
Mississippi is home to a wide range of traditional art forms and distinct community events. The music, crafts, and other traditions help the state's residents to pass on their beliefs to younger generations and reinforce their community's shared identity.
This website is part of the Mississippi Arts Commission's ongoing effort to increase awareness in the state's traditional arts and culture. It features information on the artists and communities we have been active in documenting and providing support for through our programs and services.
Please note that this is not a complete directory. Artists and community traditions will be added on a regular basis as the Commission's Heritage Program staff documents them. Updates will be made to the existing pages when possible. Check back often to this page for additions and updates.
Do you want more background information on how this site came about?
- Jimmy Anderson: Harmonica Player and Vocalist, Natchez
- Earl "Little Joe" Ayers: Blues Guitarist and Vocalist, Holly Springs
- Jesse Burge: Luthier, Hattiesburg
- Robert Cage: Blues Guitarist and Vocalist, Woodville
- Claudia Ka Cartee: Potter, Seminary
- YZ Ealey: Guitarist, Natchez
- Hezekiah Early: Drummer, Harmonica Player, and Vocalist, Natchez
- Wendy Garrison: Slide Guitar, Oxford
- Clifford Gipson: Folk Artist, Oxford
- Tammy Greer: Beader and Powwow organizer, Hattiesburg
- Colby Horton: Luthier, Tiplersville
- Debbie Kreiser: Irish whistles, Petal
- Thallis Lewis: Choctaw cultural leader in traditional dance and crafts, Philadelphia
- Lil Poochie: Vocalist and guitarist, Natchez
- Bill Mason: Woodturner, Hattiesburg
- Terry Tjader: Woodturner, Petal
- Bobby Walters: Watercolorist, Hattiesburg
- Reverend John Wilkins: Gospel blues vocalist and guitarist, Como
- Elmore Williams: Guitarist, Natchez
- Brian Willis: journalist and graphic artist, Philadelphia
- Mack Banks (rockabilly): New Audio Clips
- Terry Bean (blues): New Audio Clips
- David Durham (blues): Updated bio
- Guelel Kumba (African music): New Links to Artist Sites
- Margaret's Grocery (vernacular art site): New Photos
- Janice Mitchell (quilter): New Photos
- Joe Rickman (rockabilly): New Audio Clips
- Jesse Robinson (blues): New Photos
- Bill Rogers (old-time fiddling): New Audio Clips
- Leo Welch (gospel guitar): New Photo
- Louis Arzo "Gearshifter" Youngblood (blues): New Photo