Video: Women In The Arts

[bitsontherun 8GyDGOzE]COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The National Museum of Women in the Arts, located in Washington DC, is the only museum in the world dedicated to recognizing women artists. Since 1998 the Mississippi State Committee has supported the museum, encouraging women artists to excel. Tuesday, the organization was at MUW to show off the work of a very creative group of women.

“I couldn’t exist if I didn’t do art,” said artist George Ann McCullough.

She is one of the women behind the colors. While her work is on display, it is her story that’s truly inspirational.

“The main focus is on the artist, we want to promote our Mississippi artists and this gives them a place to exhibit their work and then we have a lot of camaraderie among the women of the state,” said President of Mississippi State Committee Jean Laney.

The Mississippi State Committee organizes this annual show to highlight the work of outstanding female artists, of both the past and the present.

“This is wonderful, I mean this is so supportive of women in the arts, and it’s not just here and it’s not just now. It goes way back in history. You learn about artist, but very few women have been written up in the art books,” added McCullough.

Art has been around for as long as we can remember, but male artist have dominated the spectrum. The Mississippi State Committee recognizes that and is helping promote women art and their careers.

Grace Buchanan is now teaching others how to paint, and has the same advice for all beginners.

“Take drawing classes, any kind of art class they can find in their own neighborhood,” said artist Buchanan.

Add a dash of imagination and an ounce of creativity, and you have a recipe to be successful in the arts.

An art student from MUW received one of three scholarships awarded by the Mississippi State Committee this academic year.