Page 22 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2015

COASTNOTES
AMERICAN PICKERS
coastal art story by Lynn Lofton
MEETS
Coastal Magpie brings the concept of American pickers meets art to downtown Ocean Springs. Owner JoAnn Wheeler chose the name because the shop is a mix
of things to decorate and
furnish homes, sort of like
the way a magpie collects bits and pieces of things to build nests.
“I wanted to do something different and not like anything on the Coast,” she said. “We have old items hand
picked from around the United States — a very good mix of antiques, mid-century modern, industrial, country and eclectic.”
New items come in every month to compliment the
local art, pottery, jewelry, glassware and silk products. There are metal and wire shelves, farm tables, and old product signs including Barq’s Root Beer, Nesbit and poboys. There are
photo courtesy of Coastal Magpie old work stations out of Pennsylvania
factories that make good kitchen islands or bars. The shop’s front counter is a butcher’s meat counter from the 1920s.
“We’re keeping it fresh and new,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler also owns Thou Art Gallery & Gifts in Pass Christian.
Coastal Magpie
918 Washington Ave, Ocean Springs 228.215.1815
NEWEXECUTIVEDIRECTOR
story by Lynn Lofton
photo courtesy of Matt McDonnell
Veteran Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center employee Matt McDonnell was selected as the new executive director after a national search. He replaces long time director Bill Holmes.
“We are confident that we hired
the right person with more than 29 years of service to the coliseum and convention center and more than
34 years in the entertainment and venue management arena,” said Mitch Salloum, Coliseum Commission president. “His extensive knowledge of the market along with his years of service will help the facility continue its mission of providing world class entertainment and meeting space for
the Gulf Coast region.”
McDonnell said, “I am honored to
become the third director of the multi- purpose arena and convention center complex. I look forward to bringing new ideas and enthusiasm to the
staff and working with our tourism partners to bring in more conventions, events and attractions to make South Mississippi a premier destination.”
Originally from Mobile, Ala., McDonnell earned a Bachelor’s Degree in business from the University of Alabama. He began his career in the entertainment facility business while in school and continued with a stint at the Mobile Civic Center.
Matt McDonnell
22 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2015 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net