Highway 61 Attic Art Gallery, Vicksburg, Mississippi

Highway 61 Attic Art Gallery, Vicksburg, entranceway.

A Different Picture Of Vicksburg | Darrin Henry

The Highway 61 Attic Art Gallery, Vicksburg, Mississippi, showcases provocative southern painting styles by Mississippi artists and surrounding areas, plus a whole range of other fascinating creative art work.

The Attic Gallery is one of the cool indoor things to do in Vicksburg Mississippi, hidden away almost above the Highway 61 coffee shop.

We had just one day to visit Vicksburg, but I’m so glad we got to sample this facet of US southern culture at the Highway 61 Attic Art Gallery. It’s a 44-year-old ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of artwork that really grabbed our attention.

Highway 61 Road Trip – The Blues Trail

The Highway 61 Road Trip in the USA is famous among fans of the blues.

It traces the history of blues music, running south to north, taking in music shrines like New Orleans, Memphis and Clarksdale. Our own Mississippi river road trip overlapped in places with US Hwy 61, and at one of these converging points, Vicksburg city, we chanced upon this lovely gallery.

Even with my severe deficit of drawing or painting talent I can still appreciate the artistic ability of others, and especially the trend now-a-days for alternative art styles. These provocative styles make visiting galleries and art shops an inspiring experience.

Admittedly, even with an open mind, I still have my limits. Like the time I saw a pile of elephant poo in a glass box at the Tate Modern. But that’s another story altogether!

Mississippi artists and other southern painting styles on display.

A mouse in the house? You can have them for just $10 each.

A True Mississippi Blue

A core group of American artists exhibit at the Attic Gallery. Everything from water colours and traditional oil on canvas creations, to mixed media paintings and 3D art assembled from recycled household junk.

Jean Blue is “a native Mississippian” who taught art for 12 years after graduating from college in 1965. She was on duty at the gallery when we dropped in.

How long have you been an artist? “All my life I guess, is really the answer to that.” Jean Blue shows us around the Attic.

The ‘Chucky doll’ aspect of some of the artists’ work can take you by surprise.

“I’m sure we scare some people who are looking for a nice little painting!” laughs Jean. The range of styles though is what makes this place so interesting. I found myself marvelling at one piece, laughing at another then confused at something else. Sharon and I kept calling one another as went through the exhibits, “Come look at this.”

I can’t quite imagine hanging this in my house, but these pieces seemed quite popular judging by the number of them on display.

Brings a whole new meaning to ‘electronic toys.’ Inside the Highway 61 Attic Art Gallery, Vicksburg Mississippi.

Mississippi Blues Music – a more convential offering, on canvas.

One of Jean Blue’s collection.

I was introduced to the stunning mixed media creations of South African Artist, Di Webb, a few months ago, at the Tangled Webb Gallery in South Africa. In the markets of Southeast Asia we gaped in awe at the gorgeous paintings and even in London’s Camden Market we were able to appreciate yet another collection and variations of art.

The Highway 61 Attic Art Gallery, Vicksburg is unique, and yet the same in many ways.

Pumping Up The Colour in Mississippi

“Lesley Silver is the gallery owner; she started it in 1971 with an emphasis on original prints,” said Jean. The collection then evolved as the owner became interested “in outsider art.”

It’s Lesley’s ability to connect people and art which Jean attributes to the longevity of the gallery, but also an appreciation of the artists themselves. “I think that’s the unique thing perhaps about this gallery; these are people we know; we know their stories. It just adds an extra layer.”

We more have expected to see this in the Voodoo shop in New Orleans.

Traditional paintings in the Highway 61 Attic Art Gallery, Vicksburg hang alongside the quirky art.

“There’s some notable Mississippi artists who come out of Vicksburg actually and so there’s always been a colony of artists. We have an active art association and we’re close enough to Jackson that we feed off their art community as well.” Jean Blue.

Highway 61 Attic Art Gallery in Vicksburg – One more ‘Chucky’ piece!

‘Walk up the steps for the unusual,’ as the sign says. The Attic Gallery is the oldest independent art gallery in the state of Mississippi.

Jean’s own work is on display. Originally a “wimpy water colour” specialist, Jean realised she needed to “pump up my colour” when she joined the gallery or her work would get “lost in the shuffle.”

It’s interesting to learn from Jean that the art scene in Mississippi is thriving. In fact, the gallery often has to turn artists away because of a lack of space.