Jackson Free Press

Jason "Twiggy" Lott's grandfather, Anton Edgar Lott, built the house Jason's father, Winston Lott, grew up in with his own hands. His father was an accountant by trade, but a handy man by nature. Twiggy Lott, 34, is an artist, working with his hands like his father and grandfather before him, but in a more creative context. Each person in his family taught him skills that influence his work today.

"I always knew I was an artist," he says. "Most people don't know what the hell they want to be when they grow up, even when they're in college. I feel very lucky and blessed that I've always known what I wanted to do, and I'm actually doing it."

555 Custom Designs is the obscure moniker attached to the functional art of Lott and fellow Jacksonian Josh Bishop. They recently dropped the "salvage" that was in their original name in response to the ever-increasing breadth of their work. While not all their materials are recycled or one-of-a-kind, they maintain their signature style that Lott describes as "worn, lived-in and well-loved." Lott's artistic touch and Bishop's construction skills meet to create furniture pieces like lamps and tables that are carefully crafted to be as interesting to look at as any painting or photograph.

Inspired by "an internal drive to make," Lott and Bishop focus on the quality and craftsmanship of their projects.

Lott, in particular, enjoys the troubleshooting aspect of building things as practical as they are aesthetically pleasing. "I've always, for whatever reason, compared it to writing a sonnet," Lott says. "It's one thing to sort of free-flow and do your own thing, but when you have really specific guidelines and you can make something beautiful out of it, that's pretty cool."

The pair's work will be on display for a pop-up show at the Mississippi Museum of Art on Aug. 21. Julian Rankin, director of media and public relations at the museum, says that the event is part of the revamping of Museum After Hours that started back up last month.

"The idea is that each month, the event will have its own spirit and character and reflect what the artists are like," Rankin says. "It's a rough template so that when we meet each artist, they have control of how they represent themselves."

Lott roped in Ginger Williams-Cook for the event, whose art he considers complementary to his own. Williams-Cook and Lott's pieces will be displayed along with pieces from 555's workshop, creating more of an environment for people to dwell in rather than an exhibit for them to view.

Creating a welcoming atmosphere will promote 555's products by giving them a context to be observed in and encourage attendees to hang out and enjoy the cash bar and company of fellow museum goers. Lott says that the goal of the pop-up event series is to promote community and give exposure to local artists like himself, Williams-Cook and Bishop.

555 hopes to make another appearance at MMA that will display solely their furniture pieces when they have more notice to prepare. Also in the works is a studio space in Belhaven Heights that will house 555, serving as living quarters and studio space. Other artists are already on board to share the building, with ideas for creating more openings for potential tenants.

555 Custom Designs' pop-up show is at the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601-960-1515) Aug. 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.. The event is free and open to the public. For more information on the event or the Mississippi Museum of Art, visit msmuseumart.org. For more information about 555 Custom Designs, visit 555customdesigns.com.