Guest Blogger: Mandy Buchanan

At the Museum
Mandy Buchanan, Curator of Education

This October, a new staff member joined the Education Staff at Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Angie King is LRMA’s new Education Outreach Coordinator. Angie received a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts from University of Southern Mississippi and has worked as a classroom art teacher. As Outreach Coordinator, Angie will provide art instruction and experiences for Jones County and surrounding communities. We are so excited to have Angie join the LRMA staff. She has arrived at a very busy time. Her first week, she jumped right in to help prepare for Heritage Arts Festival.

Heritage Arts Festival was held Saturday, October 6, 2007 on the front lawn of the Museum. The theme for the day was “Celebrate Mississippi”. The art activities and music highlighted the history and culture of Mississippi. The featured artist was wood carver and member of the Mississippi Craftsmen Guild, Mr. George Berry. The Sharon Community Quilters demonstrated and displayed their Quilts in the American Gallery.

Lauren Rogers Museum Education Department has many activities and events planned this fall. We will begin LRMA’s Third Grade Tours program this month. Third Grade students from Laurel, Jones County and surrounding counties participate in this program. The tour features the By Native Hands, Native American Basket Collection. Students also participate in a hands-on weaving activity.

November 2nd Lauren Rogers Museum of Art will partner with The Laurel Junior Auxiliary and The Laurel Arts League to present Very Special Arts Festival at the Cameron Center in Laurel. This fun filled day is for mentally and physically challenged students in Jones County and surrounding areas. Students will participate in a variety of art and musical activities and enjoy a picnic lunch in Daphne Park. The theme this year is FIESTA! I think the volunteers have just as much fun as the students each year.

The LRMA Education Department is offering some fun holiday classes for children this fall.

Trick Art Treat, Tuesday, October 30, 2007 in Museum Annex.

Mommy and Me Free Holiday Art Activity Thursday, December 6, 2007 1:00-4:00pm

Christmas Art Class for Kids, Thursday, December 13, 2007 in the Museum Annex.

If you have any questions about any of the LRMA Education Programs please call Mandy Buchanan or Angie King at 601- 649- 6374 or visit the Museum’s website, www.LRMA.org.