Young artists nurtured in Brookhaven

Special to Wesson News

Budding young artists from throughout Mississippi come to Brookhaven every summer to hone their nascent talents and gain inspiration to continue their pursuits.

Back in June, 85 of them came to the Mississippi School of the Arts Foundation  (MSAF) eleventh annual summer camp for arts students in the eighth through 10^th grades. The young campers from across the state participated in an intensive arts experience, selecting two arts disciplines to study throughout the week-long event and learn foundational techniques.

They engaged directly with the award winning arts faculty at Mississippi School of the Arts, which teaches high school students in their junior and senior years.  The MSA faculty members provided hands-on, intensive instruction during three-hour class sessions daily.

In the evenings, the campers enjoyed a variety of residential life activities, including a dance, talent show, water games, mystery dinner theatre, carnival, dance showcase, and a movie night.  The week concludes with culminating performances, a literary journal presentation, and an art exhibition for camper’s families.

Alumni of MSA served as camp interns, assisting students as they navigated campus life and creative challenges.

Some campers chose to stay overnight in a campus residence hall and others commuted daily.

The annual camp is the first full week of June. Scholarships are available by application.  The camp is supported in part by a project grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission.

MSA is an eleventh and twelfth grade visual and performing arts residential, public high school located in Brookhaven, MS. Students not only meet and exceed the traditional Mississippi high school curriculum, but they also receive special instruction in visual arts, vocal music, dance, writing/literary arts, filmmaking/media arts and theatre. MSA also has a “Collegiate Academy” program where qualified students can earn their high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time at no cost.

In addition to MSA students winning awards for their work on the state, regional and national levels, the school consistently has one of the highest ACT averages in the state.

Students interested in MSA apply by February 1 of their sophomore year in high school.  For more information contact us at admissions@msabrookhaven.org visit our website www.msabrookhaven.org or call 601-823-1300.