The Golden Triangle made its way through a pandemic, saw the leadership of two major art organizations and much more during 2021.
It’s hard to point to specific stories as being more important than others. As far as we’re concerned, every story matters to someone.
So we picked a few consistent themes that highlight 2021: Community members helping one another; organizations adapting and thriving during a pandemic; and residents sharing their gifts and talents.
Arts Councils see leadership changes
During the summer, executive directors Jan Miller and John Bateman resigned from the Columbus Arts Council and Starkville Area Arts Council, respectively.
In October, Salem Gibson joined CAC as operations director. Shane Kinder continued to work at the CAC and was named creative director.
In November, SAAC hired new executive director Mary Switzer. Juliette Reid was hired as the council’s first program coordinator.
In December, SAAC also announced a new partnership with the Starkville Public Library. The library will host the Art Partner program at 4 p.m. Tuesdays.
Both organizations hope to adapt to the community’s needs and continue to offer top-notch exhibits and programming.
In other arts-related leadership news, Magnolia Independent Film Festival hired Chris Misun as 2021-22 festival director. He is a broadcast instructor at Mississippi State.
Death of longtime Lifestyle Editor Jan Swoope
Jan Swoope, an award-winning journalist as editor of The Dispatch’s Lifestyles section since 2008, a lifelong supporter of the arts, music, horses and people from all walks of life, died June 30 at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle after a six-month battle with cancer.
She was 67.
“When you were with Jan, she always made you feel like you were the most important person in the room,” former Columbus Arts Council director Jan Miller said. “It was never, ever about her. She was always there, always helping, but never wanted to be in the spotlight.”
“You always knew it was going to be a pleasant experience any time you were around her,” agreed Linda Bobbitt, a longtime friend. “She was always kind, always interested in what you had to say. She never took over the conversation. She was the kind of person we all wish we could be.”
Organizations adapt to pandemic
Throughout the year, stories highlighted how groups were modifying their activities in an effort to continue offering services through the pandemic.
Senior living facilities modified their activity planning to help residents stay engaged and get out of their rooms.
On Jan. 17, Golden Triangle residents celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day by observing a day of service.
In March, volunteers helped Bedz4Kidz build beds for children who don’t have them as part of the mission of the Dream Center Golden Triangle. The event was held at First United Methodist Church in Columbus.
The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, as well as other library systems, offered a wide range of programming and new activities. Some programs that weren’t held in 2020, such as CLPL’s Festival of Trees, were back and better than ever in 2021.
After a year hiatus, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Women group held its May luncheon.
Loaves and Fishes, which serves free meals to those in need, was among those area groups that held their annual fundraisers but modified them to minimize contact between the volunteers and the donors.
Tennessee Williams celebrated
Columbus celebrated native Tennessee Williams’ 110th birthday with a weekend celebration in March.
Later in the year, it was announced that Williams’ first home will undergo restoration, and a new life-size bronze statue of the playwright will be installed out front.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History and the Mississippi Hills Heritage Area awarded two grants to Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center.
The grants will go toward repairs and renovation, including plasterwork inside and repainting outside.
Festivals restart after 2020 pause
Prairie Arts Festival kicked off the fall festival season in the Golden Triangle.
Like most other festivals, the West Point event took a break in 2020 due to the pandemic.
The Market Street Festival in Columbus and Cotton District Arts Festival in Starkville changed their dates from late spring to fall. The Columbus festival celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Also in April, Catfish in the Alley was held.
Mississippi University for Women hosted its annual Eudora Welty Writers’ Symposium, which brought various authors to the Golden Triangle.
Authors with local ties pen books
Two authors with local ties wrote books and shared their knowledge with local residents.
Warn Wilson Jr., a Mississippi State engineering alumnus, wrote a children’s book on financial literacy called “Brown Money.” He presented some information from his book to the Boys and Girls Club.
Chandria Harris, graduate of Columbus High School and Mississippi University for Women, wrote “The Not So Buttoned Up Approach,” a guide for first-generation college students. Later in the year, she gave a presentation at her alma mater, according to a district Facebook post.
National website recognizes dog park
Happydoggo.com named Lowndes County Recreation Soccer Complex Bark Park one of the top 50 dog parks in the United States.
The recognition was a surprise and also an honor, said Lowndes County Recreation Manager Roger Short. He attributed much of the park’s success to the dog owners who help keep the park clean by picking up litter and other items left behind by their pets.
The park was originally built closer to Third Street North in 2014, but it was moved to its current location in November 2020. The current site sits on about three-quarters of an acre and is divided into two sections. One side is for small dogs and one is for larger dogs.
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