Community Comes Alive with Art in Starkville!
STARKVILLE, Miss. – If you’ve ever strolled down a street and been captivated by a vibrant mural or a striking sculpture, you’ll understand the magic that the Starkville Area Arts Council‘s Art in Public Places program brings to the community. This initiative is all about celebrating art and making it accessible to everyone, no matter where they come from or what they know about art. It’s like having a gallery open to the world!
Art: For Everyone, Everywhere
This program is incredibly vital for Starkville. “Art is accessible for everyone,” says one of the council members. “It’s about displaying art in a public place. Anyone can come. You don’t have to dress up, you don’t have to have an art degree, and you certainly don’t need to know everything about art. You just have to be appreciative!”
And isn’t that just the beauty of it? A recent exhibition attendee echoed this sentiment perfectly. “You get so lost in the hustle and bustle that sometimes you forget that it’s everywhere around you,” they shared. “So it’s nice just to pause and celebrate the people who are making the art.”
Who Can Participate?
What’s even more inspiring is that the exhibition serves as a platform for local artists to showcase their talents. One artist explained, “This exhibition offers a great opportunity for any artist. Whether you’re into poetry, music, painting, or drawing, it’s a fantastic platform to show what you’ve got.”
Heart of an Artist
Art isn’t just a hobby for artists; it’s a part of their very essence. “It means everything to me. It’s been in me since I was a kid,” one artist admitted. “Anything art related – fine arts, music, writing poetry – is really at the heart of who I am.” How incredible to hear that passion pouring out!
Another attendee pointed out that art has a special way of connecting people and perspectives. “I think it’s very important to be able to sort of slow down, step outside yourself, and see things the way that other people see the world,” they explained. How refreshing it is to step into someone else’s shoes, if only for a moment.
Anyone Can Be an Artist
Creativity isn’t confined to traditional definitions. “Art is creativity at its core,” one representative insists. “Anyone can be an artist if you’re creative in any type of way.” This message resonates loudly – it encourages people to explore their own creative sides!
Local exhibitions give the community a place to appreciate and discover talent that’s right around the corner. “It gives the community a place to see the talent that’s in the area,” one artist noted. “And it can even inspire others to realize that they, too, can do this!”
What’s Next for Art in Public Places?
The current exhibition taking place at the arts council’s downtown Starkville location is their annual Winter Showcase, and there’s more excitement on the horizon! Coming up in January, a solo exhibit featuring the artwork of Libby Cagle will be showcased, followed by the much-anticipated annual Spring Showcase.
