Kim Thomas, President of the Board, Mississippi Tourism Association; Julia Daily, Executive Director, Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi; Mary Beth Wilkerson, Director, Division of Tourism, Mississippi Development Authority

Mississippi Craft Center Named 2010 Travel Attraction of the Year by Mississippi Tourism Association

The Mississippi Tourism Association named the Mississippi Craft Center its Travel Attraction of the Year at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Tupelo, MS, Tuesday, March 2, 2010.  Governor Haley Barbour addressed the conference and spoke of the importance of tourism to the State of Mississippi.

Accepting the award, Executive Director Julia Daily stated, “What an honor for the dedicated staff members, committed board and volunteers to receive such an award for the operation of our magnificent facility.  However, it is a special honor for our talented artisans, the members of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi.  Their fine craft work entices travelers from all over the world, and more often than not, goes home in visitors’ suitcases!”

Opening in 2007, the new Craft Center has experienced visitors from all 50 states and 27 foreign countries and is the home to the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi Exhibiting Members.  Growing from 30 members in 1973, the Guild now boasts more than 400 members today.  The Center has 250 annual craft demonstrations by master craftsmen, classes, a sales gallery, events and exhibits.  The mission of the Guild is to preserve, promote, market, educate and encourage the highest standard of excellence in regional crafts.

In addition to events and exhibits, the Center has become a renowned space for weddings and corporate retreats.

For more information about the Center, contact Julia Daily, Executive Director, at 601-856-7546

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The Gallery and the  MS Craft Center was recently visited by a group from the Czech Republic and was featured in an article that appeared in “Bridge” magazine in the Czech Republic.

Click here to read the article entitled “Art or Craft” by Mary Matz

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Craftsmen’s Guild Exhibiting Member Shannon Valentine has  been requested to create and craft the Sweet Potato Queens Float for Jackson’s  world- renowned St. Patrick’s day Parade in 2010! Shannon has been named a  Sweet Potato Queen with full privileges including being a Queen Dancer for doing such a great job! So, if you go out to the St. Patricks Day Parade, look for Shannon on the Right Side of the float. Congratulations Shannon!

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The Meridian Museum of Art features an Exhibit of Guild Member’s Work. Read More…

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Congratulations to Bessie Johnson. Bessie has had a passion for basket weaving for over 40 years. She has been awarded the 2010 Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. Click to read more.

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2009 Cellular South Excellence in Craft Awards from the Chimneyville Crafts Festival

The 2009 Cellular South Excellence in Craft Awards were presented at the Chimneyville Crafts Festival by Dave Miller, representing Cellular South and Julia Daily, Executive Director of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi.  A panel of judges representing art museums, art collectors and art consultants made the selections.

Emerging Artist Award, $1,000, Alexander Brown, Bentonia, MS (Wood sculptures) Awarded to a new member to the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi

Heritage Award, $1,500, Elizabeth Robinson, Jackson, MS, (Glass), Awarded to a Fellow member who has been with the Guild for at least 10 years

Grand Award of Excellence, $1,500, Joseph Horn, Terry, MS, (Wood), Awarded to one who exhibits overall excellence of creativity, skill level and originality of work.

Congratulations to these talented artisans!

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Terry Tjader, Woodturner,  received a First place ribbon in the category of 2-D and 3-D and a First Place Sponsors Award for his Popcorn Tree/ Chinese-Tallow Bowl at the South Mississippi Art Association, Inc., 33RD Annual Art Show and Sale, Dec 12, 2009

Congratulations Terry!

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October 3, 2009  – The Ancient Art of Bonsai was a huge success, thanks to you!

Click here to see pics and for information about joining the Jackson Area Bonsai Society.

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Exhibiting Member Greg Harkins at the Grand Opening of the Information Cabin on the Natchez Trace,  September 12, 2009.  This former home to the MS Craftsmen’s Guild has become a new information center for those traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway, one of the country’s National Parks. Greg was chosen to make furniture for the building. His goal is to create pieces that one would find in an 1850’s cabin that you might have seen when traveling the original trace.

Craftsmen's Guild Member Greg Harkins with his rockers that will be part of the Trace Information Cabin.

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What a great day! We celebrated the 4th of July with crafts demonstrations, live music, hamburgers, hot dogs, a silent auction and a visit from Suzanne Duckworth, 2009 Mrs. Mississippi!

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