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Sponsor Spotlight - May 2018
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- story by Lisa Monti
photos by Brenda Comer, Ellis Anderson and courtesy Gallery 220
Gallery 220, one of the oldest and most popular artist cooperative galleries in Mississippi, just got a refreshing makeover and also is sporting a new look in its front display windows.
“We cleaned it up, painted, added new lighting, new floor covering and we now change out the window every month,” said Jenise McCardell, who owns the historic building at 220 Main Street along with Mark Currier. A full fledged ribbon cutting was held March 2 to celebrate completion of the monthlong remodeling. Visitors to the gallery are enjoying the upgrades while they enjoy viewing the changing inventory of works for sale by local artists. |
Sponsor Spotlight
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Joanna Slay, a mixed-media and mosaic artist, joined the cooperative in 2012 and teaches quarterly workshops there. She now handles public relations for the gallery, which is filled with works of 27 local artists.
There are paintings, photos, pottery, jewelry, sculptures and other creations filling the gallery walls and shelving. Some of the artists teach classes in painting, pottery and mosaics, and most take commissions. It’s been described as “an epicenter of creative energy.”

Slay said there is a waiting list of artists who want to be a part of the vibrant cooperative. That’s a sure sign of both the local art community’s vitality and of Gallery 220’s reputation for quality content. “If there’s space available and the caliber of work is up to the gallery’s standards, they will be accepted,” Slay said of prospective members.
Because the cooperative is more than a visual gallery, members staff Gallery 220 one day a month, greeting and helping customers. Artist Barbara Brodtmann manages the work schedule and front desk duties.
This year, Gallery 220 started featuring an artist or two each month, displaying their work in the north window as well as in prominent spots inside the Art Deco building.
The featured artist for May is Pam Marshall, a watercolor artist who is a signature member of the National Watercolor Society, along with the Mississippi and Louisiana Societies. In addition to the window display, you can find Marshall’s new work on display inside the gallery during the Second Saturday Art Walk on May 14.
All proceeds will go to MAP (Music, Art and Practicality) of Hancock County. This organization offers a 4- to 6-week summer camp that is free to qualifying students. Children learn everything from set design to acting at a performance at the end of camp. Tickets are $5 and available at the Gallery and through MAP organizers.
Slay says Gallery 220 provides support to the local arts community and encourages the artist spirit. “We have camaraderie here, “ she said. “This is a good place to start if you’re a new artist or if you’re getting back in the market. We try to encourage each other and promote each other’s work. It’s just unbelievable.”
Gallery 220
220 Main St.
Bay St. Louis
228-466-6347
Open 11a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday