Attic Gallery

40 Years Celebration - Friday, Oct 14 - 7 to 9 PM

2011-10-09T11:05:00.009-05:00

(Kennith Humphrey's Unemployment Line 6 is number 6)

Join us Friday, October 14 from 7 to 9 PM to celebrate 40 years of the Attic Gallery in downtown Vicksburg. We will be hanging a show of forty pieces of art created for the occasion by forty artist who have a history with the Attic. Each was given a number from one to forty as a starting point. There will be paintings, photography, collage, glass, metalwork, wood, and more.

(David Lambert's Hit Me is number fifteen)

The show also celebrates the Attic's standing as Mississippi's most enduring gallery.

(Cathy Hegman's Alice's Eleven is number eleven)

The event will be hosted on the third floor of the Attic Gallery building at 1101 Washington Street in downtown Vicksburg. For the past two years Lesley and Daniel (owners of the Attic) labored to convert the third floor space into a residence. This show will be the first time they have opened their new home to the public since they moved in at the beginning of this past summer.

(Jean Blue's painting is number seven)

"During our design process, it was always a priority to make the space friendly not only for us to live in, but to host art openings like this one," Lesley said. "For us it wouldn't be a good home unless it was a place to share art."

(Ron Lindsey's One Day on the Corner of Oak and Bowmar is number one)

(Carol & Fletcher Cox's Wing Spreaders is number 38)

Participating artists are:
1 Ron Lindsey
2 Poor Julia
3 Earl Simmons
4 Martha Ferris
5 Ellen Langford
6 Kennith Humphrey
7 Jean Blue
8 Patt Odom
9 Kathy Gergo
10 Jamie Tate
11 Cathy Hegman
12 Vidal Blankenstein
13 Euphus Ruth
14 Ron Koehler
15 David Lambert
16 Mary Hardy
17 Vicki Nicolette
18 Keith Alford
19 Lane Berg
20 Suzi Altman
21 Tony Difatta
22 Susie Ranager
23 Pat Brown
24 Anne Campbell
25 Rhonda Blasingame
26 Wendy Edelman
27 Dale Rayburn
28 James Smithhart
29 Deanna Douglas
30 Will Jacks
31 Rob Cooper
32 Mamie Joe
33 Elayne Goodman
34 Georgeanne McCullough
35 Randy Jolly
36 Daniel Boone
37 Alex Boerner and Deborah Silver
38 Carol & Fletcher Cox
39 Andy Young
40 Lesley Silver

(Rob Cooper's glass panel Halloween Love is number thirty one)

Bare Essentials opening photos

2010-10-15T23:11:00.002-05:00

Bare Essentials Show opens Friday, October 15 from 7 to 9 PM

2010-10-13T21:23:00.002-05:00

Join us Friday night from 7 to 9 PM in our construction site/gallery to see new paintings by four artists: Kennith Humphrey, Jamie Tate, Ellen Langford, and Cathy Hegman...

The Art Car...

2010-10-10T19:55:00.005-05:00

The Art Car event was today. Here's photos of the event:

Come to Our House...

2010-07-04T13:12:00.002-05:00

On Friday, July 9 Lesley Silver and Daniel Boone, owners of Vicksburg's Attic Gallery will open their home to host an art exhibit and gallery talks by Mississippi painters Patt Odom, Susie Ranager, and Jamie Tate.

Since the couple are in the middle of remodeling the third floor of the downtown gallery building into a new residence, it seemed like a good time to take the gallery to their long time home on Cherry Street. "We have had the occasional trunk show at the house over the years, but this will be a chance for our friends and clients to come to the house one last time before we move, " Silver said.

"We chose three painters we have worked with over the last few years, and they have worked together as active members of the Mississippi Art Colony. Each will be at the opening and will briefly discuss their involvement with this institution and how it has influenced their work. Susie and Patt are from the Gulf Coast, and Jamie is from the Delta. 'Colony,' headquartered in Utica, has provided a place for a terrific group of Mississippi artists to work side by side and exchange ideas."

The one-night-show will be at the home of Lesley Silver and Daniel Boone at 2432 Cherry Street from 7 PM to 9 PM. For more information call 601 638 9221 or 601 638 3967 the night of the show.

Opening at Pearl River Glass

2010-03-25T08:48:00.002-05:00

Our Streets/Roads/Paths theme show opens from 5 PM to 8 PM, Thursday, March 25 at Pearl River Glass Studio at 142 Millsaps Avenue. There's over 70 pieces by more than two dozen regional artists. Be there.

Attic Gallery theme show is coming to Jackson's Pearl River Glass Studio

2010-03-16T18:53:00.003-05:00

Vicksburg’s Attic Gallery has a theme show every year, but this time there is a difference: the show will be in Jackson. On Thursday, March 25 Streets/Roads/Paths will open at Pearl River Glass Studio at 142 Millsaps Avenue in Jackson.

For the last couple of decades Vicksburg’s Attic Gallery has asked a number of their artists to participate in a theme show. “We give them a starting point, a subject, and they always surprise us with what they do with it, explained Lesley Silver, owner of the Attic since its inception in 1971. “In the past some of the themes have included: Cats, Doors, Houses, Elvis, etc. The concept of Streets/Roads/Paths seemed to fit now for several reasons.”

Taking the show on the road was inspired by the current state of the downtown Vicksburg gallery. “It’s a construction site now. We are in the process of converting our third floor into an apartment for my husband and me to live in. We have had shows up there during the remodeling, but it’s at a stage where that was not a good option. We have talked for years about doing something in Jackson and this seemed like the perfect time.”

“When I thought about spaces, Andy Young and the Pearl River Glass Studio came into my head. We have many parallels with Andy. Our galleries both began in the 1970's, and when we had shows back then, Andy and his people were always part of what we did. We commiserated, we struggled, we worried and we talked ---now over 30 years later we are still talking. It just feels right to return to the place that had such a warm place in our early days. Representing the Pearl River Glass Studio, Andy, along with Tom Crouch, will be contributing work to the show.”

“Bringing our artists and our style to Jackson will be an adventure. There will be paintings and photos, sculptures, and more by over 27 artists several of whom are having their Jackson debut.” Among those: Georgia artists Dale Rayburn and Mamie Joe are Mississippi natives who have shown their etchings, paintings, and monotypes at the Attic Gallery for more than 35 years; Elayne Goodman lives in Columbus, Mississippi and is known for her colorful constructions made from found objects.

Because of space limitations the artists have been asked to keep their work no larger than 16” x 20.”

Streets/Roads/Paths will open on Thursday, March 25 from 5pm-8pm at Pearl River Glass Studio at 142 Millsaps Avenue. The show will hang for 4 weeks. For more information call The Attic Gallery 601 638 9221 or PRGS at 601-353-2497. See atticgallery.net for images from the show.

Among participating artists are: Lane Berg, Jean Blue, Rob Cooper, Tom Crouch, Wendy
Eddleman, Paul Fayard, Martha Ferris, Kathy Gergo, Elayne Goodman, Mary Hardy, Teresa Haygood, Kennith Humphrey, Will Jacks, Mamie Joe, John Kelly, Ellen Langford, Ron Lindsey, George Ann McCullough, Byron Myrick, Patt Odom, Jimmy Pitts, H. C. Porter, Susie Ranager, Dale Rayburn, Earl Simmons, James Smithhart, Jamie Tate, Bebe Wolfe, and Andy Young.

Artists in Our Living Room (the sequel)

2009-11-13T22:43:00.003-06:00

The gallery/construction site/ living room was crammed with art lovers for the second in our Artists in the Living Room series November 13 (Friday the 13th) 2009. They came to see new paintings by Jean Blue, Kathy Gergo, and Ellen Langford. Each gave a gallery talk, and then answered questions.

Artists in the Lving Room (the sequel)

2009-11-04T11:21:00.005-06:00

(Fish Painting by Jean Blue)

( Swamp Survivor by Kathy Gergo)

The Attic Gallery presents
Artists in the Living Room
featuring new work and gallery talks by

•Jean Blue
• Kathy Gergo
• Ellen Langford

(1101 Washington Street
Vicksburg, MS 39183)
Fri. Nov. 13 - 7 PM to 9 PM
Come see our future living space as it evolves and get to know these 3 artists as they show and discuss their new work. Don’t miss our last opening of 2009.

More details: call 601 638 9221
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Jamie Tate Gallery Talk Friday, October 16

2009-10-05T21:35:00.001-05:00

On Friday, October 16 the Attic Gallery in downtown Vicksburg begins a new series of Art exhibitions/gallery talks they are calling "Artists in the Living Room." The first featured artist will be Jamie Tate, a painter from Stoneville in the Mississippi Delta. The exhibition begins at 7 PM and Tate will be speaking at about 8.

"We are trying a new approach to how we host a show," Lesley Silver, owner of the Attic said. "We wanted to personalize the art even more, so that all in attendance make the connection that has always been so important to me: The paintings are not products or decorations; they are art created by the hand and mind of an artist. I think of her paintings as emotional, nonobjective landscapes of the Mississippi Delta. Jamie may tell us about her ideas, her techniques, her life: it's up to her; but I want everyone to get to know her better."

"Also since our space is changing, we wanted to find a way to make it work in a new way. The third floor of the Attic Gallery is being transformed into a space that will serve double duty as both a fun place to see art and meet artists, and as our living room. I thought this was a fitting way to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the Attic, because the Attic grew from me selling art in the living room at my home to a few mothers of attendees of my daughter's birthday party back in 1971. Now we are building our home in the Gallery. It's a coming full circle for me.

Our third floor is really a construction site now, but we want to continue to hold openings as long as it is practical. I think it will be an adventure for people to see how the space has changed even since August. Our new apartment is shaping up."

The Gallery is located at 1101 Washington Street and the public is invited to the event. There is no admission. For more details call 601 638 9221

Summer Escape opens Friday, August 7

2009-07-19T20:05:00.004-05:00

It is hot. The fact is inescapable. But here at the Attic Gallery we are planning a Summer Escape. We have asked several of our artists to help us by doing what they do best: making art. They are embracing the idea of helping us forget the heat with their creations. Also, in consideration of other realities of the season, the prices of the work will be friendly.

Come see new work by

Jean Blue of Vicksburg,
James Smithhart of Vicksburg,
Earl Simmons of Bovina,
Lesley Silver of Vicksburg,
Ellen Langford of Jackson,
Elayne Goodman of Columbus,
Jamie Tate of Greenville,
Kathy Gergo of Vicksburg,
Susie Ranager of Ocean Springs,
Patt Odom of Ocean Springs,
Mary Hardy of Ocean Springs,
Ron Koehler of Cleveland, Mississippi
Hannah Cohen’s Red Beans & Nice of New Orleans

The Gallery is going through a major transition now, and we wanted to bring you all along. The show will be hung on the third floor as usual; but expect to see big changes in progress as we are transforming the space into our home.

Join us in our Summer Escape: great new art, good food, cold drinks, and a chance to visit with the artists and more…

A Summer Escape opens at the Attic Gallery in downtown Vicksburg Friday, August 7, from 7 PM until 9 PM. The public is invited and there is no admission fee.

For more information call the Attic Gallery: 601 638 9221.

Icons Theme Show Opening

2009-02-21T10:14:00.008-06:00

Join us Friday, February 27 from 7 PM to 9 PM for the opening of our annual theme show.

This year the theme is Icons and over 50 artists will be creating work in all mediums inspired and informed by Icons.

Artists participating include:

Lee H. Abraham
Julia Allen
Sam Beibers
Lane Berg
Phyllis Blake
Vidal Blankenstein
Rhonda Blasingame
Jean Blue
Dr. Bob
Mike Box
Pat Brown
Anne Campbell
Hannah Cohen
Rob Cooper
Pati D'Amico
Tony Davenport
Tony DiFatta
Wendy Eddleman
Paul Fayard
Lori Felix

Martha Ferris
Kat Fitzpatrick
Hobbs Freeman
Kathy Gergo
Jerrie Glasper
Elayne Goodman
Sandra Halat
Pat Hankins
Mary Hardy
Theresa Haygood
Leslie Horton
Kennith Humphrey
Will Jacks
Keith Karlson
Ron Koehler
David Lambert
Ellen Langford
Vicky Lever Niolet
Ron Lindsey
George Ann McCullough
Nancy Mitchell
Leah Norris
Patt Odom
JE Pitts
Casey Porter
Rebekah Potter
Susie Ranager
Dale Rayburn
Euphus Ruth
Lesley Silver
Lois Simbach
Earl Simmons
Amy Smith
James Smithhart
Jamie Tate
William Warren
Ceci Whitehurst
Laura Wilson
Andy Young

And if you are looking for dinner before the opening...
Chris and Sally are opening Main Street Market that night and serving a gourmet meal to about 35 to 40 lucky people. Call 601 634 8088 to reserve your table and remember it is BYOB.

Come on down Sunday

2008-12-10T18:29:00.002-06:00

The Attic will be open this

Sunday, December 14

from 1 PM until 5 PM

for a laid back shopping opportunity.

Ellen Langford will be there signing her new calendar, and Elizabeth Robinson will have her new glass jewelry there as well.

We also have a new batch of Mississippi made jewelry, pottery, wood, glass mosaics, and more from last weekend's Chimneyville Craft Show.

And we are having our annual secret sale:

everything you buy on Sunday will be 10% off

except Ellen's calendars and Elizabeth's new jewelry.

Attic Opening: Footprints & Shadows

2008-11-20T22:13:00.002-06:00

Join us Friday, November 21 as

The Attic Gallery
presents
Footprints & Shadows

New paintings by:
• Keith Alford
• Vidal Blankenstein
• Lesley Silver
• James Smithhart
• Jamie Tate

jewelry by
• Betsy Liles

airplanes by
• David Lambert

and clay by
• Ky Johnston
• Matt Steadman

(plus new folk art from the Kentuck
Festival)

Reception:
Friday November 21
7 PM - 9 PM

As we walk through the world we all leave footprints and cast shadows. Artists leave theirs in their paintings, clay,
jewlery, sculpture, etc...
Come meet the artists
See more at atticgallery.net or call 601 638 9221
Dinner & an Art Opening?
Our friends Sally & Chris of
Main Street Market
are opening that Friday night (Nov. 21) just so you can enjoy a wonderful dinner before the opening.

Call 601 634 8088 to reserve your table. (Reservations are a must)

They are only five blocks away at the corner of Main and Cherry Streets. (...and it's B.Y.O.B.)

37 Years in the Attic?

2008-10-08T09:47:00.003-05:00

Join us for our

37th Anniversary Show
Contemporary Rhythms:

New paintings by:

• Jean Blue

• Sandra Halat
• Ellen Langford

• Patt Odom

• Susie Ranager

and clay by

• Pat Hankins

Join us to celebrate
37 Years in the
Attic Gallery

Friday October 17
7 PM to 9 PM

These 5 women are serious artists whose work always teaches me something. Come see their latest.
For more info: call 601 638 9221

Dinner & an Art Opening?
Our friends Sally & Chris of Main Street Market are opening that night just so you can enjoy a wonderful dinner before the opening.

Call 601 634 8088 to reserve your table. (Reservations are a must)

They are only five blocks away at the corner of Main and Cherry Streets

(And it’s B.Y.O.B.)

Read About the Rayburn/Joe Show in the Clarion Ledger

2008-03-27T14:14:00.000-05:00

Click to see Sherry Luca's recent article (on the Clarion Ledger website) about our new show.

Dale & Mamie "Coming Home" to the Attic

2008-03-18T07:29:00.000-05:00

Dale Rayburn & Mamie Joe

Friday, March 28

On Friday, March 28, the Attic Gallery will hold a homecoming of sorts for Roswell, Georgia artists Dale Rayburn and his wife, Mamie Joe. They will be showing a selection of their latest paintings, monotypes, etchings, and collages in an exhibit called “Coming Home.”

Although both Dale Rayburn and Mamie Joe are native Mississippians, they moved away from their home state over 37 years ago. Lesley Silver had only recently opened her Attic Gallery in Vicksburg when she saw their work in Atlanta. She contacted them immediately because their work seemed to be exactly what she wanted for her fledgling gallery. “It was original graphics (etchings) and it was Southern, a combination that was rare at the time. Dale’s piece was called ‘My Turn, Your Turn’ and I knew I wanted it as soon as I saw it,” she recalls. “Dale responded, and the rest is history. The Attic has exclusively represented Dale and Mamie in central Mississippi since the early 1970’s. Since that time they have become nationally known. Just last month Rayburn and Joe both won major awards at the Cocoanut Grove Show in Florida.

Dale’s early etchings often featured old men as their subjects; and Mamie’s were often images of cats or glamorous women. “Their work seemed to tell stories and they quickly developed a following of collectors here in Vicksburg with many eagerly awaiting their newest work.” Silver said. “They have evolved over the years, but both Dale and Mamie continue to do work that people connect to.”

Along with their signature work, they will be showcasing a new project for the first time here in Vicksburg. It is a group of collaborative collages created on the computer. “It’s something fun we have been working on,” Dale Rayburn said, “and the Attic seemed like a good place to share it.”
The couple wanted to call this exhibit Coming Home, because, even though they have maintained ties to Mississippi, they recently have built a new studio at Rayburn’s family’s old home place in Carriere, Mississippi. “After Katrina, we had to come tend to the old farm and somehow we have reconnected, and wanted to be able to spend time here and work here.”

Dale and Mamie will be at the opening reception from 7 PM to 9 PM on Friday, March 28 at the Attic Gallery at 1101 Washington Street in downtown Vicksburg. The show will continue through April. For more information call the Attic Gallery: 601 638 9221.

Sherry Lucas reports on the Weather, The Weather

2008-02-28T11:44:00.000-06:00

Read what Sherry Lucas has to say about our annual theme show in the Clarion Ledger.

The Weather The Weather (Our Annual Theme Show)

2008-02-20T08:02:00.004-06:00

Attic Gallery Theme Show: The Weather, The Weather

Opening Friday, February 29

from 7 PM until 9 PM

On Friday, February 29 the Attic Gallery will open their annual theme show featuring the work of more than forty artists from across the South including New Orleans, Birmingham, and all over Mississippi. The theme this year is "Weather."

"Every year we pick a word or idea from somewhere, and let all our artist friends know. Somehow, since it's February, the weather seemed to be on our minds, so we decided to make it our theme. Giving the artists a theme seems to jump start the creative process for them here at the beginning of the year," explained Lesley Silver, owner of the Attic Gallery located in downtown Vicksburg for over 35 years.

"We've been doing these for over 20 years. Themes from past years include: cats, doors, coffee cups, hands, masks, signs, and the kitchen."
"Many of the participating artists turn out to see what everyone else has done. Some interpret the theme in a straightforward way, but there are always some whose work causes people to hesitate and scratch their heads over how the piece relates to the theme. That's part of the fun of it."

There will be paintings, sculpture, photography, pottery, and more.

"Our coffeehouse will be open downstairs that night, so it should be a fun evening to be on the corner of Grove and Washington Streets."

The opening reception will be Friday, February 29 from 7 PM to 9 PM at the Attic Gallery at 1101 Washington Street in downtown Vicksburg. The public is invited. For more information call 601 638 9221 or see our web site: atticgallery.net. The show will continue through March.

Among participating artists will be:
Janet Akers
Keith Alford
Julia Allen
Duncan Baird
Elizabeth Barenis
Sam Beibers
Jean Blue
Mike Box
Pat Brown
Con Christeson
Susan Clark
Hannah Cohen
Fletcher Cox
Charles Crossley
Paul Fayard
Lori Felix
Martha Ferris
Max Ford
Pat Fowler
Kathy Gergo
Amy Glisan
Elayne Goodman
Pete Halverson
Mary Hardy
Teresa Haygood
Kennith Humphrey
Ky Johnston
Ellen Langford
Ron Lindsey
Ross Lunz
Nancy Mitchell
Byron Myrick
Patt Odom
Jennifer Owen
Neil & Stephen Pillow
HC Porter
W Earl Robinson
Euphus Ruth
Lesley Silver
Earl Simmons
Ceci Smith
James Smithhart
Jamie Tate
Felandus Thames
Marianne Wynn

Joni Bishop art in the Attic

2007-12-05T13:20:00.000-06:00

Joni Bishop is not only performing in our Highway 61 Coffeehouse this Thursday (Dec. 6), she is having an exhibit of her art in the Attic. Most of her paintings are of blues and folk musicians. They will be around until this Saturday, December 8. Come meet Joni and see her paintings.

Joni's introduction to the world of music began when she got her first guitar at age 9 and discovered the folk/ roots music of singers like Mississippi John Hurt. & Elizabeth Cotton. Not only did the music captivate her, but the faces on the LP jackets as well. It was then that she began to develop a love for both music & art and to discover her own gifts: for writing songs, singing, playing finger-style guitar, and for sketching pencil portraits of the musicians she loved to listen to.
Since those early days, Joni's career as a singer-songwriter has become well established on the American folk music scene. She has toured extensively throughout the US and in Europe. Her distinctive songwriting-vocal-guitar style won her recognition in many noted song festivals here and abroad and landed her a staff-writing deal with Galleon Music Publishing Co. in Los Angeles before arriving in Nashville in 1989. She was a New Folk winner in the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas, has recorded for CBS Records, BWE Records and released 5 CDs on her own independent label Polestar Records. Joni's songs have been recorded by other artists as well, among them country singer Crystal Gayle, pop group 3T, Australian country artist Shanly Dell and numerous folk artists and bluegrass groups and her music continues to receive airplay around the country on Americana, college & public radio.
As a visual artist, Joni had her first solo art show, "Roots, Rhythm & Gospel", in Nashville in 1998, where she exhibited over 40 of her folk-art Jazz/Blues/Gospel portraits of some of her most beloved subjects: the musicians and singers whose music has influenced, uplifted and inspired her through the years - Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Rev. Gary Davis, and the great gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, to name a few. Her work has been shown throughout the Southeast United States in conjunction with her concert tours in places like New Orleans, Memphis & Washington DC.. Joni is based in Nashville where she continues to write music, record and paint. Having completed her 5th CD 'Steal Away Home', a folk-gospel collection of spirituals that includes a booklet of her art illustrations, Joni is currently busy working on a new CD of original music and a multi-media theatre piece that will incorporate elements of art, music & film......

Clarion Ledger says...

2007-10-11T14:08:00.000-05:00

Read what Sherry Lucas has to say about the Intersecting Visions show in the Clarion Ledger.

36 Years brings Intersecting Visions...Anniversary Show Opens

2007-10-01T20:54:00.000-05:00

Byron Myrick's Clay Vessels

Jamie Tate's Painting, Smoke & Mirrors

Margaret Barber's Teapot

Jean Blue Painting

Photograph by Melody Golding

Kennith Humphrey painting

Photograph by Will Jacks

Join us as the Attic celebrates our 36th year bringing art to downtown Vicksburg and beyond.

Our Anniversary Show is called Intersecting Visions, and features the remarkable visions of 7 artists:

Margaret Barber - Clay
Jean Blue - Paintings
Melody Golding - Photography
Kennith Humphrey - Paintings
Will Jacks - Photography
Byron Myrick - Clay
Jamie Tate - Paintings

Friday, October 12
7 to 9 PM

Since opening in 1971 the Attic Gallery has shared the visions of hundreds of artists. To celebrate our latest milestone we are bringing together 7 creative friends both old and new. Vicksburg local, Jean Blue has been on our staff for nearly 20 years, and has been a favorite featured artist for at least 30. Her paintings are always waited for and sought after. Lesley thinks, "Jean is using stronger colors and underpainting techniques which make this work pop. They are full of symbols. This group includes both landscapes and paintings of Jean's inner landscape."

Also from Vicksburg, prolific painter, Kennith Humphrey has been our best selling artist since we moved into our "new" building over 10 years ago. "Kennith is as always fearless with colors. He stretches the imagination with his distortion of figures and seems to make surprising discoveries as he paints."

One more local artist, Melody Golding, is one of the latest to hang her work here. She is a painter and photographer who has recently completed a massive Katrina related photo project. "We have known Melody for years, and have watched her growth as an artist. Her photos for the show are ethereal & seductive."

From the Mississippi Delta town of Stoneville, outgoing director of the Mississippi Art Colony, Jamie Tate will be presenting new abtract paintings. "Her paintings may be nonobjective, but her textures and forms definitely make you feel a connection to the land of the Delta."

Also from the Delta, (Cleveland, Mississippi) photographer Will Jacks is making his Attic debut with a stunning collection of mysterious sepia toned images. "In his own words these photos of New Orleans are 'mostly very abstract and surreal,' and 'in some way or another illustrate the human spirit.' Powerful..."

Byron Myrick from Moselle, Mississippi returns to the Attic with his signature clay sculptural vessels which are the result of careful construction, breaking, glazing and reassembly. "A metaphor for life?: rebirth as something new and better, definitely different."

Margaret Barber of Montgomery, Alabama will be showing for the fist time in the Attic. A member of the Mississippi Craftsman's Guild, she also works with clay, creating elegant teapots and other vessels. "Her clay work seems to dance - the pieces have a life of their own. Her marks and style transform these familiar forms."

The show opens on Friday, October 12 at 7 PM at the Attic Gallery in downtown Vicksburg. The work will hang for approximately one month.

The public is invited.

Mary Hardy

2007-09-13T08:24:00.001-05:00

MARY HARDY - Ocean Springs

Artist's Statement
My working process seems to be a conversation with myself, my innerness. It is a constant search, an excavation. This "digging" lends itself therefore to the mixed media process that I use of layering drawing, painting and collage materials. My subject matter is derived from this personal searching as all Art has done since the beginning of time. I therefore use universal, archetypal symbols to engage the viewer and encourage them to look through the layers and discover a story of their own.

Vicksburg Photographer has new book.

2007-06-13T23:10:00.000-05:00

Vicksburg's Melody Golding has brought us several of her photos from her exhibition: 'Katrina: Mississippi Women Remember' which opened at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC, March-May 2007. More than Fifty sepia toned silver gelatin prints and unique large imbue prints were exhibited along with hours of black and white streaming video Melody has taken spanning from September 2005 to August 2006. This comprehensive exhibition and unique photographic journal, with its stunning sepia photographs of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina forms the basis of the book entitled 'Katrina: Mississippi Women Remember' published by the University Press of Mississippi in May 2007. Included are essays by noted authors Ellen Gilchrist and Mary Anderson Pickard. This book will join Melody's photographs of the storm's aftermath with the stories and reflections of those who lived through it. A compelling component of this exhibit is the interspersed text of poignant phrases drawn from the book. A solo exhibit of Melody's work, "Stark Exposures: Images of Katrina", opened at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art on June 1 and continued through August 16, 2006. This was the first exhibit about Hurricane Katrina on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Visit Melody's website to see more images and learn more about her and her work.

Lesley & Daniel Speak...

2007-04-30T22:52:00.000-05:00

Every Thursday afternoon, members of the Mississippi Arts Commission staff host "The Mississippi Arts Hour," a radio program broadcast on WLEZ (103.7 FM) in Jackson, Mississippi. The show features interviews with Mississippi artists, musicians, craftspeople, and others involved in arts and culture from around the state.

April 12, 2007 - The Attic Gallery in Vicksburg, Mississippi has been showcasing the work of unique visual artists for over 30 years. Gallery owners Lesley Silver and Daniel Boone join Malcolm White for a discussion of the history of the gallery, Vicksburg's blooming arts scene, and their latest venture, the Highway 61 Coffee House .

click here to listen to the interview.

New Canvases by Kennith Humphrey

2007-04-16T21:54:00.000-05:00

Before the Service - Oil on Canvas - 30" x 40"

Insurance - Oil on Canvas

Sears - Oil on Canvas

Sunday Morning - Oil on Canvas

Jann Ferris - Freefall into Grace Opening

2007-04-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Join us at the Attic Gallery
Friday, April 13
From 7 PM to 9 PM

for the opening of

Freefall into Grace

an exhibition of drawings by Jann Ferris

The Attic Gallery
1101 Washington Street
Vicksburg, MS 39183

For a few years Jann Ferris has been making hundreds of drawings of fanciful figures and hiding them. Last month the series was exhibited at the Mississippi Museum of Art, and now the Attic is proud to bring this amazing collection home to Vicksburg.

Come meet Jann and see Freefall into Grace.

-------------------------------------------------
When the work was shown last month at the Mississippi Museum of Art, Betsy Bradley, director of the museum, wrote the following:

If one were to ask Jann Terral Ferris her medium as an artist, she might respond that she is a textile artist, a jewelry designer, even a master teacher or visionary arts education reformer; and all of these are true. She would probably not identify her medium as pen and ink drawings. She calls these drawings her "doodles," because they really are.

The wonder of this work lies in its origins. One expects a great artist to produce a masterpiece with all the intensity, rigor, and mania that define western masters. These drawings, however, demonstrate the ongoing, ever-present joy, beauty, and magic working in Jann Ferris' soul, brain, and fingers. Often drawn while talking on the telephone, in meetings, and in conversation, these drawings demonstrate an almost subconscious magic that celebrates the human form at its most glorious--when dancing or reflecting or laughing, costumed with artistic precision and displaying the confidence and vibrant celebration of being. And they fascinate the viewer because they reflect an activity that is universal: we all doodle. But we don't all care enough about the subject, about its expression, about who it is becoming to commit to it with such precision, such love, and such joy.

Viewers who know Jann may be surprised to see these works, surprised that they exist, because of her mastery of so many other forms. Those who know her, however, will not be surprised by their quality, their exuberance, their integrity, their beauty, or their joy--not surprised because these are the traits that define their creator.

Betsy Bradley

Heed the Signs

2007-02-11T14:30:00.000-06:00

On Friday March, 2 at 7 PM our annual theme show opens featuring work by dozens of artists.

The theme this year is signs. It's going to be fun to see what evryone has cooked up for this one. Here's a few previews by Kathy Gergo, Paul Fayard, Pete Halverson, and Lori Felix...

A loving tribute

2006-12-09T17:38:00.000-06:00

Read what good friend Chris Reid has to say about the Attic on his blog - Required Reiding

Sunday Open House with Ellen Langford

2006-12-05T21:45:00.000-06:00

Join us Sunday, Dec. 10
1 PM to 5 PM to:

1. See one of our favorite artists at work

2. Shop for gifts

3. Save money

4. Just hang out and drink coffee.

The Attic Gallery is a laid back place to get some handmade gifts of art or fine crafts for those special persons on your list (including you).

And our gift is a once-a-year 10% discount on all items purchased and paid for that day.

Ellen Langford will be painting on site, so come meet her, chat with her and watch a genius at work.

And our Highway 61 Coffeehouse will be open for some serious relaxing.

Southern Kaliedoscope

2006-11-13T08:26:00.000-06:00

Join us and take a look through a
Southern
Kaleidoscope
and see the visions of these
eight singular artists.

• Kathy Gergo - Paintings
• Jamie Tate - Paintings
• Ellen Langford - Paintings
• Felandus Thames - Mixed
• Byron Myrick - Clay
• Lorraine Gendron -Paintings
• Matt Steadman - Clay
• Jerri Glasper - Paintings

Friday, November 17
7 PM until 9 PM

The Attic Gallery
1101 Washington Street
Vicksburg, MS 39183

601 638 9221
atticgallery.net

35th Quilt so far...

2006-09-25T21:47:00.000-05:00

Clay, wood, stained glass, fabric, photography, folk art, painting, etchings, drawings, landscapes, abstracts, humor, gravity, history, mystery, self portraits, and even a lamp fashioned from a clock face: the "quilt" created by 36 artists in celebration of the Attic Gallery's 35 years in exisitence has all of it, much like the gallery.

Each artist was assigned a year as a starting point for their piece, and their separate 12 inch square pieces now assembled into a grid, manage to tell the big story of the past 35 years while hinting at numerous subplots: some personal, some global.

The first thing one sees is a candle, symbolizing among other things the gallery's unofficial inception at the fifth birthday party of the co-creator of this first piece, Deborah Silver, daughter of the owner Lesley Silver. The candle also brings to mind the fragile flickering into existence of the Attic in 1971 when Lesley first climbed into the dark space above her husband's gift store with the intention of setting up shop in the dark hallway she found. In the last square there is a mirrored light bulb casting light beyond the border of the grid: accidental symmetry. This final piece is the work of one of the Attic's newest artists, Adam Dowis of New Orleans, whose lamps made of found objects seemed to evoke hope in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

The varied artists chosen to each create a piece have all been represented by the Attic, but for differing periods of time. After Deborah's photo collage are two etchings by husband and wife team, Dale Rayburn and Mamie Joe. Their assigned years 1972 and 1973 reflect the chronology of their relationship with the Attic and its beginnings specializing in original graphics. Later there are fine craft pieces and colorful folk art charting the changes in direction the gallery has negotiated in its journey through the decades.

In addition to the square "quilt" pieces each artist will be exhibiting two other pieces of whatever size and shape they desire.

The public is invited to meet the artists and view the works created to celebrate the Attic's 35th anniversary at 7 PM on Friday, October 6, 2006 at 1101 Washington Street. For more information about "35 Years in the Attic" call 601 638 9221.

(Many of the pieces may be viewed by clicking on the list below.)

More for our 35th...

2006-09-25T19:27:00.000-05:00

More art for our 35th

2006-09-25T17:52:00.000-05:00

The Quilt Unfolds

2006-09-24T21:56:00.000-05:00

Our 35 Anniversary show is shaping up. Click links below to see the 36 pieces created for this celebration as they come in...

1971 Deborah Silver & Alex Boerner - Stuart, FL
1972 Dale Rayburn Roswell, GA
1973 Mamie Joe Roswell, GA
1974 Jean Blue Vicksburg, MS
1975 Randy Jolly Vicksburg, MS
1976 Deanna Douglas Hattiesburg, MS
1977 Keith Alford Port Gibson, MS
1978 Andy Young Jackson, MS
1979 Daniel Boone Vicksburg, MS
1980 Lois Simbach Marshall, NC
1981 Jimmy Pitts Oxford, MS
1982 Vidal Blankenstein Jackson, MS
1983 Geraldine Nash Port Gibson, MS
1984 Lesley Silver Vicksburg, MS
1985 Fletcher & Carol Cox Tougaloo, MS
1986 Ron Lindsey Clinton, MS
1987 Chad Poovey Vicksburg, MS
1988 Earl Simmons Bovina, MS
1989 Patt Odom Ocean Springs, MS
1990 Elayne Goodman Columbus, MS
1991 Kathy Gergo Vicksburg, MS
1992 Dr. Bob Memphis, TN
1993 Bebe Wolfe Jackson, MS
1994 David Baum Phoenix, AZ
1995 Chris Clark Birmingham, AL
1996 Janet Urrate Mandeville, LA
1997 Ellen Langford Jackson, MS
1998 Kennith Humphrey Vicksburg, MS
1999 Pat Fowler New Orleans, LA
2000 Tony DiFatta Jackson, MS
2001 David Lambert Jackson, MS
2002 Chris London Hartford , CT
2003 Susie Ranager Ocean Springs, MS
2004 Felandus Thames
2005 Jamie Tate Stoneville, MS
2006 Adam Dowis New Orleans, LA

35 Years???

2006-08-29T15:36:00.000-05:00

Attic Gallery celebrates 35 years

On Friday, October 6, 2006 Vicksburg's Attic Gallery will celebrate its 35 anniversary with the opening reception of "35 Years in the Attic," a show created by 36 artists who have been connected to the gallery over those years. Lesley Silver opened the Attic on that exact day in 1971 in the unused second floor space of her husband's downtown business on Washington Street. Remembering the Attic's beginnings, she said, "We had purchased some etchings and other original prints after a trip to California, and they were starting to fill our home, so we cleared out a small area to display them at the top of a staircase hidden in the corner of our gift shop."

The business grew slowly to include work by local artists and all types of fine crafts. In the early 1980's Lesley became interested in folk art and that took the Attic in the colorful, eclectic, direction it reflects now, where paintings, photography, sculpture, fine crafts of all kinds, and more are crammed floor to ceiling and spill across mismatched tables.

"To honor our changes and our longevity we have asked 36 of our artists to each create a piece of art focusing on a specific year to portray their impression of that year in history, in their own life, in their relationship with the Attic, or in any other way, and together these 36 pieces will form a memory quilt of our 35 years of being on Washington Street."

The artist chosen to represent the first year of the gallery, 1971, is Silver's daughter Deborah. The unofficial opening of the gallery occurred when the first packages of art arrived during her fifth birthday party, and a few pieces were bought by mothers of some of the party goers. Meanwhile Deborah has become a professional photojournalist and will exhibit her photography in the show.

Other artists with early years are Dale Rayburn and his wife Mamie Joe who have been associated with the Attic since their years of 1972 and 1973. Deanna Douglas has not been regularly exhibiting work at the Attic, but is a favorite from the early years, and she was happy to create new pieces for this event. Gallery staff, Silver, her husband, Daniel Boone, Jean Blue and Randy Jolly are all contributing.

"I have been lucky to have worked with some of these talented people for such a long time," Silver said. "The artist who was given 2006 is a young man in New Orleans we met this Spring named Adam Dowis. He makes the most incredible lamps out of just about anything, and he seemed to represent the future to me."

"I see what are we celebrating as 35 years of bringing people of all ages, of all cultures, of all races together to tell their story and their passion through art. Did I think about this 35 years ago? No, of course not. I could never have imagined how committed to the people of our region I would become. These decades have been good to us because people: both artists and clients, brought us on this journey. Together we have explored so much, beginning with a few etchings in 1971 and arriving here 35 years later in our "new" over 100-year-old building, where people and art are wrapped and bound together so tightly. My love for the artists, for their tireless energy, for their honesty, for their creativity has grown with each year. I believe in the Attic, in its artists and its supporters. I believe in the importance of art and how it gives us a common bond and a common language. Some of these artists have never met one another, but this is a kind of family reunion for me."

The public is invited to meet the artists and view the works created to celebrate the Attic's 35th anniversary at 7 PM on Friday, October 6, 2006 at 1101 Washington Street. For more information about "35 Years in the Attic" call 601 638 9221.

A complete list of the participating artists and their assigned year follows:
1971 Deborah Silver Stuart, FL
1972 Dale Rayburn Roswell, GA
1973 Mamie Joe Roswell, GA
1974 Jean Blue Vicksburg, MS
1975 Randy Jolly Vicksburg, MS
1976 Deanna Douglas Hattiesburg, MS
1977 Keith Alford Port Gibson, MS
1978 Andy Young Jackson, MS
1979 Daniel Boone Vicksburg, MS
1980 Lois Simbach Marshall, NC
1981 Jimmy Pitts Oxford, MS
1982 Vidal Blankenstein Jackson, MS
1983 Geraldine Nash Port Gibson, MS
1984 Lesley Silver Vicksburg, MS
1985 Fletcher & Carol Cox Tougaloo, MS
1986 Ron Lindsey Clinton, MS
1987 Chad Poovey Vicksburg, MS
1988 Earl Simmons Bovina, MS
1989 Patt Odom Ocean Springs, MS
1990 Elayne Goodman Columbus, MS
1991 Kathy Gergo Vicksburg, MS
1992 Dr. Bob Memphis, TN
1993 Bebe Wolfe Jackson, MS
1994 David Baum Phoenix, AZ
1995 Chris Clark Birmingham, AL
1996 Janet Urrate Mandeville, LA
1997 Ellen Langford Jackson, MS
1998 Kennith Humphrey Vicksburg, MS
1999 Pat Fowler New Orleans, LA
2000 Tony DiFatta Jackson, MS
2001 David Lambert Jackson, MS
2002 Chris London Hartford , CT
2003 Susie Ranager Ocean Springs, MS
2004 Mary Hardy Ocean Springs, MS
2005 Jamie Tate Stoneville, MS
2006 Adam Dowis New Orleans, LA

Booksigning and Reading Friday, August 4

2006-07-24T21:15:00.000-05:00

Mississippi author Unita Blackwell will be reading from her new book Barefootin' recently released from Crown Publishers.

She and coauthor JoAnne Prichard Morris will be signing copies of the book at the Attic Gallery on Friday, August 4 starting at 4:30 PM followed by readings downstairs in the Attic's new Highway 61 Coffeehouse.

From the publisher:

From Sharecropper to Civil Rights Activist, First Woman Black Mayor in Mississippi to Kennedy Institute Fellow,
Unita Blackwell Offers An Inspirational Memoir and Guide To Living A Full Life

Barefootin’
Life Lessons from the Road to Freedom
By Unita Blackwell with JoAnne Prichard Morris

“Engrossing…Distinguished by her vision and courage, Blackwell’s autobiography is a moving spiritual guide as well as a valuable historical document.” — Publishers Weekly

Attic Open House

2006-07-11T21:26:00.000-05:00

Join us Friday, July 14
until 8:30 PM

We’re staying open late so you can

1. See new work by
Kennith Humphrey
Ellen Langford
Kathy Gergo

2. Get a preview of our new project:
The Highway 61 Coffeehouse
(live music by Lee H. Abraham)

3. Visit our new neighbor:
H.C. Porter Gallery & Studio

The Attic Gallery is fast approaching our 35th anniversaryb in downtown Vicksburg, and it’s very exciting to see the extremely talented Chris Porter move her operation from Jackson to join us here on Washington Street.

The Highway 61 Coffeehouse has been tucked away in the corner of our minds for a long time, and apparently its time is now. Join us downtown for a fun evening...

3 by W Earl Robinson

2006-07-10T12:21:00.000-05:00

Here's three recent paintings by Clarksdale artist, W. Earl Robinson.

"Porch Sittin'" is 9 3/4" x 10" and sells for $350

"Just Waitin'" is 30" x 14" and priced at $1500

And "Cookin'" is 22 1/4" x 9 1/2" and priced $650

Rituals by Kennith

2006-06-21T13:06:00.000-05:00

A new mixed media on paper piece by Kennith. The image size is about 12 1/2" x 18"

Another by Kennith

2006-06-02T14:57:00.000-05:00

This piece is another mixed media on paper by Kennith Humphrey. Image size is about 12" x 16".

New Pieces by Kennith Humphrey

2006-06-02T14:30:00.000-05:00

These two are original mixed media works on paper. Usually they feature acrylic paint, oil pastel, dry pastel and pencil.

They are on heavy watercolor paper and the image size of the Place one is about 18" x 26 ".

Image size of Books by the Fire is
12" x 18".

The musicians piece is called Blowing and is a giclee print. Image size is 24" x 34".

Jazz in Vicksburg - Saturday, April 22

2006-04-21T22:57:00.000-05:00

I know it's a little late to share this with you, but once a year there is an almost secret free Jazz festival here in Vicksburg. It always ends with one of the giants of Jazz, and this year it is Benny Golson.

This is from the Alcorn Jazz Festival site:

The 26th Anniversary Alcorn State University Jazz Festival will take place on April 22, 2006 and will feature Benny Golson.
The festival be at the Vicksburg Convention Center and will be celebrated along with the Riverfest in Vicksburg, Mississippi (map). The jazz festival is free and open to the public. The festival is funded in part by the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Southern Arts Federation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The following artists will appear with Benny Golson:

Rashaan Carter (bass)
Carl Allen (drums) and
Mike Ledonne (piano).

Four by Lorraine Gendron

2006-04-12T15:08:00.000-05:00

Here's four paintings by Lorraine Gendron of Hahnville, Louisiana.

They are each about 16" x 20".

They are all framed by the artist and each priced at $595.

A Selection of Work by Kennith Humphrey

2006-04-01T12:46:00.000-06:00

Who's the Fastest

Oil on Canvas

(Image size: 24"x 36")

One Eye

Mixed Media on Paper

(Image size: 12"x 18")

Hard Work
Mixed Media on Paper

(Image size: 11"x 18")

Blowin'

Mixed Media on Paper

(Image size: 12"x 19")

Quintet
Mixed Media on Paper
(Image size: 26"x 48")

David Lambert - In the Kitchen

2006-03-07T15:44:00.000-06:00

Here's David Lambert's Bottled Milk - paint on wood. Image measures 10" x 24" and it's priced at $600.

And his Collander Still Life, paint on wood. Image size: 16" x 18"; $400.

From the Kitchen - Ron Lindsey

2006-03-04T12:34:00.000-06:00

Last night's opening was a great sucess. Here is more art from the show. First up is Ron Lindsey's Miro's Table. It's 36" x 48" and priced at $1350.

In the Kitchen Friday, March 3

2006-03-02T16:13:00.000-06:00

In Thursday's Clarion Ledger Sherry Lucas says, "The art train's still chugging Friday night, moving over to Vicksburg for the popular theme show at the Attic Gallery. Artists raided the fridge, the grocery and their own imaginations to whip up something fun for In the Kitchen. It could be a potboiler, a dough boy, a patron saint of the kitchen tribute in a sardine can. You'll eat it up with a spoon."

Join us from 7 PM to 9 PM and meet many of the artists.

In the Kitchen theme show

2006-01-23T22:04:00.000-06:00

Our annual theme show opens Friday, March 3.

This year the theme is In the Kitchen.

Participating artists include:

Kennith Humphrey
Elayne Goodman
Richard McKey
Amy Glisan
Pat Brown
Jimmy Pitts
Kathy Gergo
Janet Urrate
Matt Steadman
Suzanne Saunders
H. C. Porter
Susan Cox Davis
Bob Canizaro
Lois Simbach
Sandy Ford
Pete Halverson
Duncan Baird
Rick Anderson
Ceci Smith
Cetin Oguz
Butch Ruth
David Lambert
Vidal Blankenstein
Lynette Hanson
Patt Odom
Ron Koehler
Josh Hobbs
Kara Bingham Courtney
Wanda Warren
Janet Akers
Liz Patterson
Donna Martin
Lori Felix
Nancy Mitchell
Ellen Langford
Shirley Gray
Susie Ranager
Ellen Langford
Mara Hincher
Lee H. Abraham
David Jones
Denise Greenwood
Paul Fayard
Lesley Silver
Anthony DiFatta
Jean Blue
Martha Kostmayer
Rebekah Potter
Rob Cooper and Wendy Eddleman
Beth Batton
Andy Morang...

(Watch this space for more)

In the Attic: A Couple of New Kennith Humphrey Oils

2005-12-10T11:00:00.000-06:00

Kitchmas?

2005-12-06T01:36:00.000-06:00

Country Roads Magazine's December issue has a story called Merry Kitschmas!
Wacky, weird and wonderful oddments
to put creativity—if not class—back into gift giving

Our own Elayne Goodman is featured and here is what they had to say about one of her pieces currently hanging in the Attic:

H is for “Heartbreak Hotel,”

“Of all the things I ever expected to achieve in my life,” Goodman mused, “Being in Rolling Stone never occurred to me.”

For Goodman it’s not about the fame, it’s about the people. “Every Elvis person is a fun person,” said Goodman about the people she has met through her work. “It has won me many friends and acquaintances.” And many admirers, including actress Julia Roberts, who acquired one of Goodman’s pieces.

Also read Country Road's latest folk wisdom by the Attic's Lucile Hume.

Sunday Dec. 11 - Dorothy Moore signing CDs

2005-12-05T14:26:00.000-06:00

This Sunday afternoon is a great opportunity to:

1. Meet a blues legend

2. Shop for gifts

3. Save money

4. Just hang out.

The Attic will be open Dec. 11 from 1 PM to 5 PM for holiday shopping.

It's a laid back place to get some hand made gifts of art or fine crafts for those special persons on your list (including you).

And our gift is a once-a-year 10% discount on all items purchased and paid for that day.

Almost all.

The one exception is the work of our special guest - Farish Street Records' recording artist Dorothy Moore. Dorothy will be signing her Christmas CD - Please Come Home For Christmas (and her other CDs as well). Read an interview with Dorothy here.

On Please Come Home For Christmas Dorothy works her bluesy magic with these Christmas songs.

* Christmas Everyday
* Please Come Home for Christmas
* Santa Claus isComing To Town
* Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
* Jingle Bell Rock
* Little Drummer Girl
* Silent Night
* The Christmas Song
* One Less Chair Around the Table

The CD is $15.99, so it's extremely giftable.

Come see us in the Attic Sunday.

Holiday Opening Coming Friday, Nov. 18...

2005-11-01T13:10:00.000-06:00

Join us for our Annual Holiday Opening featuring new work by:

New Paintings by

•Kathy Gergo

•Patt Odom

•Elizabeth Wolfe

•John Preble

•Jamie Tate

•Mary Hardy

•Janet Urrate

•Bryce Speed
+
• Jewelry by
Betsy Liles

•Metal sculpture and jewelry by
Pat & Suzanne Juneau

•Scarves by
Angela Stout

Friday, November 18
7 PM until 9 PM

The Attic Gallery

presents
Looking for Normalcy
It seems as if we are all still a long way from normalcy. Our artists and their work continue to be
profoundly affected by Katrina. We are taking our first tour of the Gulf Coast since the storms to
collect the work for the show. We’ll be visiting our artists in Ocean Springs, Abita Springs, New
Orleans, and Cajun Country.
Come see what we find.

show continues through Dec.

This opening is part of the second Annual "3 of Arts". Read all about the other events here.

Matzoh Ball Gumbo is in the Attic

2005-10-27T21:52:00.000-05:00

Marcie Cohen Ferris' long awaited book, Matzoh Ball Gumbo: Culinary Tales of the Jewish South is now at the Attic Gallery.

They are $29.95 each. It will be the perfect holiday gift. You can get your copies now or reserve some for Marcie to sign when she comes home from Chapel Hill (before the holidays).

Here's an excerpt from Publishers Weekly
Many traditional Southern foods—pulled-pork barbecue, crab cakes, fried oyster po' boys, to name a few—violate traditional Jewish dietary laws, which forbid the consumption of pork and shellfish. What's a Southern Jew to do? Anthropological historian Ferris (UNC–Chapel Hill) answers that question in a gustatory tour of the Jewish South. She uncovers many dishes that blend Jewish and Southern foodways (recipes included for such tasties as Temple Israel Brisket and Cornmeal-Fried Fish Fillets with Sephardic Vinagre Sauce). Ferris sees food as a symbol that encompasses the problem of how Jews live in a region dominated by Christians: "The most tangible way to understand Jewish history and culture in the South is at the dinner table." Cynics will wonder if a Jewish kugel (noodle casserole) prepared in the South is really any different from kugel in Chicago. Ferris's answer is an emphatic yes—because Jews in the South face different challenges than those in Chicago. Southern Jews must be more intentional about cooking that kugel and passing the recipe down from generation to generation.

Lesley Interviewed in Jackson Free Press

2005-10-14T21:47:00.000-05:00

Lynette Hanson interviewed Lesley for the current issue of the Jackson Free Press.

An excerpt:

I think of it as a place to nurture the patrons, the artists. It’s always open to looking at new artists. What I find is that some will call and say, ‘Are you not accepting new artists?’ I’ll never do that. When we find someone that fits us like a glove, it works. I will say that I have no interest in expanding, only in bringing art and people together. There’s nothing structured or focused. I’m not structured or focused—what can I say?

read the complete story here.

After the Storm - Article in The Clarion Ledger

2005-09-21T10:43:00.000-05:00

Today's Clarion Ledger has an article about our upcoming show. Read it online here.

After the Storm: Artists for Artists' Sake (the Attic Gallery's 34th Birthday Show)

2005-09-19T14:53:00.000-05:00

An art show benefiting artists from the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina will open September 30 at Vicksburg's Attic Gallery.

Lesley Silver, owner of the Attic, explained that they had been planning their annual celebration of the anniversary of the gallery with a show featuring work by old and new artists, but events of the last few weeks seemed to demand something more. "This storm has blown away and damaged the homes of so many of the artists we represent, and it has blown those artists all over the country. The artists who were planning to participate in the opening want to help their fellow artists; so, they are designating some of their new work to be sold to go into a fund for them. And we thought we could also put the spotlight on existing work by those evacuees, because creating this art is their job, and if people will buy their art, it supports them directly."

"Katrina has caused so much damage and loss, it is too big for us to understand. The artists we know from New Orleans and the Gulf Coast all have individual stories that touch us deeply because they are our friends. We hope we can do something to sustain them and help them move forward."

The show now has four components:

One:
The originally planned featured artists are:

Jean Blue - Paintings
Kennith Humphrey - Paintings
Lorraine Gendron - Paintings and constructions
Ellen Langford - Paintings
Susie Ranager - Paintings
Ky Johnston - Paintings and pottery

Two:
"Many regional artists are calling me and offering to donate some of their work to be sold for the benefit of those who have lost their homes and property. This storm has affected so many and people want to do something to help."

Three:
"We are tagging the work of artists from the affected areas to encourage people to support them in a direct way by buying their work. We haven't talked to everyone, but our artists who live in the affected areas and who we hope to help (if needed) include:

Mandy Buchanan - Laurel
Patt Odom - Gulf Coast
Mary Hardy - Gulf Coast
Mary Anderson Pickard - Gulf Coast
Dina O'Sullivan - Gulf Coast
Matt Steadman - Gulf Coast
Susie Ranager - Gulf Coast
Shand Stamper - Gulf Coast
Jeanne Abraham - New Orleans
Toy Hementoler - New Orleans
Dr. Bob - New Orleans
Lorraine Gendron
Hannah Cohen - New Orleans
Pat MacDonald Fowler - New Orleans
Kathy Gergo - New Orleans
Sharon Johnson - New Orleans
Suzanne Saunders - New Orleans
Eric Buchanan - New Orleans
David Rae Morris - New Orleans
Deanna Douglas - New Orleans
Janet Urrate - New Orleans

There may be more to add, and some of these may not need help, but we know they are from the hard-hit areas."

Four:
Donations may be made online to a special account to benefit the Attic Gallery's Katrina affected artists, through the Attic website: atticgallery.net.

The public is invited to the reception: Friday, September 30, 7 PM until 9 PM. The show will continue through October.

Use this Amazon Paypage to donate to a fund to help these Attic Gallery artists from the areas hit hard by Katrina:

Now, Lesley is in "Deep" (but not on the cover)

2005-09-18T14:23:00.000-05:00

Attic Gallery owner, Lesley Silver is featured as "Soul Model" in the Sept/Oct issue of Deep Magazine (Southern Women, Real Life). The issue is designated as the "Beauty" issue and the table of contents declares that Lesley, "takes us inside outsider art to unearth a new standard of beauty."

The article outlines the beginnings of the Attic and how folk and outsider art came to play an important role in the flavor of the gallery.

Today, the Attic Gallery is widely credited with giving respect to Southern outsider artists. "We give people permission to like and to do art," explains Lesley. " We hang trained and untrained artists' work side by side."

The Attic is a place of refuge and comfort for locals and international art lovers alike. One can easily spend a day among its treasures and not see them all.

"You meet people from all walks of life in here. We give Vicksburg another dimension besides the antebellum homes. You can glimpse real Southern culture in the art of these real people. And often the subject material stimulates dialogue about issues like racism and rural poverty."

Images of three of Lesley's own pieces are included. Click for subscription information about deep magazine.

Dr. Bob sighting...

2005-09-15T01:48:00.000-05:00

Missing New Orleans artist Dr. Bob has been sighted right here at the Attic Gallery today. He rode out the storm at his home in the Bywater and had a few too many adventures in the week following. As usual, he could neither be nice or leave. He cut his leg pretty badly and belately received medical attention for his wound. His spirit is strong...

Katrina...

2005-09-04T18:41:00.000-05:00

Roy Blount, Jr. wrote a beautiful valentine to the city of New Orleans. It was in USA Today earlier this week and you can read it here.

In the article Roy says,

"I wonder about Doctor Bob, the self-taught artist who cuts Catahoula hounds out of roofing tin and surrounds them with root-beer caps, in a ramshackle studio that sprawls along Chartres Street close to the block between cross-streets called Piety and Desire. Many a New Orleans bar and restaurant displays the signs he paints with the slogan, "Be Nice or Leave." Has Doctor Bob left?"

Dr. Bob is one of our artists from the Crescent City and we have been wondering about Bob and so many of our artists who are from New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Many have lost their homes and possibly their jobs. We are going to be putting the spotlight on them and hoping people will support them directly by purchasing their art.

For these artists their art sales represents a sizeable percentage of their income, and being able to sell their work could make all the difference for them.

The following artists are all from the areas most affected by Hurricane Katrina. We have work by most of them in the Attic. We will be adding names and images as time permits.

Mandy Buchanan - Laurel
Patt Odom - Gulf Coast
Mary Hardy - Gulf Coast
Mary Anderson Pickard - Gulf Coast
Dina O'Sullivan - Gulf Coast
Matt Steadman - Gulf Coast
Susie Ranager - Gulf Coast
Shand Stamper - Gulf Coast
Jeanne Abraham - New Orleans
Toy Hementoler - New Orleans
Dr. Bob - New Orleans
Lorraine Gendron
Fred Haines - New Orleans
Hannah Cohen - New Orleans
Pat MacDonald Fowler - New Orleans
Kathy Gergo - New Orleans
Sharon Johnson - New Orleans
Suzanne Saunders - New Orleans
Eric Buchanan - New Orleans
David Rae Morris - New Orleans
Deanna Douglas - Hattiesburg
Janet Urrate - New Orleans

You can use the Amazon PayPage to make contributions of any amount to help these artists:

New Work by Kennith Humphrey

2005-08-21T01:50:00.000-05:00

The Attic is Kennith's "hometown" gallery. We were the first source for his paintings and Kennith usually brings in new work weekly. Keep watching to see his latest, and/or call us to find out if we have even newer work or to inquire about prices. Click here to see more in Kennith's photo album.

JE Pitts & Elvis

2005-08-03T17:17:00.000-05:00

Another Attic guy, the inestimable JE Pitts, is making his presence known this month.

His Jazz Band painting is featured on page 5 of the annual Music Edition of the always excellent Oxford American Magazine. Elvis, as you can see, is on the cover, and I'm sure Jimmy's goal is to one day send Elvis to the interior of a magazine on which he is cover featured.

Click here and/or here to see more work by the young man described by the Oxford American as, "the mad/genius white folk artist of Oxford, Mississippi, J.E. Pitts (who is our poetry editor, to boot — but please don't)..."

An interesting discussion...

2005-07-23T00:51:00.000-05:00

Here's a post about local inspiration I ran across tonight.

Fletch on TV

2005-07-22T01:40:00.000-05:00

Master woodworker, Fletcher Cox was featured on last night's episode of Mississippi Roads on Mississippi Public TV. He showed several of his commissioned works and explained his "Raw & Cooked" series.

Read more about Fletcher and the rest of episode.

Arrived Today...Jazz Messenger

2005-07-21T16:16:00.000-05:00

David Baum sent us a new large painting on canvas of Art Blakey. It measures about 36" x 36".

See more by David in his album.

Cows in the Attic...

2005-07-20T14:46:00.000-05:00

While in D.C. earlier this year we met Lisa Schumaier, a very talented sculptor. We just opened a new shipment of her delightful animals. There are cows, cats, dogs, birds, and more - all made from low fired clay along with other materials.

These two fine bovine specimens are about 3 inches tall.

Ellen Langford is in Deep

2005-07-18T21:41:00.000-05:00

Attic artist, Ellen Langford, of Jackson is featured in the latest issue (July/August) of Deep Magazine - on the stands now.

In her interview, Ellen very kindly says, "I love working with the Attic Gallery in Vicksburg because I'm inspired by their sense of community. The owners are also artists, and I'm moved and motivated by the way they think about the world."

We like working with her, too.

A Testimonial

2005-07-16T14:29:00.000-05:00

In a story from the current issue of the Jackson Free Press, Lynette Hanson writes:

Holly Perkins has always liked art, but it was a family-weekend adventuring trip with her parents and older sister Katie that changed the almost-a-teen-ager forever. “Maybe two years ago, we went to Vicksburg, to The Attic Gallery. I loved that place,” Perkins told me emphatically, sitting on her daybed in her vivid, eclectically decorated room. “It was so cool. I had not been taught that art can be not perfect and still be good. It opened up a whole new door.”

Read the whole story and more in Jackson's terrific weekly.

In the Building

2005-07-15T17:16:00.000-05:00

Elayne Goodman of Columbus, Mississippi has sent us another of her fantastic Elvis pieces. It's fabric, beads, wood, and more; all in her handpainted frame. It measures 26" x 39".

Read about Elayne.

See more images in her album.

There's also a feature on Elayne in the "press clippings" at the bottom of the page.

Trees in the Storm

2005-07-10T14:33:00.000-05:00

Kathy Gergo from New Orleans came up this weekend seeking shelter from the storm; and while here, she finished 8 paintings for the gallery.

Ron Lindsey's Fish

2005-07-08T15:15:00.000-05:00

Ron was in today, and left a new fish painting. It measures 18" x 22".

See lots more by Ron in his album...

Happy Holiday

2005-07-04T16:09:00.000-05:00

Lesley, Daniel, Jean, Lucile, and even Chad wish everyone a happy Independence Day. It's worth celebrating!

Rudy Bostic - Savannah

2005-06-28T19:23:00.000-05:00

On our recent trip to Savannah, we found an exciting new artist for the Attic: Rudolph Valentino Bostic. He creates his mostly religious themed paintings on corrugated board.

View the album of Rudy's pieces we have in the Attic.