statement
A really fun way to make a big statement is color drenching! This is when all the walls, trim and ceiling in a room are painted the same color. Choose one of these rich, pretty colors we talked about above and really go for it. Opt for a higher sheen paint, like high gloss or even a lacquer to really make a bold statement. It is important to make sure your painter is skilled at working with a higher gloss paint and having walls that are in good shape is key for using a higher sheen paint, as its more likely to show imperfections.
Another spin on this idea that you can implement if you’ve decided to wallpaper a space is to choose a color from the paper to paint your trim and ceiling in that room. This will leave the space looking really complete and very planned out.
Embrace warmth in your wood tones
After several years of seeing lighter wood stains and even gray washes on flooring, in 2025 we are seeing more wood tones move toward the warmer and richer end of the spectrum. Whether that is incorporating a walnut island in a kitchen or choosing a stain for hardwood flooring that is a warmer more classic shade these richer tones are starting to show up more and more. Don’t distress, if you added white oak cabinets in the past few years, they are still beautiful and definitely not out of date, but warmer tones are coming into play as well. A practical and easy way to embrace this look is through furniture. What’s Old is New Again
A trend that began to make a come back during the Covid era supply chain issues, and has really stuck around is the use of vintage furnishings. Look for a a great
vintage chest of drawers or a cool lamp, just be sure to update the shade. Vintage barware and antique trays, both brass and silver, are also great to accessorize your home with. Shopping at estate sales and antique malls is a great way to add some curated interest to your home. Often the missing piece you need may not be something new from a furniture store, often homes need something vintage to add character and a little story to the space!
Something collected from family
members, or on travels also add story and history to your home. A fun HomeGoods purchase may scratch your immediate itch, but filling your home with quality products that have meaning and that have stood the test of time can also be very special. The old adage, “they don’t make them like they used to” sometimes applies to furniture as well, so look for vintage chairs that just need new upholstery, or heavy solid wood furniture, that with a good cleaning might have years of life left in it.
Vintage rugs are also a great way to add some depth to a room. Etsy can be a great resource for these, and they are the perfect place the test out some of these new colors!
Expect to see some large scale florals start to appear more and more in textiles and fabrics. Harkening a little to the late 80’s early 90’s floral vibes, major fabric makers like Kravet and Fabricut have all started to roll out vibrant and fun floral fabrics in large scale patterns. If you aren’t all in on this look yet or think they feel a
little to similar what might have been in your grandmother’s house, maybe just try it with a single pillow and just dip your toe in!
Large scale florals mix well with stripes or smaller patterns. Mixing patterns can be challenging, but when done well, a mix of large and small scale patterns and organic and geometric patterns can look incredibly chic.
At the end of the day, the one trend that never goes out to style, is buying what you love! Just like getting dressed can showcase your personality, your home design can as well. You shouldn’t be afraid for your home to look a little different from everyone else’s space and let it speak for you! Prioritizing what matters to you, whether that is comfort, style, functionality, or even budget, and then making a plan for what your need before you buy usually gives better results that impulse purchases. Ultimately, if you really really love something, you’ll mostly likely always find a place for it in your space.
How would you describe the current real estate market here in Oxford?
The Oxford market is beginning to pick up with better weather and lower mortgage rates for home buyers. Spring has always been a busy season with many activities in Oxford. The condo market has continued to move rapidly with the increase in enrollment and rising rental rates. Several new condo and home development projects are coming on the market in the next 16 months, which will help stabilize the market and increase inventory. The current state of our sports teams at Ole Miss is very exciting and promising for many future seasons. We are lucky to have top-notch coaches in all sports, and this adds to the excitement buzzing through not only Oxford but also college sports everywhere.
What type of buyers are moving here—families, retirees, investors?
Our community continues to see an influx of people from all areas. Many are investors looking to purchase rental properties. Families continue to move to our area for the low crime rate and the great school systems, both public and private. Retirees continue to move here for the many perks: Ole Miss sporting events, a bustling art scene, live music, fabulous restaurants, theater productions, and the overall kindness and true southern hospitality. Students
across Mississippi and many states choose Ole Miss and Oxford for the coveted SEC atmosphere. Oxford is often listed in many publications as one of the "nicest small towns” in the nation due in part to the overall unique charm.
What are the key factors buyers should consider when choosing a neighborhood in Oxford?
Oxford is fortunate to have many different types of neighborhoods to suit various families’ needs. Everyone always wants to live within walking distance to the “Square”. The Square is unique and the hotspot for downtown, yet Oxford is expanding and has many facets for a quality life. Taylor and Water Valley are also experiencing tremendous growth, which is directly impacting the LOU community.
What must-have features are buyers looking for in Oxford homes?
Most buyers seek homes with at least two bedrooms on the main level. Open-concept homes with large kitchens for gathering are extremely popular. Of course, wellmaintained homes with updated features always sell quickly. Many people are now selling condos fully furnished, allowing for an easier transition for out-of-town buyers.
How does the University of Mississippi influence the housing market?
Increased enrollment has led to a campus housing shortage for Ole Miss students. Parents are therefore looking to purchase second homes as investment property. This allows their kids to have a safe home and is also used by their parents when visiting. Rent currently averages $1,000-$1,250 per bed, so it can be costeffective for the homeowner.
How do short-term rentals (like Airbnb) impact our housing market?
Airbnb and VRBO are always in high demand and many purchase condos/etc. to earn rental income. With SEC schools going to 8 home ballgames- up from 7 last year- it offers another chance to earn even more revenue. With parents weekends, weddings, Double Decker, sporting events, graduation and quick getaways, there are many opportunities for short-term rentals.
What is your prediction for the Oxford housing market over the next five years? Will prices continue to climb?
I am hopeful that home prices in Oxford will stabilize soon. Much like the rest of the country, Oxford experiences fluctuations in pricing according to the market. One of the biggest challenges facing our community is affordable housing. Often, people are forced to move out of our community to find something they can afford either to purchase or rent.
Tell us about yourself!
I enjoy traveling with my wife, Terri, playing golf and duck hunting. I am blessed to be a lifelong Oxford resident and cannot imagine living elsewhere. While fortunate to have my real estate career as the main focus of my work days, I can always enjoy the perks of this quaint town. I am happy to devote my full attention to my clients and enjoy helping families find their dream homes. I also always enjoy spending time with my family. I am blessed to have my son, Pittman, living in Oxford again and working as a Realtor with me at Crye-Leike after working in Washington, D.C. and Memphis. I wish my step-daughter, Grace, lived closer, but she completed her masters degree in psychology from Arizona State and is working for a non-profit for victims of domestic violence.
What is your favorite part about selling homes in Oxford?
Helping families find their first homes is always a joy. Also, I love watching my clients' faces when they walk into a home and realize they have finally found the home of their dreams. God has been good to me and helped me find the property they have envisioned, whether it be land, commercial or residential, which makes being a Realtor worth everything.
What advice would you give buyers trying to get the best interest rate possible?
While interest rates fluctuate, the best way to secure a lower rate is to strengthen your financial profile— improving your credit score, reducing debt, and maintaining stable income. Beyond that, one of the best strategies right now is utilizing a temporary buydown instead of discount points. A temporary buydown allows buyers to pay significantly less interest in the first few years, reducing monthly payments without permanently committing to an upfront discount point that takes years to break even. Since rates are trending downward, a discount point doesn’t make sense if you’ll refinance soon. And here’s the best part—we’re offering a one-time no-cost refinance for anyone who buys with us this year, making the break-even on a refi essentially day one.
This means buyers can take advantage of today’s home prices, negotiate better terms while the market is slightly softer and refinance later at no extra cost—a smart way to build equity and stay ahead of the market shift.
How much should buyers save for a down payment, and what are the pros and cons of putting down less than 20%?
The biggest mistake buyers make is waiting to save 20% when they could be building wealth through real estate right now. Many loan programs allow buyers to purchase with as little as 0–5% down, and the reality is that home values are rising—meaning the longer you wait, the more expensive that 20% becomes. In most cases, your payment will be lower today than it will be next year with a lower rate yet more expensive home. It’s a nobrainer!
While putting down less than 20% typically means paying mortgage insurance (MI), this is a small price to pay for the opportunity to start building equity immediately. MI is temporary in most cases—it can be removed once you reach 20% equity— and with home prices appreciating, that can happen faster than you think. Plus, a lower down payment lets you keep more cash in reserve, which can be used for investments, renovations, or emergencies. Our clients work really hard to accumulate their
savings, so our goal is often to achieve their goal of keeping their monthly payment within their budget while keeping as much money as possible in their pocket.
The key takeaway is that real estate is one of the best wealth-building tools available, and waiting to save 20% could cost you tens of thousands in appreciation. Those who buy now will benefit from rising values, have negotiating power in today’s market, and be ahead of the next wave of competition when rates drop. The sooner you buy, the sooner you start building wealth!
How much should buyers save for a down payment, and what are the pros and cons of putting down less than 20%?
Mississippi homebuyers have access to various loan programs and incentives designed to make homeownership more affordable. We offer both public and private down payment assistance options and multiple 0% down loan programs that help buyers get into a home with little to no upfront cost.
The key is knowing which programs
align with your financial situation and goals. That’s where working with a local mortgage expert who focuses on your personal goals, keeps those goals in the forefront and understands the market inside and out makes all the difference. Rather than trying to navigate the options alone, the smartest move is to connect with a pro who can customize a strategy that maximizes your buying power and builds wealth from day one.
What factors most influence mortgage approval beyond credit scores?
While credit scores are important, mortgage approval is based on the three C’s of lending: Credit, Capacity, and Collateral.
● Credit – This includes your score and your history of managing debt. Lenders look at your payment history, credit utilization, and the types of credit you have. The stronger your credit profile, the better your loan terms.
● Capacity – This is your ability to repay the loan, which is largely measured by your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Lenders want to see stable income, a steady job history, and manageable monthly debts. Keeping debt low and income strong improves approval odds.
● Collateral – The home itself plays a role in your loan approval. Lenders evaluate the appraised value to ensure they’re financing a solid investment. Loan-to-value ratio (LTV) also comes into play—having some skin in the game helps.
What financing strategies work best for investors buying in Oxford??
The #1 strategy is to GET IN THE MARKET. No matter the cost, you will win because real estate is a long-term wealth-building machine. Rents are skyrocketing, benefiting investors and homeowners by increasing cash flow and property values. The longer you wait, the more you risk paying higher prices and facing more competition, reducing leverage in the negotiation process.
For those low on liquidity, we have smart leverage options like:
-Borrowing against home equity to acquire new properties.
-Using financial assets as collateral to secure funding.
-Taking advantage of investor-friendly loans, like DSCR (Debt-Service Coverage Ratio) loans, which focus on a property’s cash flow rather than personal income. The opportunities are endless, but you have
to take action. The best time to invest in real estate was yesterday. The second-best time? Right now. Let’s talk about how we can structure your financing to get you in the game.
With 13 years of experience as a local mortgage expert, I am passionate about educating individuals, families, and our community on the many benefits of leveraging debt to build wealth through homeownership. Real estate is the greatest financial opportunity available, and my mission is to educate and empower people to take action.
Beyond my career, family is at the heart of everything I do. I’m a proud husband to Amelia—the beautiful editor of this very magazine—and a grateful father to our daughter, Ana, who will be attending Ole Miss in the fall. I never dreamed I would be a cat parent, but my girls convinced me, and now our Kiki rules the household. Faith, family, and cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels bring me the most joy. When I’m not working or spending time with loved ones, you’ll find me on the slopes or out on the water, where I feel most at peace.
What are the biggest mistakes buyers or sellers make during closing, and how can they avoid them?
Chose a local, experienced closing attorney, and a good local Lender. You need real estate service providers who can guide you through the process and are familiar with local conditions and requirements. Get recommendations from your Realtor and friends and family.
What should buyers know about escrow and how it protects their transaction??
closing process:
(1)It issues a Closing Protection Letter, as I previously mentioned, and
(2) It assures the Lender that the Borrower/Buyer is receiving good, marketable title and that the Lender’s mortgage will be in a first lien position, properly securing the mortgage loan funds, and
In MS we do “table funded closings”. Usually all parties coming to the closing table and the document signing is handled by the Closing Attorney and the funds are received and disbursed by the Closing Attorney. It is an “insured closing” in that an approved Title Insurance Co. has issued a “Closing Protection Letter” which guarantees the timely and correct execution and recording of the documents and the proper disbursement of the funds.
What role does title insurance play in a closing, and why is it important?
A Title Insurance company play several key roles in the
(3) It assures the Buyer that he/she are receiving good title which is not subject to unknown liens or undisclosed conditions or restrictions. Title Insurance protects the Buyer and Lender from unknown title defects which might not be revealed by a careful search of the land records.
How does a real estate attorney work with lenders, title companies, and realtors to ensure a smooth closing?
In the initial stages of the transaction, a real estate attorney gathers information from the Seller, Buyer and Realtor, and receives instructions from the Lender. The attorney conducts a search and examination of the land records with respect to the Subject Property and communicates the findings to the parties in the form of a Title Insurance Commitment. The Closing Attorney may also take steps to cure any issues or deficiencies
revealed by the title search, and works with the parties to secure things such as payoffs, heirship documentation and insurable access. In the final stages, the Closing Attorney will prepare a Closing Disbursement and/or Settlement Statement for review by all parties so that the amount and application of the purchase funds are understood. And, finally, the Closing Attorney schedules and conducts the Closing, recording the documents, and disbursing the purchase funds in accordance with the Settlement Statement and the Lender’ instructions.
How do closing costs vary, and what are some unexpected fees buyers should be aware of?
Costs can vary depending on the size and price of the home and the type of estate that is being purchased. Things to look for are Home Owner Association dues, Condominium Association dues and assessments, annual lease payments if a leasehold interest is being purchased, transfer fees, the cost of homeowner’s insurance and the amount of city and county ad valorem real estate taxes.
What advice do you have for first-time homebuyers navigating the closing process to avoid last-minute
delays?
Again, use a local, experienced Closing Attorney and a well reviewed and recommended local Lender. Local knowledge and expertise is invaluable.
Tell us about yourself!
I graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2006 and spent 16 years at Tannehill & Carmean, PLLC, where I focused on real estate law and closed over 15,000 transactions. In 2022, I partnered with Terry Little to establish McKenzie Little, PLLC.
My greatest joy is my family—my two daughters, Nora Gray and Murphey Deems, and my son, Chancellor Colle.
What is your favorite part about working in the Oxford community?
I love working in this community because my favorite places are in one location: the City of Oxford/The Square/Ole Miss campus. I am a huge sports fan and the best programs in the country play here. I love meeting new folks buying property here because I know they will love Oxford as much as I do.
Oxford, Mississippi - March 7, 2025
For Beard + Riser, architecture is more than designing buildings—it’s about shaping communities, enriching lives, and preserving a tradition of craftsmanship. With a hands-on approach and deep respect for history, the firm creates homes and commercial spaces that transcend trends, ensuring each structure is both timeless and rooted in the region’s identity. Having completed 75 publicly bid projects and more than 100 residential jobs since opening 18 years ago, their work continues to expand across Mississippi.
From his office beside the Lyric Theatre, Dale Riser has a direct view of Oxford’s steady growth. “It’s like watching a live feed of the stock market floor when the weather’s good,” he says. As a principal of Beard + Riser Architects, Riser sees firsthand why Oxford continues to thrive. “Oxford’s an easy sell,” he adds.
Riser and partner John Beard have spent nearly two decades shaping Mississippi’s architectural landscape. They began in Greenwood, across from their first major client, Viking Range. They have now set up for the long run in Oxford’s Walker Building at 1102 Van Buren, whose other tenant is Delta Blue Jeans.
“Oxford’s growth creates incredible opportunities for thoughtful design. As the city evolves, our role as architects is critical to ensure that new homes and buildings respect the character of the community that’s already here,” says Riser. Why Oxford and the Delta?
Riser and his family moved to Oxford in 2017, strategically timed for the start of the school year. “Like a lot of folks, we moved here for the schools,” he says. His wife, Dr. Emily Riser, an eighth-grade teacher at Oxford Middle School and former chair of English at Mississippi Delta Community College, played a key role in the decision. Their children, Ana and William, have
thrived - Ana at Northwest Mississippi Community College and now Ole Miss, and William at Northeastern University in Boston.
A pivotal moment in Riser’s career came when Fred Carl, founder of Viking Range, suggested at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity one day that Riser meet the town’s new architect, John Beard. That introduction led to a lasting professional relationship, with Beard + Riser completing several residential projects Beard had begun independently and working primarily with Viking for two years. This work included converting the Fountain Building into apartments, designing Turnrow Bookstore and Café (now being reconstructed after a fire), and restoring historic downtown storefronts.
Successful projects at Mississippi Delta Community College soon followed, including an extensive renovation of J.T. Hall Coliseum and a new student union. Dr. Larry Bailey, president at the time, said of
the coliseum, “It is absolutely beautiful. It took on a whole new college environment.”
Bailey further complimented the design team for “getting it done on time. They told me they would get it done on time, and they did. They said they would do it under budget or within budget, and they did it within budget.”
Over the years, the firm has experienced exciting growth. Now, with five team members, two part-time helpers, and more on the way this summer, managing that growth is the latest challenge.
“It was difficult to start an architecture firm in a relatively rural state, as outsiders, with no real political or inside connections, in the middle of a national financial crisis, to boot,” Riser says. “But we just wouldn’t accept the idea that it might not work.”
That perseverance and commitment to success paid dividends, as the firm has averaged 30 projects annually over the past several years, ranging from 2,500 square
foot homes to $15 million major commercial renovations and now, a role as associate architect with national firm Perkins & Will on the $65 million Vicksburg Battlefield Interpretive Center, slated to open in 2028.
“I wanted to be part of this project because I grew up due west of Davis Bend, about 30 minutes,” Riser says. “So, I reached out to
Thank you for bringing such a thoughtful and innovative project to the ARC. We are highly enthusiastic about the design and materials. And compliments to you and the team for bringing a holistic approach to this incredible project.
— Ellen Leake, Splinter Creek
Zena Howard at Perkins & Will—who was on the design team for the Smithsonian’s African American Museum. It’s been a great partnership.”
Beard’s architectural journey began in a Navy family, leading him to Mississippi State after graduating from Shannon High School. His career took off under the mentorship of Samuel Mockbee at Mockbee, Coker, and Howorth. After college, he moved to New York, working with Keenen/ Riley under the tutelage of Terrance Riley, curator of architecture and design at the Museum of Modern Art. After spending over a decade practicing in New York and Philadelphia, Beard returned home to work in Eupora with renowned historic preservationist Belinda Stewart.
“I learned so much from Belinda,” Beard recalls. “She instilled a deep respect for historic buildings and our responsibility as architects to preserve them. We love working on preservation projects because they allow us to honor the past while
making spaces relevant for today.”
Riser’s roots are in the small community of Crowville, in Franklin Parish, Louisiana, where he grew up surrounded by builders— his father, a carpenter; his grandfather, a school system maintenance director; and three great uncles—a carpenter, a plumber, and a painter. After earning degrees in Architecture and Technical Writing from Louisiana Tech, he worked in Austin before
joining the nationally acclaimed Lake|Flato in San Antonio, where he honed his expertise in design detailing, natural materials, and sustainability. He returned to his Southern roots, relocating to Greenwood in 2003 to join JohnsonMcAdams, working on mostly federal and military type projects.
The Architecture of Place
For Beard and Riser, architecture is
inseparable from its surroundings. “People ask, ‘You’re an architect—why do you care about the land? Don’t you want a flat site with the trees cleared?’” Riser muses. “That might be an easy solution, but not necessarily the best one. Constraints often lead to the most interesting and costeffective solutions.”
Their complementary strengths shape the firm. Riser credits Beard’s keen design
Beyond architecture, Beard + Riser are dedicated advocates for the arts and education. They are the only architecture firm to have sponsored the Mississippi Book Festival for a decade. Festival board director Jere Nash recalls, “When we raised sponsorship costs, Dale didn’t hesitate. Two years ago, he sought out an LGBTQ authors’ panel to sponsor. This year, when that panel was already taken, he chose one featuring debut novelists, saying, ‘There’s no better way to encourage new writers than to feature their first novels at a book festival.’”
Beyond their architectural achievements, Beard + Riser is committed to fostering the next generation of architects. They have established the Beard + Riser Study Abroad Scholarship for Architecture at Riser’s alma mater, Louisiana Tech University, supporting students in expanding their educational horizons through travel, as well as past gifts to Mississippi State University. They’ve also been generous sponsors to community organizations in the places they serve, including the United Way, Boys and Girls Club, Chamber of Commerce in Greenwood and Oxford, and are a new sponsor this year of Oxford’s YMCA.
Build your dream home!
Nestled in a picturesque setting within The Highlands, these beautiful new homes feature exterior designs that compliment the natural beauty of the beloved Highlands community, with great floor plans, high-end finishes and builders' touches. Beyond your doorstep is a true lake community, with an impressive 80-acre stocked lake, walking trails, and access to Braemer Park.
“We support the communities that support us,” Beard says, with Riser adding, “It’s important for us to give back because we think it’s the right thing to do, but it also gets our name out and helps build trust within the community.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Oxford Studio and Staying True to Their Vision
Beard + Riser is currently designing an 18,000-square-foot addition for the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC), set to become the Yoknapatawpha Humanities Center at the Powerhouse — an important creative hub for Oxford and the Mississippi Hills Heritage Area.
Wayne Andrews, Executive Director of YAC, has praised Beard + Riser Architects for their pivotal role in shaping the vision for expanding the Powerhouse Community Arts Center and developing the proposed Humanities Hub. He noted that their collaboration facilitated the framing of ideas and fostered thoughtful discussions on design elements that align with YAC's goals. Andrews emphasized that Beard + Riser's team not only addressed immediate project needs but also prioritized YAC's long-term objectives, stating, "We saw in Beard + Riser a team that was focused on our goals and helping us achieve them, not just a project."
Andrews noted that Dale Riser further supported YAC's mission by connecting them with his team and serving as an advisor during the funding phase for the Humanities Hub project. This collaboration has been instrumental in advancing YAC's mission to provide a dedicated space for artists to connect, create, and engage with the community, fostering a shared cultural future.
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In every community, there are women who go beyond the ordinary—women who lead with purpose, serve with heart, and inspire those around them. Here in Oxford, we are fortunate to be surrounded by remarkable women who enrich our town in ways both seen and unseen. Each year, we observe, take note, and celebrate those who leave a lasting impact through their dedication, vision, and compassion.
This year, we are proud to present The Real Women of Oxford 2025—a select group of women whose influence reaches every corner of our community. From advocates and educators to entrepreneurs and volunteers, these women embody the spirit of Oxford. Through their work, they not only
shape our present but also lay the foundation for a thriving future.
Throughout the year, we carefully followed their contributions, recognizing the countless ways they invest their time and energy to make Oxford a better place. This feature is a tribute to their efforts—a celebration of authenticity, leadership, and the power of community.
As you turn these pages, we invite you to get to know the women who are shaping Oxford today and inspiring tomorrow. Their stories are as diverse as their contributions, but they all share a common thread: a deep commitment to making our community thrive. These are The Real Women of Oxford 2025.
DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE
I am currently the City Clerk for the City of Oxford. I have served in this role since January of 2016. My duties include overseeing the finances of the City, working with all of the department heads on a daily basis, assisting the Chief Operating Officer with advising duties to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, handling the Board agenda and minutes; and my staff in the Clerk's Office handles taxes, privilege licenses, parking, back taxes, accounts payable, accounts receivable, public records requests, and event permits, just to name a few things.
WHAT IS YOUR HOMETOWN?
Oxford
HOW DID YOU KNOW THIS WAS YOUR PASSION?
I wouldn't call it a "passion", but I knew that I was going to work with numbers back in high school after I took my first accounting class. I like puzzles, and sometimes numbers are a puzzle (if you're trying to find out why they don't balance) and it's black and white, there's no "gray area" (in most cases).
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Not so much advice; but something I try to do every day, is to just be a good person. I succeed most days, but every once in a while....
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER?
Being selected as the 2024 Outstanding Employee of the Year for the City; and finding out that I had been nominated every year since the beginning of the award back in 2014. I was honored and surprised to be selected.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
Reading, listening to music, fishing (my husband and I take a couple of trips to Arkansas during the year to trout fish), building Lego sets (I just got through building Hei Hei from Moana this weekend)
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO SHOW TO BINGE-WATCH?
Any kind of crime documentary
WHAT IS YOUR LAST GOOD READ?
Stevie Nicks' biography
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL IN OXFORD?
The bacon, egg, and cheese croissant at Community Donuts; I could eat one of those any time of day.
DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE
I am a board certified family Nurse Practitioner at Oxford Urgent Care on University Ave. I have been practicing as a FNP for 25 years. I am an owner and the clinical managing partner of Oxford Urgent Care for the last 14 years. My sister and I are partners in State Urgent Care in Starkville, MS, as well. I worked as a FNP in the ER at UMMC and Baptist Hospital ER in Jackson prior to moving to Oxford.
WHAT IS YOUR HOMETOWN?
Stakville, MS
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Never stop learning, listen more than speaking, pursue your passion, and BE KIND
HOW DID YOU KNOW THIS WAS YOUR PASSION?
When I had my first clinical experience in the ER at the University of Mississippi Medical Center ER in 1994. It was thrilling with a constant adrenaline rush. Working in the ER allowed me/my team to not only save lives, but alleviate suffering and provide critical care to patients and families during their most vulnerable moments. I have a heart for service and a strong desire to make a difference in people's lives. My
career has been immensely rewarding because I am able to fulfill my passion and make a positive impact on patients' lives.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER?
Having my youngest daughter follow in my footsteps. She is a fourth generation nurse and recently graduated from the University of Alabama School of Nursing and is a SICU nurse in Birmingham. My grandmother was an ER nurse at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, my 75 year old mother is still practicing part time as a RN, and my sister and cousin are also nurses. One might say it runs deep in our blood.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
Spending time with my children and family, traveling, estate sales and antiques, serving others through philanthropic events, especially the Ole Miss Womens Council and St. Jude
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL IN OXFORD?
Sola Spaghetti night
WHAT SHOW IS YOUR GO-TO BINGEWATCH?
Dateline, Investigation Discovery, and 48 Hours
DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE
I operate Chicory Market with my husband John Martin. We’re a community grocery on a mission to help grow the local food economy and provide a space for people of all income levels to access healthy food. To work towards that, we have a staff of almost 70 people. I’m in charge of supporting those folks and teaching them to support one another.
HOW DID YOU KNOW THIS WAS YOUR PASSION?
I was a teacher for 18 years, and I’m passionate about the role of education in empowering people to move beyond the boundaries that are either imposed on them or that they have learned to impose on themselves. I never thought I would be a grocer or a business owner, but I love my job because my work continues to be about empowering other people. It could be as simple as convincing someone to taste a satsuma for the first time, or as meaningful as supporting one of our new managers to give clear feedback to another member of our team. But my days are full.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
When we were deciding whether to leave New York and move with our two small children back to Mississippi to take over the shuttered Farmers Market store, Liz Stagg– who was selling us her business–
told us after some months of back and forth that there was nothing else she could say to help us decide if this would be the right move for us. “Sometimes you just have to jump out of the plane and hope your parachute works.”
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER?
I love those exceptionally busy days when I get to be on the floor of the market to connect with people and experience the momentum. Those are the days when there is no time to second-guess a system or analyze the data, and the days when I feel most proud of getting to be a part of this community. I am so grateful to have helped to build a place where people choose to come to find inspiration or connect.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
I’m a reader, a bath-taker and a very messy gardener.
WHAT IS THE LAST GOOD BOOK YOU'VE READ?
I just finished Butter by Asako Yuzuki. It’s a Japanese novel about food, feminism and true crime. It hit all the sweet spots.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL IN OXFORD?
Any collection of small plates from Tarasque along with their charred radicchio salad
DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE
I am currently the librarian at Oxford Middle School. I purchase and promote books to our students and attempt to get kids who don't like to read interested in a book. I actively teach a lesson with most of our ELA classes every other week. We might do a lesson connected to a novel they are reading in class or do a brain teaser to challenge them to think. We have a "Frequent Flyer" group that meets in the library every morning to read together. They are a joy to talk books with. I also have a Puzzle Club that meets in the library and puts together jigsaw puzzles on Thursdays.
WHAT IS YOUR HOMETOWN?
Oxford, Mississippi
HOW DID YOU KNOW THIS WAS YOUR PASSION?
I did not know teaching was my passion until a few years into a marketing career. I worked
for a newspaper selling and designing advertisements. I was doing well, but I knew the job was not for me long-term. Both of my parents were teachers and coaches and I recognized in myself the skills that I had seen in them growing up. I returned to school to become a teacher. I have taught young people for over 32 years in different capacities: preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, Christian Education youth groups, and now as a librarian.
RECEIVED?
My husband has taught me to be persistent no matter how hard the task. He always says, "We're going to fit this square peg into this round hole no matter how many times we have to smash it.
My principal allowed me to teach a Creative
Writing class for several years in the library. It was the most rewarding teaching I've ever done. Our kids are still infinitely imaginative and talented.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
I like to read, of course. I enjoy baking sweets and desserts. My niece, Chloe, frequently sends me an "I challenge you to make this" recipe. My mother taught me to needlepoint and I enjoy making things for friends and family.
The Chocolate Maker's Wife by Karen Brooks
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL IN OXFORD?
My husband and I get a Handy Andy burger every Friday night
DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE
City of Oxford, Superintendent of Environmental Services
Oversee residential and commercial collection of refuse, recycling and rubbish. Maintain St. Peters & Oxford Memorial Cemetery and the City of Oxford Right of Ways, Transfer Station, Rubbish Site and Recycling Center Board Member Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority and Board Member and Safety Ambassador for the Solid Waste Association of North America (Mississippi Chapter) Certified -Manager of Landfill Operations, Rubbish Site Operator.
WHAT IS YOUR HOMETOWN? Greenwood, Mississippi
HOW DID YOU KNOW THIS WAS YOUR PASSION?
I knew this was my passion when I wanted to learn more to serve the residents and business owners of Oxford. Provide service with scheduled routes, affordable monthly rates and to give the best possible customer service our team has to give.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Ask Questions and also ask what not to do.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER?
Receiving the Pat Fordice Award: Honors an individual who has demonstrated leadership by contributing their time, talent and dedication to improving the quality of life in their communities across Mississippi. This award is given in honor of the former First Lady who was a dedicated supporter of Keep Mississippi Beautiful.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
Puzzles and Traveling
WHAT IS THE LAST GOOD BOOK YOU'VE READ?
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL IN OXFORD?
Proud Larry’s- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza on Cauliflower Crust, add Black Olives and Jalapenos, with a side of Ranch
WHAT SHOW IS YOUR GO-TO BINGEWATCH?
Dateline Mysteries
DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE
I am a pop art portrait artist. I try to capture the joyful essence of my subjects with bold, fun colors and dynamic shapes reflecting their youthful personalities. My portraits are painted with oil paint but I have also painted several with acrylics and spray paint. www.Libbiekp.Com
WHAT IS YOUR HOMETOWN?
After my parents immigrated from Greece, I was born in St. Louis. They moved to Oxford when I was two and I literally grew up on the Square. They owned a restaurant called Dino’s, which was located where Ajax is now. We lived above the restaurant for a short time. The Square was my playground. I was allowed to visit the stores on either side of Dino’s. Jeannie’s Hallmark was to the right and Cato’s was to the left. The ladies at Cato let me draw on their gift boxes and they displayed them in their windows. It was my first gallery show!
HOW DID YOU KNOW THIS WAS YOUR PASSION?
Art has always been a part of me. As a child, I filled coloring books; throughout school, I
drew in margins of my homework and painted signs for basketball games at OHS. While at Ole Miss, I minored in Art. In law school, I wanted to drop out and pursue an MFA, but my father simply said no. As an attorney, I initially pursued a career representing artists and entertainers by protecting their copyrights. After walking away from being a corporate attorney to becoming a mom, photography became my medium of choice; always taking pictures of my children. That became a study of faces, which led to the desire to become a portrait artist.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
"Be strong" is what my father said to me as I stood sobbing in our driveway, saying goodbye to my parents before catching my flight to Thessaloniki, Greece, to begin my year-long studies at Aristotle University. Those two words were engraved on my soul that day.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER?
I was honored to be commissioned by St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis to
paint a posthumous portrait of one of their CEOs and chief physicians. When I was first contacted, I questioned whether they really wanted me and my style for a legendary man. After hearing about his charismatic personality, I knew I could capture him.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
Hanging out with my family, painting any minute I can and teaching Pilates at Core Fitness.
WHAT IS THE LAST GOOD BOOK YOU'VE READ?
Since I can’t sit still I normally listen to Audible books and podcasts while I paint. The most recent novel that I listened to was “The God of the Woods”.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL IN OXFORD?
My mom’s kitchen table. IYKYK
WHAT SHOW IS YOUR GO-TO BINGEWATCH?
“Portrait Artist of the Year”, the podcast “Undrapped Artist” on YouTube and “Reacher”.
DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE
I serve as the Dean of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and I am an Associate Professor of English and African American Studies. I am also the pastor of First United MB Church in Batesville, MS and Alvis Grove MB Church in Oakland.
WHAT IS YOUR HOMETOWN?
Memphis, TN
my faith, my family, and my friends. If I get those things right, I am empowered to do everything else in my life with excellence.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER?
HOW DID YOU KNOW THIS WAS YOUR PASSION?
Being named Dean of the SMBHC has been remarkable. But, I really consider every moment my best moment, because every moment brings lessons and blessings. My most memorable moment was having a head coach mention me on ESPN because of my work with the families of student athletes.
I have always had a passion for education. When most children were playing outside in my neighborhood, I was playing teacher. I used to love it when my teachers would give me their extra worksheets at the end of the year, so I could use them for playing in the summer. I also started teaching Sunday School and working in the church as a young person. By the time I was in pre-teen, I was teaching classes at church and speaking on church programs.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
Reading, Walking
WHAT IS THE LAST GOOD BOOK YOU'VE READ?
Before the Street Lights Come On, Heather McTeer Toney
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL IN OXFORD?
It's a tie: Catfish Fillet Dinner at Taylor Grocery and Baked Chicken and Dressing from Little Easy's
The best advice I ever received was to never drop the glass balls. A mentor told me that everyone drops balls, but most of them bounce back and you get another chance. If you drop the glass ball, it shatters and you can't put it together again. I decided that my glass balls were
WHAT SHOW IS YOUR GO-TO BINGEWATCH?
Judge Mathis or Divorce Court; I like watching how people tell their stories and how judges make tough decisions after hearing stories.
DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE
I now enjoy the flexibility afforded by retirement after forty-seven years in the financial services industry. I have a passion for OxfordUniversity United Methodist Church and its mission and serve The Ole Miss Women's Council for Philanthropy, the cornerstones of which are scholarship, leadership, mentorship, and philanthropy. Eight members of my family live in Oxford and I treasure time spent with each of them. Book Lovers, federated 1934, is another organization of which I am a member and which provides valued time with dear friends.
WHAT IS YOUR HOMETOWN?
Oxford, MS
HOW DID YOU KNOW THIS WAS YOUR PASSION?
I celebrated a rewarding career in banking, have enjoyed serving my church on numerous committees for decades as well as serving Iour unique community, to include heightened involvement as president of The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of our Economic Development Foundation. I remain connected at Ole Miss and treasure time with administration, faculty, staff, and, particularly, students. As a life-long Oxonian, I take pride in all that I've experienced and learned; this community is very important to me.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Everyone you meet is wearing an invisible sign; it reads, "Make me feel important."
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER?
Appointed Director of Sales and Marketing for North Mississippi; appointed as City President in Oxford; selection by Mississippi Business Journal as one of Mississippi's 50 Leading Business Women, selection by Rotary International as a Paul Harris Fellow, selection as President of The Rotary Club of Oxford, chosen as a member of The Ole Miss Women's Council for Philanthropy.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
My greatest pleasure is nurturing friendships, learning from my children and grandchildren, reading, and cooking.
WHAT IS THE LAST GOOD BOOK YOU'VE READ?
I've Been Thinking by Maria Shriver
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL IN OXFORD?
Myv favorite meal is filet with a loaded baked potato and a garden salad.
DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE
I am Broker/Owner of Neighborhood Realty in Oxford, MS. My brokerage focuses on relationships, not just housing. We donate a portion of all commissions earned to a local or regional non-profit. I serve as a Commissioner with the City of Oxford's Affordable Housing Commission, and I am a board member of LOU-HOME, Inc, a nonprofit dedicated to providing education about affordable housing in the Oxford/Lafayette community.
WHAT IS YOUR HOMETOWN?
Forest, MS
HOW DID YOU KNOW THIS WAS YOUR PASSION?
I love my job so very much, but I have been concerned about the rising cost of housing in our wonderful community. I am so grateful that we live in a booming, successful little city, but we need to find ways to make more opportunities for affordable housing to those who work in this community. I'm dedicated to coming to the table to find creative ideas and establish partnerships towards that goal.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Never burn bridges. You may need each other in the future.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER?
The creating and opening of my own real estate brokerage, Neighborhood Realty. During Covid, my husband and I would have happy hour every day (I'm sure everyone did) and we would discuss our goals. I knew I wanted my son, Bennett, to see his mom own her own business. And I wanted that business to stand for something more than a "just-for-profit" business.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
Traveling, spending quality time with my family, playing piano/singing, acting in musicals at the Ford Center (I was a music major), movies, reading a good book.
WHAT IS THE LAST GOOD BOOK YOU'VE READ?
The Women by Kristin Hannah. Very powerful read.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL IN OXFORD?
Snackbar. My husband and I have date night there every Wednesday night - It's Worthy Wednesdays!
WHAT SHOW IS YOUR GO-TO BINGEWATCH?
Schitt's Creek & New Girl
Explore the vibrant history and stories of Mississippi hill country’s female pioneers with the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area as a guide.
The names Elvis Presley and William Faulkner may have put the north Mississippi hill country on the map, but the Hills are also home to female pioneers like Ida B. Wells and Kate Freeman Clark. Sharing those stories is one of the missioAns of the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area, an organization that highlights the people, places, and defining moments of this vibrant geographic area.
Housed under the National Park Service, National Heritage Areas are places designated by Congress where historic,
cultural, and natural resources combine to form cohesive, nationally important regions. Unlike national parks, National Heritage Areas are large lived-in landscapes. The Mississippi Hills National Heritage area encompasses 19 full counties and portions of 11 others in north Mississippi, each with its rich history of people, places, and defining moments.
Take a day trip to visit these north Mississippi museums to learn more about the hill country’s female cultural icons and history.
American Quilts: Stories of Perseverance is exhibited at the University of Mississippi Museum through April 13.
- Buie-Skipwith Museum, University Ave &, S. 5th St., Oxford
The art of quilting can be found in nearly every culture. Americans have created quilts for centuries, but the earliest examples are rare. When collectors and scholars took notice of the innovation and expressions found in American utilitarian quilts, such as those created in African American communities, they found a wholly unique American art form, often compared to jazz music for its spontaneity in pattern and color. Quilts became prized for their craftsmanship and representational documentation of the American experience. Through their makers’ narrative reflections, they illustrate their era’s attitudes. Primarily a women’s craft, unique regional quilts have survived as family traditions passed down. This exhibit celebrates the rich variety of American quilt patterns and the unified spirit of perseverance hat has helped generations through many cold nights. Visit museum.olemiss.edu for more information.
ida b. wells-barnett museum
- 220 N. Randolph St. #2412, Holly Springs
- 110 W. Eastport St., Iuka
Aprons have been made and worn for centuries. The appreciation of the art, fashion and history of aprons began a few years ago and continues with magazine articles, exhibits, books, collectors and the new Apron Museum in Iuka, Mississippi. The Apron Museum is the only museum in the country dedicated to aprons and the stories they tell.
To plan your visit, it’s best to call ahead at (662) 279-2390. Visit our Facebook @ApronMuseum
Born in 1862 in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Ida B. Wells was known as a crusader for justice. She was a teacher, journalist, and Civil Rights activist who fought against oppression and helped found the NAACP. The museum that honors her legacy is located inside the Spires Bolling House in Holly Springs, where Wells was born.
- 1100 College Street, Columbus
When Mississippi University for Women was chartered in 1884, it made educational history as the first state-supported college for women in America. In a time when intellectual training for women was considered by many to have disastrous consequences, Mississippi had the foresight to recognize that young women would have to be taught not only to think for themselves but also to support themselves. While there isn’t a campus museum to visit, a walk through the campus grounds is an exercise in appreciating the school's history. Admitting men since 1982, MUW still provides a quality liberal arts education with a distinct emphasis on professional development and leadership opportunities for women.
- 300 East College Avenue, Holly Springs
- County Road 2207 and Mississippi 12, Kosciusko
Oprah Winfrey Road runs north of Highway 12, past Oprah Winfrey’s first church, her family cemetery, and the site of her birthplace. Winfrey grew up attending the Buffalo Methodist Church, which is now a community center. The church is where she stood before her first audience to perform. Information about Winfrey and her home can be found along Oprah Winfrey Road just beside the church.
Kate Freeman Clark, also from Holly Springs, was an impressionist painter born in 1875. Working mostly in New York, Clark produced an impressive and varied body of work between the years of 1893 and 1923. She studied painting in New York under William Merritt Chase at Chase’s Shinnecock Hills Summer School of Art. Nearly all of the works Clark produced at Shinnecock were impressionistic landscapes created en plein air using unexpected materials like burlap to reinforce the rustic scenery she painted. Her talent was virtually unknown during her lifetime, but after her death in 1957, thousands of her paintings were located in a New York warehouse. The Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery highlights the artist’s rich body of work, defined by her intimate portraits of family and friends, bucolic landscapes, and compelling still life paintings. Visit katefreemanclark.org to learn more or call ahead to visit the gallery from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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