Pictured: George Ann McCullough’s piece, A Patch of Blue, on display at the Mississippi Art Colony’s Traveling Spring Showcase in Canton, Mississippi. In this sit-down, George Ann delves into her start with The Colony, and the style that shapes her artwork.
Tell me a little bit about yourself, George Ann! When did you join the Mississippi Art Colony?
Well, my roots are in teaching! I have a background as an art teacher and have a teaching certification for all levels. After teaching for several years, I decided I wanted to start making my own art. When I moved to Mississippi, I got involved with the Mississippi Art Colony. I personally knew one of the founding members, Hosford Latimer Fontaine, and she was the one that got me involved. That was in the early 80’s; and I have to say, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Since joining The Colony over 30 years ago, I have only missed one Colony gathering. We’re the oldest artist-ran Art Colony in the United States, and we’re still going strong, trying to recruit younger artists who are interested so we can continue this legacy.
To go a bit further into the beginnings of not only my journey with The Colony, but The Colony itself, I must mention how Colony came to be, from my understanding. My friend, Hosford Latimer Fontaine, and her sister-in-law, Leigh Latimer, whose family owned Allison’s Wells, were trying to figure out what they could do with it in the off season. So, a couple - Carl and Mildred Wolfe, were tasked with that challenge. Mildred went to Alabama where the Dixie Art Colony was located. The Mississippi Art Colony was originally founded on the same premises as the one in Alabama. However, the Dixie Colony wavered and dissipated over time. I remember a member from that group coming to one of our sessions in Mississippi. They wanted to revive the Dixie Art Colony, so they came to see what we were doing. Then, they went back to Alabama and started their own Colony. I thought it was interesting how everything really came full circle.
So, you would say The Colony has been a big part of your life?
It has. I was on the board for 18 years and President for three. I’ve been quite involved with the workings of the organization.
Being involved with the organization so closely for so many years, how do you think The Colony has evolved over time?
I would say The Colony has gone through different phases (relocating, etc.), but at the end of the day, it’s just a continuation of people that are heavily vested in the arts. We’re like one big family and are very supportive of one another. However, I won’t say that we are not
competitive, haha. I can’t imagine that I would have had the growth I’ve had as an artist if I wasn’t involved in the Colony.
Every artist I’ve spoken to has told me how supportive The Colony is. What an incredible organization to be a part of! Can you tell me a little bit about your piece that’s on display?
Yes, of course! My piece on display is called A Patch of Blue, an acrylic and mixed media piece. I throw everything but the kitchen sink into my work sometimes. I love using different materials and combining them into one piece. A Patch of Blue is comprised of collage, layers upon layers of paint, paper, acrylic paint peel, etc. I think I would have to look at the piece again to remember everything I put into it.
What draws you to mixed media? Do you gravitate towards that style often?
I do! Due to my art teaching background, I have a lot of tools and techniques in my arsenal. I’ve always been drawn to collage and printmaking. Putting things together and it all just working is a magical thing. I generally just keep layering until I feel I can’t say anything more.
Can you tell me about your time in Canton? What support do you think the arts would benefit from in a town like ours?
Well, I’ve lived right down the road in Madison for thirty years, but my husband is originally from Canton, so I do certainly feel a connection to the area. Canton is a great little town with so much history. I know the town really strives to bring people together. When talking about supporting the arts in a community like yours, I think community outreach is the most important thing.
We absolutely agree! If you could offer one piece of advice or tell a young artist anything whilst they’re finding their creative voice, what would you tell them?
I would tell them to keep working and be true to themselves. Don’t depend on other people’s opinions of your work. You must accept criticism, but also know yourself – know what makes you happy and lights you up.
Find George Ann:
Facebook: McCullough George Ann Instagram: @mcculloughgeorgeann