Page 24 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2015

Gulfport Galleria of Fine Art
1300 24th Avenue, Gulfport 228.868.0705 Tuesday-Friday:10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-11 a.m.-3 p.m. www.gulfportgalleria.com
COASTNOTES
Gulfport Galleria of Fine Art has historic new home
story by Ed Lepoma photos courtesy of Debbie Burkhalter
The Gulfport Galleria of Fine Art has settled into its new home in the historic Carnegie Library in downtown Gulfport, providing local artists with a haven to network with fellow artists and display their talents.
The Galleria was founded in 2007 by water colorists Mary Anne Barkley and Kathy McCall because local artists had few locations to display their works following Hurricane Katrina. They structured the organization as a non-profit co-operative rather than a gallery.
The new location on 24th Avenue came about after
the Mississippi Sound Maritime Historical Foundation partnered with the city’s Main Street Association and used a combination of federal, state and city funds totaling $1million to restore the hurricane-damaged building. The Foundation transferred ownership to the city, which then turned it over to the Galleria under a long-term lease.
The restoration preserved the 1916 building to its original grandeur with floor-to-ceiling windows providing lots of sunlight and ample exhibition space on two floors. Raised steps with flower boxes lead visitors to the second floor, but the building is also handicapped accessible with an elevator at the side entrance.
Today, the works of more than 40 artists and craftsmen are on display and available to purchase. Oil, acrylic and water color paintings are displayed, along with original prints, metal, wood and clay sculptures, handcrafted jewelry,
vintage collectibles and books by local authors.
The Galleria celebrated its eighth anniversary and grand
re-opening in June, and large crowds turned out for the event. “It was wonderful. People came from all over the coast. Ít was magical with refreshments, music and local art,” Barkley said.
Bobbye Carraway, co-president, encourages more people to visit. “This is your gallery. There is no admission charge,” she said. “The building is also available free of charge for local artists’ exhibits, special events, workshops and book signings.”
Last month, the Galleria hosted its second annual
Arts and Song workshop for middle school children in partnership with the First Methodist Church of Gulfport. Classes in pottery, canvas painting, jewelry design and stained glass are being planned.
24 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2015
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