Angel's Request #2, 1965 Theora Hamblett Oil on canvas Gift of Theora Hamblett University Museum and Historic Houses

OXFORD, Miss. – In honor of Symbols of Faith, Home, and Beyond: The Art of Theora Hamblett, and in celebration of the hometown of Theora Hamblett, the Mississippi Museum of Art invites all current and former residents of Oxford to a day of events and programs in the Art Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art on Saturday, May 18.

“The University of Mississippi Museum has been very pleased and honored to partner with an institution we admire deeply, the Mississippi Museum of Art, to share multiple Theora Hamblett artworks with Jackson and central Mississippi audiences,” said Museum Director Robert Saarnio. “The Oxford Day celebration further extends the spirit of partnership between our museums, and deepens the links between our two communities.”

The day-long celebration begins at noon, featuring entertainment by Oxford musicians and performers and highlighting the work of area filmmakers and artists. The Athletics Foundation from the University of Mississippi joins the festivities to promote Ole Miss Athletics, and the Central Mississippi Ole Miss Rebel Club will host a tailgate for club members. This event is free and open to the public.

A variety of talented Oxford musicians and performers will provide entertainment throughout the day on the C Spire Stage in The Art Garden, including Oxford Ballet, Dent May, Jimmy Phillips and the Ruminators and the Kudzu Kings. Literary readings are presented by Vox Journal, and the Southern Foodways Alliance will present a series of independent films.

Artwork from Oxford-based Southside Gallery will be on display inside the museum, showcasing the work of talented Mississippi visual artists. Educational spaces and activities are provided by the museum’s education staff and the University Museum, with a focus on the art of Theora Hamblett and upcoming museum exhibitions. The Oxford Convention and Visitors Bureau and representatives of Ole Miss Athletics bring added excitement and energy.

Oxford-themed food options and specialty cocktail selections are provided by The Palette Café by Viking and Chef Louis H. LaRose.

This event is sponsored by BancorpSouth and Southern Beverage.

It is supported by the University of Mississippi Museum and Historic Houses, permanent home to many of Hamblett’s paintings, and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council.

The Mississippi Museum of Art’s mission is to “engage Mississippians in the visual arts.” The museum is located at 380 South Lamar Street in Jackson. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. The museum is closed Monday. For more information about the Mississippi Museum of Art’s exhibitions, programs, and special events, please call 601-960-1515 or 1-866-VIEW ART (843-9278), or visit www.msmuseumart.org.