Oxford Stories Arts District
With the addition of a new mural on University Avenue and Oxford’s arts center, the Powerhouse, located there – this semester Oxford Stories is embarking on a small solutions journalism project. Our reporters are starting a community conversation about the possibility of a continued arts emphasis in the University Avenue area.
What Oxford can learn from leaders of Oregon’s Pearl District Business Association
Portland, Oregon is a city with a population of about 647,000 people compared to Oxford’s 23,000. With the slogan “Keep Portland Weird,” the city focuses heavily on the arts, with hundreds of galleries, theaters and murals.
Some say an arts emphasis would be beneficial, but not supported in Oxford
Art can be found in every corner of Oxford. Sculptures in Lamar Park, The Powerhouse Community Arts Center, and the upstairs space of Sugar Magnolia Antique Mall are just a few of examples of art-centric locations. But would an arts district be supported in Oxford?
Some envision an Oxford arts district with residential and studio artist spaces
Oxford, Mississippi is well known for its creative culture. Many renowned artists, writers, chefs, and other artistic people reside in the town. Travelers from all over visit. Some in the arts community envision an Oxford arts district with residential and studio artist spaces.
A Look at University Avenue: Business owners discuss if it’s growing, declining or holding steady
If you spend a lot of time on the west side of town, you may not have much of a reason to venture over to University Avenue for anything, which might lead you to believe business is declining in that area. However, according to two University Avenue business owners, business has been steady.
How public art is changing Oxford and other U.S. towns
Arts, culture, and creativity can improve a community’s competitive edge, attract new visitors, and integrate the visions of both community and business leaders. That’s why some view public art as an investment.
Some students say a designated arts district might not thrive in Oxford
Madison Mayfield, an Oxford citizen and artist, is from Portland, Oregon, a city known for arts inclusivity. While Portland has a well-known arts district, she isn’t sure a designated arts district would be a good fit for small town Oxford.
Southside Gallery wants Oxford to pop with art
Kaleigh Hall, 22, began interning at Oxford’s Southside Gallery at 150 Courthouse Square in August. She and her boss, Wil Cook, said an arts district, or area of continued arts emphasis, could be beneficial to Oxford.
One Night Stand brings more art to University Avenue
It’s no secret, but every year, a group of artists have a One Night Stand on University Avenue.
UM art students say arts district could help them gain industry experience
There are more than 250 undergraduate art majors enrolled in three programs at the University of Mississippi’s Department of Art and Art History. Some shared their thoughts about having a possible arts district, or area where art is emphasized, in Oxford.
Northeast Minneapolis offers successful arts district example
One example of a large, successful arts district that could offer Oxford ideas is the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District with a board of directors that includes business owners, activists and artists.
More public art could mean more tourism in Oxford
University Avenue is home to many of Oxford’s main attractions and businesses. While some may view it as the older part of town, a new mural recently added an injection of color to the corridor, and some say more public art in Oxford could mean more tourism.
As Oxford continues to grow, some artists are being pushed out
Some say as Oxford continues to grow attracting more residents and students, some artists are being pushed out because of the cost of living.
Yoga instructor offers peaceful pop-up classes
Oxford resident Sarah Logan teaches at Hot Yoga Plus on Jackson Avenue, but brings new members to the yoga family during pop-up classes at the Oxford Community Market. The outdoors classes are free for anyone who wants to participate.
Beanland Reunites: ‘Old school’ musicians are Oxford classics
Bill McCrory, a University of Mississippi alumnus from the mid-1980s, was a child when he picked up a guitar for the first time. Since then, he can’t keep his fingers off the strings.
Next Pop Up Worship set for Oct. 30 in Oxford
Pop Up Worship is a free monthly event held in Oxford that neglects the dissimilarities between Christian denominations and connects citizens by worshiping Jesus. The next gathering will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30 at The Powerhouse on University Avenue in Oxford.
Dallas artist who aspires to work in product design creates surreal pieces
Tessa Wilson, an Ole Miss alumna, expresses her colorful and surrealistic personality with her palette and paintbrush.
Tupelo native is the heartbeat of Oxford
You might say that artist Kelsea Beckum is the heartbeat of Oxford. People often give her sonograms of their baby’s heartbeat, and she creates colorful masterpieces.
Hey Blondie Pics owner proves blondes have more fun running their own businesses
Nicole Hayward, a senior at the University of Mississippi, is proving that blondes have more fun when they run their own businesses. The college junior is using her passion for photography to earn money.
Applications now open for student leaders who want to help MPower freshmen
Applications are now being accepted for a diverse group of students interested in being leaders and mentors for their peers during the University of Mississippi’s next MPower conference.
