The Mississippi Arts Commission’s (MAC) Folk & Traditional Arts program announces the release of the Summer 2023 Issue of its traditional arts online publication, Mississippi Folklife. The latest issue features two essays exploring the state’s art and culture, highlighting Cleveland native Johnnie Smith and The Raw Oyster Marching Club (ROMC) from Bay St. Louis. 

The first essay by MAC Folk & Traditional Arts Director Maria Zeringue, “Johnnie Smith: Painting the Delta,” provides an in-depth profile of Johnnie Smith, a self-taught painter from Cleveland, MS. Smith paints scenes of Delta landscapes, historical buildings, portraits, and local life. Smith is also a Mississippi Arts Commission Folk Arts Fellowship grant recipient for the 2023-2024 year. The essay is accompanied by photographs of Smith and his work by fellow Cleveland-based photographer Rory Doyle. 

“I am really thankful for the support of the Mississippi Arts Commission, and I really appreciate being chosen to be a part of Mississippi Folklife,” said Johnnie Smith. “One of the most important things to me is to be able to show others what I do, and I am happy that people will be able to see my art online.” Smith adds, “Painting means everything to me, and if I am not doing it, it feels like something is missing. This article is a window into my approach to painting and how it positively impacts my life.” 

The second article of the Summer 2023 Issue, “The Raw Oyster Marching Club: An Interview with Martha Whitney Butler and Ann Dinwiddie Madden,” focuses on a carnival and dancing group based in Bay St. Louis, MS. In this interview with Maria Zeringue, Martha Whitney Butler, and Ann Dinwiddie Madden discuss the ROMC’s history, their process of making oysters, costumes, choreography, and the social impact of the club.

“The Raw Oyster Marching Club is such an interesting part of Mississippi Carnival celebrations and Gulf Coast culture,” explains Zeringue. “By talking with Martha and Ann, I learned so much about the club and the community of artists, dancers, and performers that contribute to the magic of the ROMC. I cherish my small collection of oysters made by club members, and I hope this article encourages people to one day check out a parade with this fun group!”

Mississippi Folklife is free and accessible to the public online and is possible thanks to the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts. New issues are released twice a year on https://mississippifolklife.org. 

For more information about the new issue, please contact Maria Zeringue, Folk and Traditional Arts Director, at the Mississippi Arts Commission at mzeringue@arts.ms.gov. To view other publications and articles from Mississippi Folklife, visit https://mississippifolklife.org. 

Photos, Credits, and Captions:

Johnnie Smith DOYLE-37.jpg – Caption: Johnnie Smith. Photo by Rory Doyle, courtesy of the Mississippi Arts Commission.

ROMC-MariaZeringue.JPG – Caption: A group photo of ROMC members in their green and gold costumes. Photo by Maria Zeringue, courtesy of the Mississippi Arts Commission.