A MLK Celebration of Art and Culture

Free and open to the public! Join us for the annual Celebration of Arts and Culture: Ohr O’Keefe Museum

Networking, great food, spoken word, book signing, and art exhibitions:

Tarleton Blackwell featuring “The Great Show”: This exhibition will showcase the dynamic works of celebrated artist Tarleton Blackwell, whose bold paintings delve into the rich iconography of the South. Through his expansive body of work, Blackwell offers an intricate tapestry of storytelling that combines elements of art history, folklore, and cultural symbolism. His signature Hog Series features anthropomorphic animals such as hogs, opossums, and roosters, often depicted in roles and settings that reflect the human condition. From a rooster clad as a military general to possum Uncle Sam, Blackwell’s imagery challenges viewers to explore themes of dignity, identity, and cultural narrative.

In James Macdonell’s first solo museum exhibition titled ‘SAFE PASSAGE’ the artist invites the viewer into an examination of our lives, objectively and subjectively, and how art and life intersect. With dignity and appreciation, he investigates familiar subject matter like survival, loss, abandonment, the forces of nature, mythology, and history through the lens of metamorphosis, transmutation, and regeneration. At the core of this exhibition is art incorporated from the observation of daily life. It is meant to inspire people, to give them a new appreciation of self and their surroundings; and serve as affirmation that works can be a catalyst for change in how we view others and our environment.

Entertainment: Bio. D. Saunders is an extraordinary singer, songwriter, and performer who has captivated audiences with his soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and electrifying stage presence. He discovered his passion for music at a young age and has since become a music lovers fan favorite.
Presented by: Legacy Business League, The City of Biloxi, Hancock Whitney, Mississippi Power, and the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino.