GERTRUDE MCCARTY SMITH FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS
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FOUNDATION

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A Commitment for the Creation and Celebration of the Arts
 
The Gertrude McCarty Smith Foundation for the Arts is a non-profit organization, dedicated to fulfilling the late artist's vision and desire to serve as a catalyst for lifelong discovery and exploration of the visual, literary, musical, performing, and digital arts in Mississippi communities and beyond.  The foundation's goals are to enable individual artists, arts educators and community members of all ages to learn and practice a variety of artistic disciplines by providing access, educational programs, and resources.
 
GERTRUDE'S VISION
Artist and writer Gertrude McCarty Smith (1923-2007) envisioned a world where the arts are accessible and appreciated by people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests – starting in her beloved Mississippi. Whether encouraging a young child to paint or learning from artists of other disciplines, Gertrude discovered that artists everywhere had a special gift to "brighten up the world - each and every day." She believed the arts - both the creation of and the enjoyment of - had the power to transform an individual and their community for the better. Gertrude spent her life not only writing and creating visual art, but encouraging other artists, young and old alike, to follow their dreams of artistic endeavors.
 
THE NEED
Mississippi is a region rich in soil, heritage and culture. However, there has been a lack of access and opportunity for many artists young and old. The State boasts nationally acclaimed cultural institutions and legends such as William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, Margaret Walker Wright, Tennessee Williams, Oprah Winfrey, Leontyne Price, Elvis Presley, Tammy Wynette, B.B. King, Jimmy Buffet, Walter Anderson, George Ohr, Alice Moseley and Collins   native Gerald McRaney, among many others.  Yet the majority of this talent has had to leave Mississippi to seek opportunity because the state’s cultural assets have been and continue to be grossly underfunded and supported. The GMS Foundation hopes to make wide and deep investment in this homegrown talent pool.
 
PURPOSE
As a creative beacon for artists and families, the Pine Belt-based Foundation is envisioned as a multidisciplinary cultural resource for the visual, literary, performance and media arts. It will enable the creation of and celebration of the arts through community access, arts education and on-site work areas.  Its main purposes are to connect and showcase artists to the local community, as well as offer free and low-cost regular arts programs including after-school classes, family learning events and senior activities.  Additionally, it can foster strong creative, economically-sound careers of artists working in different disciplines through educational workshops, forums and residencies. 

BENEFITS
Artists & the Creative Community
  • Creates opportunities for artists of all disciplines to come together for encouragement, learning, and direction
  • Connects the local arts with creative professionals from around the state and beyond
  • Prepares artists for professional careers including teaching business skills
  • Supports professional development for artists and arts educators
  • Strengthens education in and through the art
  • Eliminates stereotypical views of the arts and artists
Local Community
  • Makes artists and the arts more accessible to all the community
  • Provides creative, stimulating and educational activities at little or no cost
  • Provides interdisciplinary arts instruction from early childhood to senior set
  • Encourages a life-long appreciation of the arts
  • Provides jobs and volunteer opportunities
  • Serves as the community’s civic center
  • Draws the community closer
  • Encourages repeat tourism and patronage of local merchants
  • Builds local pride, ownership and collaboration
  • Adds an esthetic beauty in community
  • Encourages youth retention in the area
  • Promotes cleaning up area
  • Revitalizes the community for future generations
  • Works to make the whole community more aware of the importance of the arts through partnerships with arts, schools/educational, businesses and community organizations
State
  • Improve the capacity and stability of Mississippi's artists
  • Increase knowledge of and pride in Mississippi arts and culture
  • Recognize and encourage Mississippi artists
  • Provides successful example to other rural start-up businesses and nonprofits
 
SUPPORT
The success of the Gertrude McCarty Smith Foundation for the Arts will be made through a high level of volunteerism, network of partnerships and the generous donations from individuals, businesses, foundations and governmental sources. To get involved or for more information, contact Johanna Burlingham at 310-498-7530 or [email protected].


managed  by  gertrude  mccarty  smith  foundation  for  the   arts

Gallery Shortcuts: Abstract - Collages - Naturals - Primitives - Representational - Spiritual - Giclées 
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