True Artisans...True Art
Mississippi has long been known as a True Hotbed of literary and musical talent. Lesser known but just as noteworthy are the state's ongoing contributions to the world of arts and crafts. The Mississippi Craftsmen’s Guild boasts more than 400 members. Since 2007, the Guild’s headquarters in Ridgeland, the Mississippi Craft Center, has exposed visitors from all 50 states and 27 foreign nations to the wonderful world of arts and crafts in Mississippi. The center features more than 250 craft demonstrations, a variety of classes, a sales gallery and regular events and exhibits.
Held twice a year in Canton (in May and October), the Canton Flea Market is a frantic one-day event featuring hundreds of booths offering a variety of hand-made arts and crafts and other items for sale. Nearby residents often plan a day off from work for the Canton Flea Market so they can join in the festivities.
A similar event is held each April in Oxford. The Double Decker Arts Festival is a two-day event that adds music and other festivities to the sale and celebration of Mississippi arts and crafts.
The celebrations don’t end there. Far from it in fact. An almost infinite number of paintings, pottery, woodworked creations and more can be found at most any roadside stop and off the beaten path—all crafted by the agile hands of our many and talented local artists.