Holiday art walk scheduled for weekend

Downtown Hattiesburg will play host to the annual Holiday Art Walk on Saturday from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. 

In keeping with the usual beat, the art walk will feature a handful of local artists displaying and selling their work at and around various downtown purveyors. 

“Downtown merchants and restaurants will feature artists and encourage visitors into their shops and galleries, expect artist demonstrations and light refreshments there,” Betsey Rowell, Executive Director of the Historic Downtown Hattiesburg Association, said. 

 “All businesses are involved, and we really encourage people to shop local,” Asheigh Johnson, a senior at the University of Southern Mississippi and intern for the association, said. “Even if anyone comes out and spends $20, it’s great for downtown. Each shop and restaurant does something different. It’s beneficial to go into the shops and see what they have to offer.”

Stores such as, but not limited to, Southern Fried Comics, Click Boutique & Gallery, SouthBound Bagel and Coffee Shop and Twelve Oaks Accessory Garden have an impressive lineup of artists, all featuring artwork inspired from a multitude of genres. 

Abby Kiker of Blue Abby Studios will be set up in front of Kress Gallery displaying her beaded, handwoven, one-of-a-kind artisan jewelry; Amanda Sanford of Sanford Original Works of Art will be selling her original paintings and pottery; Meghan Cochran will be present with her steampunk inspired jewelry; Buds Beads will showcase beads, necklaces, fleurs and crosses; and the woodwork of David and Brenda Trim will be on display, to name a few.  

The event will also feature more than just art, as the Downtown Farmers Market will be set up between Main Street Books and Yokel Market selling winter vegetables, baked goods and much more. Likewise, Debbie’s Jellies will be selling a variety of homemade jams and jellies for the holiday season.

Johnson added that as a fundraiser, Court Street United Methodist Church will be hosting a Victorian Candlelight Cafe, serving food for $5. 

Members of the Mississippi Youth Challenge Step Team will be also perform during the event. 

In light of the celebration, the Newman/Buschman Neighborhood Association has decorated the old, rusty trains located on the grounds of the historic train depot, which will be the site of the South Mississippi Art Association’s (SMAA) 36th annual art show 6 p.m.

This event is a chance to support our local artists and businesses. 

“Don’t forget, this is the holiday art walk, so it is geared toward the season,” Johnson said. “If anyone is looking for a unique Christmas gift, one can definitely be found downtown.”