Clinton's Art in the Park Stirs Appreciation for the Arts

Locals and MC students gathered this past Saturday to view art demonstrations and to enjoy performing artists from the local community.

Art in the Part took place in Lion’s Club Park on Saturday, March 23.

On Saturday, March 23, from 10 am to 1 pm, Main Street Clinton, the City of Clinton, the Arts Council of Clinton, and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi welcomed locals back to the annual spring event Art in the Park. Clinton residents and Mississippi College students dropped by throughout the day to enjoy the event and witness artists showcase their work in Lions Club Park. 

“I have really enjoyed Art in the Park the past two years,” Rebecca Lancaster, fine arts teacher at Sumner Hill Junior High School, commented. “Last year, I brought my art club and we did mono printing with everyone that stopped by. This year, I brought my own artwork and mini-coloring books.”

Digital art major Ellie Acton explains the art of stamp and print making.

Art in the Park is an event open to the public that features several local artists and their work. Many artists also use this event to demonstrate how they create their pieces, such as woodwork, crochet, and paintings. 

The Mississippi College Department of Art also displayed plenty of work for attendees of the event to see. The MC Department of Art showcased several interactive pieces to draw in the crowd, such as Anthony Thaxton’s caricature booth. 

“I believe Art in the Park and things like it are so important, not only for a community to be exposed to the arts in a variety of ways, but also for the benefit of the participants…When I see John Mark Pinter or Cameron Huey coming out and demonstrating art for people, it takes me back to those formative days and experiences for me,” Anthony Thaxton, co-founder of MC’s Institute of Southern Storytelling, said. “What a joy to see the full circle of life and to be part of it! I’m proud to be an artist associated with Clinton and with the wonderful people of Mississippi College.”

MC's Institute of Southern Storytelling co-founder, Anthony Thaxton draws free caricatures for children.

Art in the Park also included other activities, including a few performances on Lions Club Park’s Atmos Stage. Some of the performances included a talk from author Diane Pleasant on why she finds it fun to write children’s books, as well as a puppet show by puppeteer T.J. McSparrin. 

Attendees gather in front of the Atmos Stage to watch a variety of performers.

The Brick Street Players performed monologues while event-goers roamed the park. Refreshments were also provided by local businesses in Clinton, including ice cream from Coach’s Creamery, an assortment of snacks from Inez’s Heavenly Treats, and Dave’s Kettle Korn.

To close the event, three Hinds Community College bands performed on Atmos Stage. Hinds’s jazz, rock, and steel bands performed their setlists. They were well received by crowds, who cheered after every song.

Members of the Hinds Community College rock band [left to right] Dylan Stanley, Karina Trejo, and Hien Van perform for attendees.

“I really enjoyed doing it, and I do think it’s a cool opportunity for local people to show off their talents whether that be painting or musical talent,” commented Cade Tripp, member of the Hinds Community College Jazz Band. “I had a good experience and I definitely recommend it to people in Clinton.”