Artist Spotlight: Interview with Biloxi artist, Paulette Dove

Incognito and Yet

Today, we’re sitting down with Biloxi artist, Paulette Dove. Her artwork challenges the norms and encourages the viewer to reflect on the actions of not only those around them, but also their own.

Good afternoon, Paulette! I absolutely adore your piece, Incognito and Yet, displayed in the MS Art Colony’s Spring Showcase. I’d love to know more about your background and how you came to be where you are now, artistically speaking. 

Good afternoon to you as well! I’m from Biloxi, Mississippi and have lived there most of my life. Biloxi is truly such a good mecca for artists since there are so many there. To go back to my roots, I was always interested in art as a child. As I grew up, I realized that it was what I was best at – that I had found my thing. I took many lessons and majored in art in college. I received my B.F.A and Med from MUW and William Carey University. I went on to teach art in schools for thirty years. My favorite was teaching High School students. I always wanted to create an environment where they felt comfortable to express themselves, and I believe I achieved that. Currently, I teach adult classes at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art and am a full-time artist. 

Amazing! I bet teaching children was such a rewarding experience. Can you tell me a bit about what went into creating “Incognito and Yet?” It’s such a unique piece. 

Absolutely. Incognito and Yet is from a series called “Almost Human.” The series tells stories about people that have animalistic traits, as well as human characteristics. It translates these aspects into something that the viewer can imagine and relate to. All the pieces are a collection of familiarity and the uncanny. Incognito and Yet has evolved a lot. It started out as a sculpture, then emerged into something that was half-human. 

What made you choose the jackrabbit to blend these human characteristics into a subject that is of uncanny nature?

I use a jackrabbit because it has a more human form when standing. The subjects in my paintings started out sitting in social situations. Then, I began to paint my friends, but in a more animal-like form. Now, it has evolved into the subjects wearing a hair mask or googles. This is representative of the fake personas many people project onto the world.

Who or what inspires you when creating these collections?

I try to go to a lot of art galleries seeking inspiration. I have to say that my teachers were very inspirational. I also belong to a group on the coast. We meet to discuss and bounce ideas off each other. The Mississippi Art Colony is a huge influence on my life. The Art Colony fully embraces creating artwork, not just art. 

Having a group of supportive artists adds such instrumental value to an artists’ life. In your opinion, how can a town like Canton bring the community together through art?

I think what you’re doing right now is exactly how to do that – by giving the community a chance to stop by and see artwork. I’m very impressed that Canton wants to have original art and showcase it. Using social media, like you are, is an incredible way to go about getting the word out there. Not all small towns embrace it, but I’ve found throughout my career that small towns are most successful when they relish the arts and support local artists. Canton is doing exactly that. 

Author: Ace Henley

Artist Spotlight: Interview with Ocean Springs Artist, Faith Williston

Faith Williston; an artist from Birmingham, AL, sits down to talk about her career, what  inspires her creatively, and Canton’s small-town charm. Her piece, Cuive et Fleurs, is  displayed in Canton as part of the Mississippi Art Colony’s traveling exhibit.  

We’re so happy to be sitting down with you, Faith. You’re originally from Birmingham;  what led you to Mississippi? 

I’m so thrilled to be speaking with you! My husband and I met in High School. He was in the  Navy for 20 years, so we lived everywhere – from Virginia to California. We lived all across the United States. That experience gave me the opportunity to see all types of landscapes, 

cultures, and people. So, when he [my husband] finished his Navy career in Pascagoula, we  were trying to decide if we wanted to stay there or wanted to move. 

We had three boys and wanted a change of pace, so we moved to Ocean Springs. We’ve  now lived here for 24 years and absolutely love it. I never thought, being from Birmingham, that I would end up in Mississippi, but it has been such a nice little surprise. 

We are so happy you have enjoyed the Coast. It’s such a beautiful slice of our great  state. Can you tell me a bit about your piece on display, Cuive et Fleurs?  

Absolutely. I really love to challenge myself. Still lifes and landscapes challenge me (in a  good way). They make you go back to the roots of your training. We did them all the time in  college, and that’s where I learned how to really look at objects and how they’re put  together to paint them. This piece was a good example of that training in action. With the  copper pots, fruits, and the flowers – it was an excellent way to see how light floats across a  still-life and trying to capture that feeling when painting. Seeing how those shapes relate to  each other and being able to pull light through the image is such a fun experience as a  painter. 

What draws you to still lifes and landscapes? 

The simplicity of these styles is really what interests me. I don’t want my painting to look  “photo real.” At the end of the day, it’s not a photograph. It’s a painting, so I like it when they  are simple and get the point across. I love it when the viewer is able to see the brushstrokes  and imagine the work that was put into the painting.  

Who or what inspires you in your creative process? 

This is a tough question. I think you always have people that influence you throughout life.  All kinds of people inspired me to pursue my art. I guess I’ve always just found it easier to  paint what I’m feeling or want to communicate. For me, it’s easier to paint it, rather than  communicate it. It’s just easier. I love being outside and seeing all kinds of landscapes and 

still-life’s that just exist freely in our world. I’m inspired by everything that’s out there and  the beauty of what we’re surrounded by. 

Mississippi Art Colony’s 2024 exhibit is currently located on the Canton Square. Tell us  a bit about your experience in Canton and your time visiting there.  

Canton really reminds me of Ocean Springs. It’s kind of artsy. It’s different and not the  norm. It’s a small town but has a huge personality. The people there are so kind, and I’ve  met so many friends there. They are all just so kind and open to talk with you.

Author: Ace Henley

Mississippi Moves Travel Forward This National Travel And Tourism Week

National Travel and Tourism Week, (NTTW) the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, will spotlight the essential role that travel has played throughout the recovery from the pandemic and will play in driving economic growth and innovation through the theme #TravelForward.

In Mississippi, the travel industry drives $749 million in state and local taxes, providing $678 in tax relief for every Mississippi household. In 2022, 24 million visitors spent $7.1 billion in our state. Tourism also contributed $461 million to the state’s general fund, which amounted to 6.4 percent, or $1 of every $16, in the general fund.

“As Mississippi’s fourth-largest industry, the tourism industry supports over 100,000 jobs and strengthens culture and identity to attract more visitors to our beautiful state. In addition, tourism also greatly enhances the quality of life for our residents,” said Mississippi Tourism Association Executive Director Danielle Morgan. “This National Travel and Tourism Week, we celebrate Mississippi tourism’s forward momentum thanks to strategic planning and investments by state leaders as we strive to continue to grow our economic impact for the benefit of all Mississippians.”

“The travel industry fuels every industry—our industry’s success is the nation’s success,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “This week is a prime opportunity to elevate the message that travel is essential to moving America’s economy forward.”

Established in 1983, NTTW is an annual tradition to mark the U.S. travel industry’s role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, stimulating business activities, and elevating the quality of life for everyday Americans.

Travel serves as a catalyst for a productive U.S. economy and helps power the success of other industries. The U.S. travel industry generated a $2.6 trillion economic output in 2022 and supported 15 million jobs, fueling communities, small businesses and working families across the country.

Travel spending also generated nearly $160 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2022—revenue that helped fund critical public services while saving each U.S. household an average of $1,270 in taxes.

Mississippi is recognizing travel’s essential contributions with celebrations planned in communities across the state in honor of National Travel and Tourism Week, as well as a ceremonial bill signing of House Bill 419 with Governor Tate Reeves on Wednesday, May 10. HB 419 creates a new round of tourism funding for destination marketing organizations and other tourism recovery projects funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Please visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.

The flea market survival guide

Seeing as our own event — the Canton Flea Market & Crafts Show 2023 — is coming up this May, we thought it would be a good idea to share our flea market survival tips. Covering everything from market etiquette to purchasing decisions, here’s how to make the most of your next trip to a flea market…

Arrive early

First thing’s first - arrive early to make the most of your day. For instance, our next market is on May 11th 2023, 8am to 5pm, so we recommend being ready to shop early. This might seem like an early start, but you’ll get to experience an hour or so of calm before the storm. Plus, you’ll have your pick of some of the best items on sale before they get snapped up.

Research directions and parking

It can be stressful finding driving directions and parking information on the morning of a flea market. Make a plan for your journey a few days before the event.

Know when to haggle

Haggling (negotiating a price with a vendor) is generally acceptable at most flea markets. So, don’t be afraid to haggle with a stall holder. They won’t be offended and it will help you get a great price. Likewise, if a vendor says the price isn’t up for negotiation (which is sometimes the case), respect that this will be for a reason. The item could be handmade, for instance (and that takes a lot of time and skill).

Bring cash

Don’t lose out on a purchase because you didn’t bring enough cash. Lots of vendors now accept card payments but it’s always good to have a backup if their card machine breaks or there is an issue with your account.

Bring a companion

Having a friend with you will make your day all the more enjoyable! You’ll be able to enjoy the experience together, chat as you shop, and take turns carrying your haul. Plus, they  can provide a second opinion on anything you feel unsure about purchasing.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

Flea markets and craft shows involve lots of walking. Wear practical clothes and comfortable shoes that will endure hours of pacing between stalls.

Be nice to everyone

Remember to respect other market attendees and stallholders. Even if you see someone buying something you wanted or a vendor doesn’t want to reduce the price for you, it’s important to be polite.

Stay hydrated and bring snacks

Ensure you bring provisions to keep you fed and watered. You don’t want to have to worry about getting hungry or dehydrated. A water bottle and a few snacks will make all the difference.

Enjoy the day

Last but not least, have an amazing day! Embrace the unpredictable nature of flea markets and get stuck into the excitement.

Canton Flea Market 2023 dates

The bi-annual Canton Flea Market & Crafts Show is one of the South’s finest arts and crafts shows. Our spring event is May 11th 2023 (8am to 5pm), and our fall event will be on October 12th 2023 (8am to 5pm).

We’re proud that the Canton Flea Market attracts some of the best artisans across the US. Here you’ll find over 1,100 artists and a fabulous array of handmade items, including pottery, jewelry, and other unique arts and crafts. 

Find us on the grounds of the historic Madison County Courthouse and throughout the surrounding area. See you there!

Learn more about being a vendor at our next show, download our brochure, and get driving directions to the event.

What Items Sell Best At Flea Markets?

Flea markets are great places to find a variety of items, from antiques to vintage clothing. But if you're considering selling items at Canton flea market, it's important to know which products have the potential to give you the highest profits.

Antiques and vintage items

Antiques vintage pieces are popular items to sell at flea markets. They’re usually well-made and more unique than modern mass-manufactured items, making them desirable to those with an eye for the unusual. From artwork to kitchenware, stocking quirky antiques can stand out at a flea market and draw traffic to your stall. 

What’s more, antique items can also be seen as an investment as they can appreciate in value over time. 

Handmade crafts

Just like antiques, the unique nature of handmade crafts makes them fantastic items to sell at a flea market. 

Additionally, many people appreciate the personal touch and care that goes into making handmade pieces and are willing to pay more for them. Flea markets often attract people looking for something special, different and want to buy something that is not found in big stores. They also provide an opportunity for customers to interact directly with the artisans or crafters, which can add an extra layer of appreciation and connection to the purchase. 

And because crafts make popular gifts, you may find you have customers who want to stock up on multiple presents.

Items of clothing

Clothing is a big seller at flea markets, as you can often find higher quality garments for a more affordable price than on the high street. 

Discounted items of clothing are a huge magnet to potential shoppers, especially since flea markets may have unique or vintage clothing items that are not available in traditional retail stores. 

Flea markets usually have a more personal and community-based atmosphere which may make the shopping experience more enjoyable for some people.

Collectables

Flea markets are a haven for collectors, especially as you can often find rare or hard-to-find items you can’t find elsewhere — from first-edition books to music merchandise. 

Flea markets also provide an opportunity for people to browse and find unique items that they weren’t looking for in the first place! This can be a fun and rewarding experience in its own right.

Collector items also evoke nostalgia for many people as they have sentimental value due to their history and cultural importance. People tend to be drawn to collector items because they remind them of their childhood or another time period in their life. 

This nostalgic factor can help drive up the price of collector items as people are willing to pay more for something that evokes emotion within them. 

Unique furniture

Furnishing a house with brand-new furniture can be expensive — especially if you’re trying to keep up with trends and styles in interior design. 

Flea markets offer customers an alternative source of unique furniture without having to pay the full retail price. Shopping at flea markets allows you to save money while still creating a beautiful space filled with interesting pieces. 

It also allows shoppers to build their own collection over time since they can buy small items like accessories or larger pieces like sofas without breaking their budget.  

Find a gem at Canton Flea Market in 2023

Whether you’re looking for a vintage piece of clothing, a rare collectable, or some unique, yet affordable furniture, you’re sure to find something that takes your fancy at Canton Flea Market 2023. 

Our bi-annual Canton Flea Market attracts over 1,100 skilled arts and crafts vendors. If you think you wares would sell well, why not get in touch? Alternatively, if you’re a customer hoping to peruse, you can join us on May 11th and October 12th 2023. Contact us today to book a visit!