Official Unveiling/Walking Tour

So, the reasons I put this blog together are as follows:

1. I love art, I love Jackson, and I wanted to give a big hug and shout-out to all the artists in the area who have shared their talents with us through this project.

2. I am friends with or at least acquainted with many of these artists, so I know how hard they work and how under-appreciated they can be at times.

3. I wanted to create a handy guide for people to be able to easily find these boxes, or, if you're not able to view them in person, to make you feel like you're there.

But, the Greater Jackson Arts Council is ultimately responsible for this project, and they created a handy-dandy guide, complete with map, that I received tonight at the official unveiling. A small but enthusiastic crowd gathered in front of the Arts Center at the corner of Pascagoula and Lamar this evening to celebrate this fabulous new addition to Jackson's art scene.

Some of the artists were in attendance:

Then Mayor Harvey Johnson said a few words:

Mayor Johnson said he got the idea for the traffic boxes from a visit to Columbia, Missouri, where they did something similar. Say what you will about Harvey, but I'm happy he supports the Arts in Jackson.

And here is the map and guide so you can take your own walking tour! I would imagine the GJAC still has some printed copies to give out, too. My friend and I walked it in about a half hour or so. It's good exercise and a good way to see downtown Jackson! I absolutely cannot wait until the next wave of boxes are finished. If you are an artist and want to apply to paint a box, you have until August 28 to do so. Contact the Greater Jackson Arts Council: (601) 960-1557.