By guest columnist R. Shaw Furlow & Bob Arnold
Several years ago the good folks in the Hazlehurst arts community came up with a cool idea to display the art work of residents of Copiah County. They were hoping for a few local artists to participate, and were shocked when 50 people offered their works.
April 1-30 marks the return of April Arts Month in Hazlehurst.
This year’s Chamber of Commerce sponsored event will include more than 20 venues displaying various kinds of art from more than 50 artists in the area. Beautiful and creative art will be able to be viewed in the windows of participating businesses. Copiah and Trustmark Banks will also have displays in their downtown lobbies and windows.
A “walking tour” can actually be seen by car (except for the bank lobbies, of course) and can be viewed 24/7. Displays will be featured in businesses from Ragsdale Avenue, up and down Gallatin Street and Caldwell Drive.
The thirteenth annual Rockin’ Railroad Festival will conclude April Arts Month on Saturday, April 30, beginning at 10 a.m. The festival will be held on the Courthouse square with local food vendors, music groups, choirs and bands. The Mississippi Music Museum will be open on the day of the Festival with proper social distancing mandates in force.
A sensational car show will also be part of this year’s Art Month.
The Student Art and Recycled Art contests are also popular events. These contests will be judged by a panel of judges, and there will be People’s Choice Awards voting from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the north room in the train depot. Judges the public voters will consider contestants in separate pre-school, first-third grade, fourth-sixth grade and seventh-twelfth grade divisions. Any area students in K through 12th grades can enter the contest. In both contests, regular and recycled arts pieces of art may be entered, and groups of two may submit recycled art entries. Entry forms can be picked up at the Hazlehurst Chamber office at the depot, City Hall in Hazlehurst, Trustmark Bank, Covington Memorial Library or the Copiah Monitor in Hazlehurst. The form should be completed and attached to each entry. Winners of the contests will be announced at the Rockin’ Railroad Festival on April 30 at 3p.m.
April will be a wonderful time to stroll the streets of Hazlehurst and enjoy the talents of our area's many artists and craftsmen. The spring brings out the best of us. A great time to smell the roses and stroll the streets of Hazlehurst, enjoying the work of local artisans. Support the arts, my friends. It’s good for you.
April 2022 Hazlehurst Arts Month Events
April 1 - 31: Self-guided downtown walking Art Tour. Displays in downtown venues. April 1: Grand Night Piano Concert sponsored by McDowell Music Club at First Baptist Church, Crystal Springs. 7 p.m. $5 donation.
April 7: Hazlehurst businesses open houses. Music & art. 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
April 9: Keep Copiah County Beautiful Cleanup Day. 8 a.m.-12 noon.
April 10: Children's Palm Processional & special music at Hazlehurst United Methodist Church. 10:30 a.m.
April 14: "Miz Overalls" Talkin' 'Bout Plants at Huntington Garden Center. 5:30 p.m.
April 17: Easter music presented by choir -- "In the Presence of Jehovah" -- at Hazlehurst First Baptist Church. 10:30 a.m.
April 22 & 23: Spring musical. "Seusical Jr." Friday at 7 p.m. Saturday from 1:30 p.m.-7 p.m. $10.
April 30: 13th annual Rockin Railroad Festival. Downtown at Courthouse Square. Live music, food & family fun. 10 a.m.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Shaw Furlow is a local composer, musician and arts promoter. He produces an internet-based video show -- From the Shadyside -- that spotlights area musical talent and is a consultant to school bands in the region. Bob Arnold is Editor of the Wesson News.
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