A reception was held Tuesday night for the Biggest, Baddest Art Show at the Powerhouse in Oxford.
CHRISTINA HUFF | The Daily Mississippian
The culture of Oxford is unlike any other. With the best food, literature and music a person could ask for, Oxford citizens also raise the bar when it comes to art. The Biggest, Baddest Art Show is a exhibit of local art hosted by the Artists Guild and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council each November.
The exhibit opened at the Powerhouse on Nov. 9, and will continue until its closing on Dec. 15. The Biggest, Baddest Reception occurred on Nov. 12, celebrating the artists and their work.
Established more than 45 years ago, The Oxford Artists Guild is made up of local Oxford artists of all talents and mediums, including pottery, basketry, painting, glass fusing and jewelry, according to their website. The Artists Guild hosts events for both children and adults each year, in order to educate about and share their love of art with others.
“It’s important to support local artists and local artwork,” said Artist Guild President Laurie Baylock. “It makes Oxford a better, more livable community for everyone.”
More than 40 members of the Oxford Artists Guild and 70 art works of various styles will be celebrated during The Biggest, Baddest Art Show. The artists include Oxford natives, University of Mississippi alumni, and other members of the community.
The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council is also an organization devoted to the artistic and cultural community of Oxford. The annual hosting of the Biggest, Baddest Art Show is just one of many events the Arts Council promotes throughout the year.
“The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council devotes the gallery each November to the Artists Guild,” said Stacy Sanford, the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council Outreach and Education Coordinator. “The Artists Guild is a group of artists who support each other while creating their own works and many are thriving members of the Art Council.”
Sustaining and supporting the Oxford art community is the goal of not only these impressive organizations, but also many others in the area. Ole Miss students are also aware of the importance of art in education.
“Art is so important in learning, from elementary to higher education,” said Caroline Brasher, freshman elementary education major. “So many studies prove that art strongly influences cognitive growth.”
Studies have shown that art education in elementary students helps to improve test scores and a background in art, especially theater, helps graduating high school students in college acceptance, according to Sanford.
Exposure to art in people of all ages can better the development of oneself, culturally and emotionally. Groups such as the Oxford Art Guild and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council are proof of the significance of art in learning and community.
“Engaging the public in the art and encouraging that in the community is the best way to create life-long learners,” Sanford said.
-Sara Elizabeth Baker
sebaker@go.olemiss.edu
