SARDIS — The Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC), in partnership with the Sardis Public Library, will host a “Mississippi Traditions” exhibit celebrating featured traditional artists on msfolkdirectory.org, the new Mississippi Folklife Directory website. The exhibit features the work of five Mississippi artists: tatter and jewelry maker Alan Kolodny, quilter Janice Mitchell, sitar player Vish Shenoy, sign painter Paul Gore and fife player Sharde Thomas.

The exhibit will also include two public programs:

Artist Demonstration Day: Mitchell, Kolodny and Gore will demonstrate and discuss their art forms. The event will take place from 2-3:30 p.m. June 17.

Fife and Drum Performance: Thomas and the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band will perform songs for the public. Thomas will also talk about her family legacy of fife and drum music. The event will take place at 3 p.m. June 24.

Funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and MAC, the “Mississippi Traditions” exhibit is free and open to the public during the month of June at Sardis Public Library, 101 E. McLaurin St. Sardis.

For information about the exhibit, contact MAC’s Folk and Traditional Arts Director Maria Zeringue at [email protected].

Observatory to host program on Saturn
FRENCH CREEK — Rainwater Observatory in French Camp will offer a free 4-County Electric Foundation “Exploring the Heavens” public program.

Saturn: The Ringed Giant!” The presentation will start at 7 p.m. Friday.

“SATURN: The Ringed Giant!” explores one of the most recognizable planets in the solar system. It is filled with mystery, legend and a wealth of scientific discovery and easily visible in the night sky. This informative presentation will take us on a journey through this majestic ringed planet and reveal some of the most astounding discoveries ever recorded in human history.

After the presentation, weather permitting, an observing session will be held using some of Rainwater’s collection of powerful telescopes. The planetarium can be used if the outdoor observing is clouded out. Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium is one mile east of the Natchez Trace Parkway off MS Highway 413 near the village of French Camp.

For information, visit the website rainwaterobservatory.org, call 662-547-7283 or email [email protected].

Local ham radio operators to participate in event
WEST POINT — Several local organizations will participate in a national amateur radio exercise from 1 p.m. June 25 to 1 p.m. June 26 on the campus of Mary Holmes College, 1032 Mississippi Highway 50, West Point.

The participating clubs include Magnolia Amateur Radio Club in Starkville, the Lowndes County Amateur Radio Club in Columbus, and W5YD Mississippi State University Amateur Radio Club.

This year’s field day will feature a “fox hunt” in which participants use antennas to locate a hidden transmitter. Kits will be available for purchase and instructions provided for constructing an antenna or participants may bring their own.

A testing session will be held at 10 a.m. June 25 for participants wishing to get their technician, general or amateur extra radio license.
Participants will have the opportunity to make contacts on the air and learn about amateur radio.

Both The Magnolia Amateur Radio Club and W5YD Amateur Radio Club may be found on Facebook. The Lowndes County Amateur Radio Club website is www.HamsEatingChicken.com.

MAC seeking award nominations
Mississippi Arts Commission is accepting nominations for the 2023 Governor’s Arts Awards, an annual ceremony that recognizes individuals and organizations that have made noteworthy contributions to the arts in the state of Mississippi. The awards are presented in partnership with the Governor’s Office and signify the important relationship between government and the arts. Award nominations may be submitted online via MAC’s website at https://arts.ms.gov/programs/governors-arts-awards/. The deadline to submit nominations for the 2023 Governor’s Arts Awards is Aug. 5.

Award winners are nominated by members of the public and selected by a jury of community arts leaders and industry peers. Schools, businesses, organizations, arts initiatives and events are eligible to receive Governor’s Arts Awards, in addition to individual artists and supporters of the arts. Awardees are recognized for outstanding work in visual, literary and performing arts, community development through the arts and arts patronage.

Recipients are not required to be Mississippi residents, but they must have significant ties to the state through some years of residency.

Visit https://arts.ms.gov/programs/governors-arts-awards/ to submit a nomination, view a listing of past awardees and learn more about this annual celebration of the arts. For information, email [email protected].

Starkville CVB announces grant program
STARKVILLE — The Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce, a division of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, announced its sponsorship grant program is open for applications now through July 8.

The program is an annual allocation designed to enhance tourism promotion efforts in Starkville. The program provides funds for marketing and other qualified expenses for projects and events that positively impact the City of Starkville and ultimately, increase overnight travel to the city.

The grant program has funded events such as the Mississippi Horse Park, Starkville Area Arts Council, Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum, Starkville Community Theater, Starkville Soccer Association, Frostbite Half Marathon, Charles H. Templeton Ragtime and Jazz Festival and the Rotary Classic Rodeo.

Eligible organizations, programs or events applying for funding must occur from Oct. 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2023. Grant guidelines and application can be found online at starkville.org/about/programs-events/vcc-sponsorship-grant/.