JACKSON, MISS. – Nov. 6, 2017 – As part of Mississippi’s bicentennial celebration, the Mississippi Arts Commission, in partnership with the B. B. King Museum, will present the photography exhibit “Material Culture in the Delta” from Nov. 17 to Nov. 30, 2017, at the B. B. King Museum in Indianola, Miss. Exhibit photographs were taken by Maria Zeringue, Jennifer Joy Jameson and Amy Evans.

This exhibit is a curated showcase of photographs that highlight various folk arts traditions practiced in the Delta region of the state. Featured artists include muralist and painter Bobby Whalen, woodturner Randy New, leatherworker Rebecca Hay, painter Johnnie Smith, scrap metal sculptor Larry Grimes, clay sculptor and artist Bill Hony and the Tutwiler Quilters.

“The Mississippi Arts Commission is pleased to partner with the B. B. King Museum to present these photos that depict the unique cultural traditions of the people of Mississippi, traditions unique to our state that serve to enliven and unify our communities,” said Malcolm White, executive director of MAC. “An important part of our work at MAC is to document these traditions and make resources available to ensure their survival.”

The opening reception for the exhibit will take place on Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the B. B. King Museum in Indianola, Miss. During the reception, several of the exhibit’s featured artists will be present to share stories and educate the public about their traditional practices in a discussion facilitated by MAC Folk and Traditional Arts Director Maria Zeringue.

This exhibit is sponsored by the Mississippi Arts Commission and funded through the support of the National Endowment for the Arts. This event is free and open to the public.

Contact:  Maria Zeringue | Folk and Traditional Arts Director | mzeringue@arts.ms.gov | (601) 359-6034