Mississippi landscapes visit New York for a night

Contact: Robbie S. Ward

STARKVILLE, Miss.--Wandering through Mississippi's social and cultural landscape, plenty of characters, soul, quirks and wisdom emanate from Magnolia State artists.

What many Mississippians know and others might find surprising is that Mississippi rates as one of the highest producers of significant artists in literature, music, film and many other mediums. Intertwined in these plots and in the dialogue of this state are the cotton fields, magnolia trees, lilies and other floral and plant elements that paint the Mississippi landscape.

That's why when the National Arts Club in New York celebrates Mississippi on Thursday [Nov. 11], Mississippi State University floral designers James DelPrince and Lynette McDougald will bring Magnolia State scents and other flora.

While arts patrons listen to selected readings of late Columbus native and acclaimed writer Tennessee Williams and listen to musical tributes to blues greats Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, they'll sit at tables decorated with okra, cotton, sweetgum, magnolias, roses, and lilies to name a few.

"Creative people in the South find themselves greatly influenced by the natural landscape," said DelPrince, a professor in MSU's department of plant and soil sciences, who has worked in Columbus with events associated with Tennessee Williams. "Lynette and I will bring some of the natural landscape to the gathering."

DelPrince has served as an industry consultant and also conducted research fellowships at the Smithsonian Institution. The Mississippi Florist Association's "Designer of the Year" in 2001, a floral design instructor and manager at MSU's University Florist, McDougald also served on the floral design team at New York's Rockefeller Center for the cable channel HBO's season premiere party for "The Sopranos" television show.

Since Mississippi's culture often involves strong contrasts in characters, cultures, and ideas, DelPrince said the floral arrangements at the dinner will reflect this as well.

"Some are ultra-refined while others are ultra-rugged," he said.

Jackson native Laura Guthrie, National Arts Club member and the event's dinner chair, took a floral course taught by DelPrince while completing her master's degree at MSU. She said the decorative arts contribute to the artistry of the state's heritage and culture.

No home or environment is complete without the natural world brought into it," Guthrie said. "Mississippi is so abundant with it. You can't think of a city or community there without its rich floral tapestry."

Founded in 1889, the National Arts Club, a volunteer organization that fosters young artists through scholarship and celebrates all art mediums, has had membership including three presidents and some of the most important artists and art patrons in the United States.

For more information, contact Dr. DelPrince at 662-325-1965 or jdelprince@pss.msstate.edu.