by LaShanda Phillips
The Museum Store at the Mississippi Museum of Art carries everything from local artisans’ work to quirky toys, cards and notebooks. Photo courtesy Imani KHayyam
Just inside the Mississippi Museum of Art is a treasure trove. At the Museum Store, books about art, both in Mississippi and around the world, line bookshelves. Interesting and quirky desk and household items, notebooks, notecards, toys and more line other shelves. Colorful jewelry sits in and on top of a glass counter by the cashier station. Art, T-shirts, mugs, and more from local and Mississippi creatives also inhabit the space.
The Mississippi Museum of Art opened in the current Arts Center of Mississippi space in 1978. The store opened later as a complement to the museum.
In 2007, the museum and the shop moved to its current location (380 S. Lamar St.), and the shop has grown since then.
"Back then, we were happy to get 20 people a day," Assistant Store Manager Stacey Langford says.
"Now, we get so many more people. (They) are beginning to discover us and realize how unique and special the store is."
Langford says that shop staff like to curate what they sell, just like museum staff curates exhibitions.
"We refine it down to things that are really special, memorable and different," Langford explains.
In 2007, the museum and the shop moved to its current location (380 S. Lamar St.), and the shop has grown since then.
"Back then, we were happy to get 20 people a day," Assistant Store Manager Stacey Langford says.
"Now, we get so many more people. (They) are beginning to discover us and realize how unique and special the store is."
Langford says that shop staff like to curate what they sell, just like museum staff curates exhibitions.
"We refine it down to things that are really special, memorable and different," Langford explains.
The store also aligns with the museum's aim to engage Mississippi in visual arts. MMA is the largest fine-arts museum in the state. Since its start as a community-supported institution more than 100 years ago, the museum has offered many exhibitions, events and programs to the public.
"We are very proud to be one of the number-one destinations and highlights of Jackson," she says.
The store sells anything from $2 trinkets to higher-priced items such as ones that are made from materials like leather and silk. It also sells items made in Mississippi. Shoppers can find unique products such as Yazoo Toffee, Pearl River glass, Heart of Eden soap, jewelry from the state's craftspeople and more. It also has items that can be used for party favors or gifts for bridal, corporate or birthday parties. Customers can also purchase art activity kits and items such as stationary and pencils.
"We don't want anybody to come in here, no matter age, or background or economic status, and feel they can't find something that would make them happy," Langford says.
Shoppers can find local Mississippi artists' works there, too. Watercolor painters Wyatt Waters and the late William Hollingsworth's artwork appear on various items such as notepads, notecards and coffee cups.
The museum also features items from local business artists such as T-shirts and mugs from Studio Chane. In the early spring, the museum will have available Indian handmade pillow covers and felt wool scarves.
For the duration of the 2016 Mississippi Invitational (see page 48), the shop will carry a catalogue of the art in the exhibit.
The store is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call the Museum Store at 601-965-9939 or visit msmuseumart.org.
"We are very proud to be one of the number-one destinations and highlights of Jackson," she says.
The store sells anything from $2 trinkets to higher-priced items such as ones that are made from materials like leather and silk. It also sells items made in Mississippi. Shoppers can find unique products such as Yazoo Toffee, Pearl River glass, Heart of Eden soap, jewelry from the state's craftspeople and more. It also has items that can be used for party favors or gifts for bridal, corporate or birthday parties. Customers can also purchase art activity kits and items such as stationary and pencils.
"We don't want anybody to come in here, no matter age, or background or economic status, and feel they can't find something that would make them happy," Langford says.
Shoppers can find local Mississippi artists' works there, too. Watercolor painters Wyatt Waters and the late William Hollingsworth's artwork appear on various items such as notepads, notecards and coffee cups.
The museum also features items from local business artists such as T-shirts and mugs from Studio Chane. In the early spring, the museum will have available Indian handmade pillow covers and felt wool scarves.
For the duration of the 2016 Mississippi Invitational (see page 48), the shop will carry a catalogue of the art in the exhibit.
The store is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call the Museum Store at 601-965-9939 or visit msmuseumart.org.
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