Page 190 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2015

HOME under the gunn
LIBBY AND BUDDY GUNN’S enthusiasm for art
is evident throughout their Ocean Springs home. Libby is on the board of the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art.
There’s original art in every room of the home; art that incorporates a variety of styles and subject matter. With the homeowners’ love of art and attention
to detail, every piece is placed in the perfect spot for maximum impact. Some things are for purely sentimental reasons such as the colorful bird paintings in the breakfast room. “I get Becky Barnett to paint every bird we see on the property,” Libby Gunn said.
Artists in the Gunns’ collection include Frank Janca, Joe Moran, Mary Moran, Stig Marcussen, Sandra Halat, Emmitt Thames, Patti Bannister, and a host of local, regional national and international artists. “Normally, I meet the artists,” Libby Gunn said. “You know how art speaks to you and you know it’s right; that’s how I collect.”
The Gunns are also proud owners
of original Ohr pottery, Wolf birds and a magnificent Remington cowboy sculpture.
The traditional style home was built
in 1974 and purchased by Buddy Gunn
in 1989. Following Hurricane Katrina’s severe damage to the house and grounds, the property was transformed by the Gunns. Improvements included an
additional 1,000 square feet of living space. “We changed the layout and made it more open,” Libby said. “Buddy and I wanted both our personalities to be represented throughout the house. For instance, we designed our fireplaces together. Our desire was that our home be as inviting to others as it is to us.”
The couple also improved the property’s post-Katrina landscape by planting hundreds of trees, shrubs and plants. Both Gunns like gardening and being outdoors, and it shows in the lush lawn and beautiful plantings. They show a sense of humor with whimsical yard art and colorful
lawn furniture. Recently, they added a New Orleans style courtyard to enhance the entertaining they love to do. >>
190 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • September 2015
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