Tag Archives: artists

ART, Life on the Town Square

STORYTELLING IN MISSISSIPPI

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September 11, 2014
Storytelling in Mississippi

So far almost every native Mississippian I’ve met has a story that they’ve been working on since birth- and let me tell you they are much more interesting than the ones we city folks come up with- but more on that later, when you get to meet some of these Woodvillians on the blog. Which brings to mind the” art of family” – at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art we talked about it a lot- for example- my friend David Rae Morris, photographer and his Dad, writer Willie Morris (notice how I chose a MS example). The Mississippians that I’ve met keep their family, past and present, close. There is a palpable feeling that they are the keeper of the flame- it’s a lovely quality.

David Rae with a photo of his Dad, Willie Morris in the background.
David Rae with a photo of his Dad, Willie Morris in the background.
My Mississippi, written by Willie Morris, photographer, David Rae Morris (this is the cover photo).
My Mississippi, written by Willie Morris, photographer, David Rae Morris (this is the cover photo).
Photo by David Rae Morris, post Katrina
Photo by David Rae Morris, post Katrina

 

 

 

Life on the Town Square

Me and MGB

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Woodville water tower
Woodville water tower

No. 1: August 28, 2014
Me and MGB

Allow me to introduce us. I am a lifelong New Orleanian, formerly full-time, but now a devoted resident both of the Crescent City and Woodville, MS where I own and operate Studio 137, just East of the town square. My husband Jim Derbes, the “visionary maniac” who brought me here,

Courthouse on Courthouse Square, Woodville, MS
Courthouse on Courthouse Square, Woodville, MS
MGB sketch by unknown car lover
MGB sketch by unknown car lover

will be referred to as “MGB” since that’s what he was driving when we first met over forty years ago. Together we have restored two historic buildings in this tiny town, and a third restoration is under way. My background is in art; and you might say that I am also the art consultant to these projects. I was a museum associate director and curator, a jewelry designer and a gallery owner – all in New Orleans. Here in W’ville my Studio 137 on Boston Row features the work of artists and craftspeople whom I have come to know and admire. The Studio is my way of sharing those experiences with the W’ville community.

An interior view of Studio 137
An interior view of Studio 137

If what I have to say here is life-changing, pearls of wisdom you can take to heart or prompts an epiphany for you, the reader, you have my assurance that such is a mere coincidence. I hold no keys and have basically forgotten much of what I’ve learned.