Guest Blogger: Holly Green

AT THE MUSEUM –


Just get ready – it’s going to be great! Lauren Rogers Museum of Art has an action-packed summer planned with activities and events to entertain and enlighten the entire family.

I’ll begin with our upcoming summer exhibitions which are interesting, and a bit whimsical. The 11th installment of Laurel Collects will open on June 21. The theme of this exhibition is Vintage Toys and Games. Laurel Arts League has again partnered with us to put together a show built around collections found in Laurel and Jones County, having had earlier exhibits composed of Asian art, furniture, and portraiture. This exhibition is sure to be appealing and nostalgic.

Word was put out via local media asking residents of Laurel and Jones County to dig through their attics for vintage toys, games, and dolls and bring them in for us to see. There were only two prerequisites - the items had to be manufactured prior to 1970 and they must be in good condition. Last weekend, we brought in an expert who selected the toys that would actually be in the exhibition. The Museum staff and guild members were even allowed to submit toys. Personally, I was a little rough with my childhood toys and they were not in exactly the most acceptable condition. If only I hadn’t colored in Miss Beasley’s polka dots and pierced her ears with my stapler – perhaps my favorite doll might be making her debut at LRMA.

A second summer exhibition, also opening on June 21, is our curator’s choice. Focus on Fashion will feature a selection of fashion photos ranging from the 1940s to the early 1960s. Laurel native Charlotte Payne worked as a model in New York, Japan, and Europe during that time period, and her personal and professional photo collection is currently in local hands. Our exhibition will feature approximately 60 photos, tear-sheets, proofs, and contact sheets from that collection. If you have an interest in fashion or photography or both, this is going to be a lovely and unique exhibition that shouldn’t be missed.

Probably our most laid-back event of the year, Blues Bash will be held Friday, June 3. Those of you who have been coming to this event for the past 18 years know how much fun it is to spend a summer evening on these beautiful grounds. If you’ve never been or it has been a while, you really need to make plans to be here. We always have good music, but the band this year is going to be outstanding. The Houserockers were the mainstay band at the infamous Subway Lounge in Jackson, now on the Mississippi Historic Blues Trail. This band has a faithful following and their slogan is “Ain’t no party like a Houserocker party, ‘cause a houserocker party don’t stop!” Smokehouse of Laurel will be cooking up some delicious barbecue to make the night complete. Go ahead and call now to get your tickets. And don’t forget your lawn chairs.

We also have a slate of art activities to entertain and educate the kids this summer. In June, we will offer Children’s Pottery Camp and Free Family Art. July will bring Summer Art Camp, a painting workshop by our own Tommie Rodgers (LRMA registrar), and a drawing class led by Cassie Marcellino. Then in August, I anticipate record participation for a new event we’re calling “Girls Night Art.” You can learn about these classes on the Museum’s website, www.LRMA.org ,or call 601.649.6374 for further details. Be sure and sign up early as the summer classes are always popular and space is always limited.

Check us out on the web, become our Facebook fan, or follow us on Twitter. However you choose to keep up, be sure and make Lauren Rogers Museum of Art your hub for summer fun and entertainment!



Holly Green is Director of Marketing at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art.