The Mississippi Museum of Art’s definition of modern:

mod·ern /'mädern/ (adjective) 
bold, different, innovative, trailblazing, 
fresh, new, edgy

The American Federation of Arts (AFA) and the Neuberger Museum of Art are proud to present When Modern Was Contemporary: Selections from the Roy R. Neuberger Collection at the Mississippi Museum of Art.  This is the first traveling exhibition of this beautiful collection of American modern art in over forty years. 

Julian Rankin, Marketing Director of the Mississippi Museum of Art, says, “Roy R. Neuberger was a devoted champion of the art of his time, and he acquired works by a remarkable selection of modern masters, including Alexander Calder, Stuart Davis, Willem de Kooning, Marsden Hartley, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and numerous others.”  The exhibition, featuring incredible sculptures and painting from over fifty artists, will run from April 9 through October 30, 2016.

“It is our great pleasure to host this incredible exhibition featuring work by so many of the Twentieth Century’s most dynamic and revered artists,” said Betsy Bradley, Director of the Mississippi Museum of Art. “Never before in Mississippi have artworks by this inimitable group of creators shared a museum exhibition space; we’re honored to make them available to visual art explorers from across the region and beyond.”

Rankin says, “Complementing When Modern Was Contemporary is a secondary exhibition called Reflections: Works by Modern Mastersfrom the Collection. Also on view April 9 – October 30, 2016, this exhibition features works by many of the same American artists but in this case drawn from the Museum’s permanent collection and from that of Paul and Celia Mabry (Oxford). Moreover it includes remarkable examples by contemporaneous artists not represented in the Neuberger Collection—like Franz Kline, Robert Rauschenberg, and Andy Warhol—as well as works by Mississippi modernist painters such as Dusti Bongé, Andrew Bucci, and George Wardlaw.”

The Mississippi Museum of Art is also celebrating daring Mississippians who are taking bold steps to move our state forward.  By introducing Mapping a Modern Mississippi, the museum is featuring talented, risk-taking men and women who work in all facets of life. Click here to join the statewide conversation and learn more about Mississippi's own trailblazers!

For more information on the Mississippi Museum of Art, please visit www.msmuseumart.org.

By 2013, a once thriving and magnificent elementary school sat vacant in the heart of Carthage.  The 1920’s structure, composed of handsome red bricks and stately white columns, had been completely abandoned.  All that remained was a hint of its original splendor. Carthage native, Hilton Hollis, simply wouldn't stand for it.

"I started performing in the school’s theatre when I was eight-years-old,” reflects Hilton.  “My sister was in the junior miss pageant on that very same stage, and I served as her escort.  This school always had such a special place in my heart.  It was unbelievable to me that they would let this beautiful building go to waste.” 

Now a wildly successful fashion designer in New York City, Hilton spent his idyllic childhood years on a farm in Carthage.  Creative, warm and gregarious, Hilton developed a passion for sewing at a young age.  In 1997, Hilton moved to New York City, studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and trained under some of the world’s most renowned designers.  Hilton now designs under his own label, Hilton Hollis, and creates beautiful, wearable pieces for the modern woman.

Hilton partnered with several people from his Carthage elementary class, and started The Local Fashion Advantage, a foundation dedicated to saving the beloved building.   At the 2015 event, the evening began with a silent auction, and one lucky bidder snagged a luxurious package filled with shopping in Atlanta, clothing from Hilton Hollis, and high-end jewelry.  Following the silent auction, Hilton previewed his Fall 2015 collection.  During the incredible Runway Show, guests were treated to musical performances, dancing, singing and fashions by local designers and boutiques.

Over a few short years, The Local Fashion Advantage has raised thousands of dollars, and the charming building has come to life once again.  The old elementary school now serves as a Community Center for special events, and thanks to Hilton and The Local Fashion Advantage, the auditorium finally has an air conditioner.  Hilton laughs, “It took 80-plus years to get it air conditioned!  It is pretty remarkable.”  Little by little, the auditorium has been completely renovated, from the 600 seats to the magnificent velvet curtain.  It has rightfully returned to its original grandeur.

Beyond the financial aspects of the event, The Local Fashion Advantage has given creative Mississippians an outlet to express themselves.  Local designers, hair and makeup stylists, and even aspiring models are welcome to participate.  “Last year we had people from Vicksburg all the way to Memphis.  We even had a few from Birmingham.  It is pretty awesome that a small town like Carthage can pull in that sort of crowd,” marvels Hilton. 

A few young women have even acquired major modeling contracts after walking in the event!  Hilton says, “Two years ago we were doing our first local model casting.  I was flipping through the head shots and noticed a girl named ‘Hollis.’ I immediately wondered if we were kin!  She came in to walk for me and was a complete natural.  She was unbelievable and looked like she had been walking in Paris shows for years.”  Today she has signed with a major model management company in New York City and models full-time!

“I think what we have been able to do has inspired people.  Now that I am away from Mississippi, I love it even more,” smiles Hilton.  "It is huge that we have made some sort of impact, and it goes beyond the financial impact on our elementary school building.  It is really about promoting self-worth and being able to do something above and beyond what you dream you are capable of doing.”  

This year's Local Fashion Advantage Event will be held tomorrow, Saturday, June 4th!  We hope to see you there!  For more information, please visit the Local Fashion Advantage Facebook page here! 

{Name}  Louis Boteler
{Hometown} Jackson, Mississippi
{Event Site} The Boteler Home

{Tell us about the occasion for the event?} Louis’ first birthday! 

{What inspired your event location and theme?} 
As Louis began to grow and change, we began to call him Little Man, which inspired the Little Mister theme. When I was pregnant with Louis, we bought and moved into our home.  It was natural to want to celebrate his first birthday in our first home together. 

{What inspired your color scheme/flowers?} 
Louis’ nursery is made up of black and white photos, old typewriters and cameras, paintings created by local artists, furniture made by refurbished wood, with hints of travel and adventure. Little Mister through and through, no flowers for the mister! 

{What’s your favorite event detail? Is there a story behind it?}
Old suitcase filled with 12 Wallstreet Journal newspapers that his daddy collected on the 27th of each month for his first 12 months. Story behind it: His daddy reads the journal every day, and now little mister has his first collection to read someday! 

{What was your favorite part of the event planning process?}
Planning, that is funny! I like to think of it as a collaborative piece of art! Friends, artists, local (cake) designers were the best part! Love and appreciate the special and talented people who made his first birthday so special!

{Your favorite picture from the event day?} Louis smashing the cake, of course! 

VENDORS:
Photographer: Mom (www.christinafoto.com) + Polaroid
Event Planner: Mom + Kendall Poole Event Planning (www.kendallpooleeventplanning.com) + other moms and friends
Venue: Boteler home 
Cake: Cakes by Iris (www.cakesbyiris.com)