Young artist Claire Whitehurst has become a promising new face in the Oxford art scene. Most of Whitehurst’s works are beautiful, vibrant oil paintings or classical works of pottery. The Jackson native is currently a part of the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at The University of Mississippi where she has one year until completion. When asked about the program, Whitehurst focuses on how her professors are “more than teachers, they are life coaches.”
“Especially as we get older and higher up in the class, many personal relationships form in this program,” Whitehurst said. “I’m not saying that is not rare on campus, but it is very special, and I am happy to be a part of it.”
Particularly, Whitehurst is thankful for the guidance of professors Philip Jackson and Sheri Rieth and graduate student Benny Milton. Milton, as a current graduate student, commends the university’s art program for not only teaching the proficiencies of art but also encouraging craftsmanship and professional-level critiques. After being involved with chemical manufacturing for about 30 years, Milton decided to make a fresh move from Iowa to Oxford and apply for the graduate art program after hearing great reviews from colleagues at other universities.
“I wanted to do what I wanted to do instead of what I had to do,” Milton said.
Now, two years into his graduate degree, Milton is influencing and inspiring Whitehurst. Whitehurst’s diverse inspirations for her art also come from as far away as Australia to as close as Rowan Oak. While studying in Sydney last year, Whitehurst was able to draw inspiration from modern, natural and even a few unconventional sources.
Considering Oxford as their artistic overlap, both students and teachers agree that Oxford is almost too perfect for painting landscapes from observations rather than pictures. Whitehurst characterized Oxford as “very southern, but very strange. Young and old, great creative people feed off of one another.”
Although Whitehurst said she does not see herself living in Oxford, she does have future plans to keep painting and attend graduate school and complete an artistic residency. Whitehurst also encourages the Ole Miss community to attend and explore local galleries and exhibitions. When asked about recent events for the public, Whitehurst said that admiring and aspiring artists should check out Southside Gallery on the Square as well as Gallery 130, the university’s own gallery located in Meek Hall.
— Sara Kiparizoska
