Message from the President

Welcome to the Vicksburg Art Association!

Reasons to Support the Arts
By becoming a member of the VAA, you are directly contributing to the exciting exhibitions and programming we provide. As a part of the VAA you are uniquely positioned to help us carry out a dual mission of promoting the value of art as a tool to promote our community as well as providing education programming, exhibition content, and outreach programs that promote social change through art and culture. I am honored to be able to serve and work with you as we continue to build and grow a strong arts community and identity for our city.
 
The Vicksburg Art Association (VAA) is a non-profit organization that has promoted and celebrated the local arts and its artisans for more than 42 years. Our gallery is located in the Constitution Firehouse, one of Vicksburg's first firehouses. Designated as a Mississippi Landmark by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the (Old) Constitution Firehouse is believed to be the most intact Victorian fire station in the state. Built in 1870, the firehouse served as the second house for the Vicksburg's first volunteer fire company and later housed the first paid company. The building retains the central stall, barracks room, cupola, and the bell which was used to call the volunteers. The presence of the (Old) Constitution Firehouse made the Openwood/Main Street area one of the most desirable residential districts in Vicksburg before 1876. 

​The Vicksburg Art Association offers art-related programs and speakers. Workshops in varied art disciplines, exhibitions of works by regional artists, art-related programs, and guest speakers are featured throughout the year. Most events are held at the (Old) Constitution Firehouse Gallery located at the corner of Main Street and Openwood Street in Vicksburg.

"Arts promote true prosperity. The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us—fostering creativity, goodness, and beauty. The arts help us express our values, build bridges between cultures, and bring us together regardless of ethnicity, religion, or age" (Americans for the Arts). 

​"Arts improve academic performance. Students with an education rich in the arts have higher GPAs and standardized test scores, and lower drop-out rates—benefits reaped by students regardless of socio-economic status" (Americans for the Arts). 

"Arts strengthen the economy. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that the arts and culture sector represents 3.25 percent of the nation’s GDP—a larger share of the economy than tourism and agriculture" (National Endowment for the Arts).

"Arts are good for local merchants. Attendees at nonprofit arts events spend on average $24.60 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission on items such as meals, parking, and babysitters. Attendees who live outside the county in which the arts event takes place spend twice as much as their local counterparts" (Americans for the Arts).
"Arts drive tourism. Arts travelers are ideal tourists, staying longer and spending more to seek out authentic cultural experiences" (Americans for the Arts). ​

"Arts spark creativity and innovation. The Conference Board reports that creativity is among the top 5 applied skills sought by business leaders" (Americans for the Arts). 

"Arts have social impact. A high concentration of the arts in a city leads to higher civic engagement, more social cohesion, higher child welfare, and lower poverty rates. A vibrant arts community ensures that young people are not left to be raised solely in a pop culture and tabloid marketplace" (Animating Democracy).

"Arts improve healthcare. Nearly one-half of the nation’s healthcare institutions provide arts programming for patients, families, and even staff" (Americans for the Arts).

"Arts mean business. The Creative Industries are arts businesses that range from museums and galleries, symphonies, and theaters to film, architecture, and design companies" (Americans for the Arts).

You are helping to build a community full of life and growth.​
We invite you to join this circle of diverse, dedicated, and enthusiastic art and culture lovers, artists and patrons. We welcome you to engage with friends through volunteering or simply attending our events. As a member, you benefit not only by supporting the Vicksburg Art Association's ongoing activities, but will get a chance to help direct and build our community.

Randy Hayward Jolly
VAA President