FestivalSouth Continues its Celebration with an Expansive Visual Arts Showcase
HATTIESBURG, MS — FestivalSouth® furthers its incredible 16th season with an exciting expansion of its visual arts programming, led by FestivalART Coordinator Andrea Kostyal. This summer, Hattiesburg becomes a living gallery, featuring artists from near and far in a celebration of creativity, community, and access to the arts.
At the heart of the season is Yonder, a solo exhibition by FestivalSouth Featured Artist Ricardo Moody, running May 1 through June 30 at Prospect on Main. Moody—whose evocative pieces have been featured on HGTV’s Hometown—explores themes of place and identity. An opening reception on May 31 offers a chance to meet the artist and experience his work firsthand.
“This year marks a significant expansion in our visual arts programming,” said Kostyal. “We’re thrilled to showcase both local and international talent, forging deeper community connections through art.”
Other highlights include:
- Harmonious Layers: The Art of Collage and Sculpture – Featuring Mark Brown and Rebekah Stark Johnson at the Phyllis Downey Gallery (University Baptist Church), opening before Classics by Candlelight on June 5.
- Visual Rhythms – A Main Street Gallery exhibition from May 1–July 31 featuring the Women’s Art Collective, Reception: June 6, 5–7 p.m.
- June 7 Art Day – Begin with Rise and Shine at 10 a.m. and explore Evelyn Timidaiski’s Lifetime Musings at USM’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Later, visit the Continuum photography exhibit at the Community Arts Center and enjoy Ink in the Alley, a tattoo-inspired showcase presented by the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum and the Saenger Theater (5–8 p.m.).
- Journey by Robert Williams – Reception June 12 at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center lobby prior to A Heavenly Life: Mahler Symphony No. 4.
- Art in Action – A dynamic experience featuring three incredible art studios, taking place at the Creators Plaza on June 14.
FestivalSouth also features interactive workshops, including:
- Sgraffito with Melanie Eubanks – June 4 at Main Street Gallery
- Photo Around and Find Out – A walking photo workshop with Jesse Johnson, June 6
- Inspired Impressions (gel plate art) with Traci Stover – June 11
- Creative Convergence (photo transfers) with Andrea Kostyal – June 18 at Singing River Art Studio
Space is limited for all workshops and tours so please make sure you register in advance for each one.
On June 20, the Art Song and Poetry Showcase at the Hattiesburg Community Arts Center will present winners of an open-call competition featuring original works inspired by Kostyal’s art.
Families are invited to enjoy Artie’s World of Color on May 31 at the Oak Grove Library—an engaging, interactive experience for young artists. All exhibits are family-friendly and ideal for supervised children. Visitors can enhance their outings with self-guided mural tours courtesy of the Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art.
For an even deeper dive into Hattiesburg’s visual legacy, Russell Archer will lead guided art and architecture walking tours on May 31 (Downtown Safari), June 6 (The Art of Urban Architecture), and June 15 (Theaters, Theatoriums and Airdomes, Oh My!).
For full details and to plan your FestivalART journey, visit: festivalsouth.org/festivalart
About FestivalSouth
FestivalSouth is the largest project of the Hattiesburg Concert Association (HCA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality artistic experiences to the Pine Belt region. FestivalSouth’s diverse programming welcomes all, transcending social, cultural, and economic boundaries through the power of the arts.
