Jackson Free Press

Josh Hailey, a well-known and loved Jackson mixed-media artist, is moving to Los Angeles, Calif. But before he goes, he wants to showcase his work and send out a big "thank you" to Mississippians for the support they have shown him over the years. Though probably not his final exhibit in Jackson (he will keep a studio at the North Midtown Arts Center), it will be a last hooray and going-away party for Hailey.

The show, called "I Love Mississippi: Jackson Retrospective," will feature work in all media Hailey uses: primarily photography but also metal work and enameled copper infused with glass. The exhibit is a look back at Hailey's past six years in Jackson. No common theme runs through the pieces, but Hailey's work mimics his life—a bit experimental.

"I've always been an on-the-go kind of guy. I move around in a lot of circles, and I do a lot stuff and never really slow down. There's never a dull moment," he says.

Hailey hopes to learn new things on his travels and then bring that knowledge back to Jackson one day. "I want to continue to do what I can to help Jackson be what it can be," Hailey says. "Mississippi lets you be who you want to be and do what you want to do and be creative. It's just such a beautiful place to be."

Hailey wants his upcoming show to be a big party with six bands, a T-shirt making station, costumes, food and drinks and "good times," he says.

"I Love Mississippi: Jackson Retrospective" will be Dec. 2 at the Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St., 601-960-1500), free.