Jackson Free Press

You've been looking at that blank living room wall or that empty display shelf one too many times. Absolutely nothing you've seen has called your name and said, "Take me home. I'm just what you want for that spot." Now see yourself walking into Building 71 at the Mississippi State Hospital on Thursday, Sept. 4—any time between 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. There, displayed on walls, easels and tables will be more than 250 original pieces of art and ceramics. Created by patients served by the hospital's Art Services programs and by individuals served at its Community Services Stubbs Homeless Center arts programs, these offerings sit proudly, each one waiting for its successful bidder in the silent auction.

Evelyn Carpenter, MSH Art Services Supervisor, says the show was originally called "A First Look" and held at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Since then, Serendipity has since established an identity all its own and is now in its 14th year. When people hear Serendipity, they know what to expect—the unexpected—whether they have studied fine art or just love art. "Anyone can find something of value unexpectedly," Carpenter said.

The value for the artists is not unexpected, though. And it's not just monetary value, although the proceeds from the silent auction do go into the individual artists' accounts. Each artist gets numerous opportunities to express himself or herself artistically with the aid of five art instructors—Carpenter, Anthony DiFatta, Jeanette Jarmon, Dale Jenkins and ceramics instructor Teresa Sheppard. These ongoing classes are where the artists create pencil drawings, pastels, watercolors, tempera and acrylic paintings, pencil drawings, crayon batiks, ceramics and mixed media pieces.

Prior to the silent auction, a reception is held for the artists, revealing to them the care that has been taken with which their creations. "They're just beside themselves … it's such a thrill for them to see that someone has taken the time to take something that they've made, dress it up and display it. It's a super esteem-builder for them … and someone else may buy it and hang it on the wall in their home," DiFatta says.

There you go. Waiting for you there is that perfect piece for your wall or shelf. Here are your directions to Serendipity: Take the Airport Road exit off I-20 and go south about 4 miles until you come to a three-way stop sign. As you near the sign, you'll notice the hospital buildings off to your left. Take a left at the sign and continue up the hill toward the main entrance. Keep going straight when you come to the next three-way stop sign, and you'll curve around to the front gate. Signs will point the way to Serendipity.

Previous Comments

ID

64015

Comment

Serendipity was absolutely wonderful. I had a ball walking from one original work of art to another, placing bids! I even won a few special items. Those who work diligently on a daily basis with the artists are to be commended. And thanks for all of your extra effort in making Serendipity happen.

Author

Lynette Hanson

Date

2003-09-11T17:22:18-06:00