What is the Golden Triangle known for?

Some would say higher education, since it is home to two of the state’s eight public universities, as well as a community college.

Others might point to industry – from steel to engines to helicopters to tires to paper products to military equipment.

You could certainly make a case for the area’s natural beauty, from the Black Prairie to the Tombigbee and countless acres of pristine forest land.

But no discussion of where our area distinguishes itself would be complete without considering the impressive culture of the arts that flourishes from Starkville to West Point to Columbus.

Saturday features two events that demonstrate the full range of the arts found in our communities. The Cotton District Arts Festival in Starkville returns from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., highlighted by its juried art exhibits that includes ceramics, jewelry, traditional crafts, graphic/drawing/photography, painting and sculpture. Food, crafts and merchandise vendors provide shopping and refreshment while live music sets the festive tone.

Shortly after Cotton District Arts Festival ends, the area’s rich musical history is celebrated with the Black Prairie Blues Festival in West Point, a festival that has expanded from its original focus on the music of legendary West Point native Howlin’ Wolf to include many other area entertainers who have made their own contributions to the musical legacy of the community.

While these festivals draw big crowds, the arts are very much an every-day part of life in the Golden Triangle. Our arts councils regularly promote the talents of our local artists through programs, exhibits and gallery presentations. The same is true of MUW and Mississippi State, where the work of their art students is promoted both on and off campus.

All these things work together to create culture not only of artists, but art appreciators.

Art is no longer confined to galleries and festivals. We are seeing it everywhere.

New murals seem to appear weekly.

Another example is an exhibit space at The Stone in downtown Columbus, which will open an exhibit of painter Emmie Sheretz in its atrium on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. The paintings will be on display through October. Area business owners, including developer Chris Chain, are collaborating to make the “Stone’s Throw” atrium a regular venue for artists to exhibit their work.

The arts are indeed alive and growing in the Golden Triangle. We celebrate the artists and the community that supports them. What we have here is special.

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.

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