Beyond music: Experience the art and literature of the Delta
MISSISSIPPI DELTA–August 2019–Of course, there is music. The Mississippi Delta is considered the birthplace of the Blues, a sound that has influenced genres of music and generations of music lovers. So, when exploring the art and culture of the Delta, there is definitely a soundtrack to play, live performances to take in and history to explore. For more on that history, check out the amazing collection of music museums throughout the Delta.
A closer look, though, shows the fertile Delta soil has also grown an outstanding crop of visual artists and authors. Inspired by the land and drawing on the traditions of the region, playwrights, potters and performers all have stories to tell and gifts to share. A road trip through the region is an excellent way to enjoy their artistry and immerse in the stories of the Delta.
Whether you begin at the DeSoto County Courthouse (2535 Hwy. 51 S. Hernando, MS 38632) to the north or the Vicksburg riverfront to the south, murals set the stage. The courthouse features murals by Alonzo Newton Wells illustrating the arrival of Hernando DeSoto to the area in 1541. The Vicksburg Riverfront Murals line Levee Street and include 32 scenes depicting the city’s rich history.
Also in Vicksburg is the Attic Gallery, Mississippi’s oldest art gallery. Here, selections range from Southern folk and outsider art to contemporary fine art. Regionally handcrafted pottery, glass and jewelry are also on display. Nationally known artist H.C. Porter’s gallery (1216 Washington Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183) features her unique Southern themes through mixed media and fine art photography.
The Mathews-Sanders Sculpture Garden (Highway 8 West, Cleveland, Mississippi 38732) is a stunning display of work on the campus of Delta State University in Cleveland. The permanent collection includes 30 pieces, many of which have been placed over the campus. Pieces are also displayed at the nearby Grammy® Museum and in downtown Cleveland. Here, you’ll also find the Bologna Performing Arts Center(1003 West Sunflower Road, Cleveland, MS 38733). The 41,000-square-foot facility offers a rich tapestry of cultural and educational programs and has earned recognition as one of the premier venues for entertainment and arts in Mississippi and the Southeast.
Nearby, McCarty Pottery in Merigold and Peter’s Pottery in Mound Bayou are renowned for their beautiful and functional works. At McCarty Pottery and Gardens (101 Saint Marys Street, Merigold, MS 38759), Lee and Pup McCarty began creating pottery in 1954, making both artistic and functional pieces, using native clays and glazes. Peter’s Pottery’s (301 Fortune Avenue, Mound Bayou, MS 38762) well-known forms include animals, bowls, candlesticks and tableware.
Book stores, libraries and even festivals celebrate hometown literary heroes and their stories that have become a part of the fabric of the Delta. A Memorial Walkway in Yazoo City is named after author and literary critic Henry Hershel Brickell and honors more than 100 locals who have contributed to the literary world. In Greenwood, the noted Turnrow Book Company (304 Howard Street, Greenwood, MS 38930) has an impressive collection of works by regional writers and hosts frequent author visits and book discussions. Check out Turnrow Gallery upstairs for local and regional art.
In Greenville, the William Alexander Percy Memorial Library’s Greenville Writers Exhibit (341 Main Street, Greenville, MS 38701) displays Greenville’s extraordinary literary tradition, having produced more writers than any town of its size in the country. More than 100 published writers have called Greenville home. Muppet creator Jim Henson was born in Greenville and lived in Leland. The Birthplace of Kermit the Frog: An Exhibit of Jim Henson’s Delta Boyhood (415 SE Deer Creek Drive, Leland, MS 38756) is located on the banks of Deer Creek just a few miles from Henson’s childhood home.
One of America’s most performed and beloved playwrights, Tennessee Williams, was born in nearby Clarksdale. Visitors can make an appointment to visit the Rectory Museum (106 Sharkey Avenue, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614) or celebrate during the annual Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival in the fall. Each October the festival features live drama, porch plays, readings, lectures and live music.
Travelers will discover even more museums and events throughout the Delta which tell stories through the arts. They are stories of the people, culture and history of this rich region.
If you go
From hot tamales to local catfish to the barbecue you’ve always dreamed of, a trip through the Delta can be quite the feast. The folks at Visit the Delta have curated the best finger-licking culinary tour you can imagine. Take their recommendation and Eat Your Way through the Delta!
Unique lodging options add to the character of the Mississippi and to the memories you’ll cherish when you return. Casino hotels with on-site entertainment, stately historic homes and colorful downtown lofts are all options here. During a Mississippi Delta road trip, you can try them all! Check out this list of unique properties and plan your route.