artTALK
Nuestro Mississippi: Hector Boldo
Thursday, January 23
Noon
Join us for a conversation with Hattiesburg artist Hector Boldo, co-founder of the Mississippi Latinx Art Association and the Nuestro Arte Gallery. He will share insights into his artistic journey, from his roots in Mexico to his current work in Mississippi, including his participation in the Nuestro Mississippi exhibition and his vision for the future of Hispanic arts in the state.
Photograph by Roj Rodriguez
Conversation with the Collectors
Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art
Thursday, February 6, 2025
5:30 p.m. Program
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Reception
Free and open to the public
Please join us for a conversation between Curator of Collections and Exhibitions Kristen Miller Zohn and collectors Kerry and Betty Davis. The couple will describe how they began to collect art, the relationships they have with the artists in their collection, and how they live with the works in their own home.
Kerry Davis, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, is a former sergeant of the United States Air Force, a retired carrier with the United States Postal Service, and an ordained deacon. He began collecting in the mid-1980s in partnership with his wife, Betty, who shared his passion for art. Begun originally with the modest aim of enhancing the interior decor of their mid-century split-level home in suburban Atlanta, the Davises’ collection has grown to over 650 works of art by 115 of the most distinguished African American artists of the twentieth century.
Inspired by previous generations of African American art collectors, who understood the importance of preserving cultural expression, memory, and imagery, Davis has sought to contribute to this legacy and be a source of inspiration for others in the community. The Davis residence—dubbed an “In-Home Museum” by visiting neighbors, parishioners, and friends—serves as a meeting place and cultural hub for artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts.
Music in the Museum
Leontyne’s Playlist: A Birthday Tribute to an Operatic Icon
Friday, February 21
6:00 pm
Dr. Katrina L. Cox, mezzo-soprano
Dr. Christina Mathis, piano
With over 200 captivating performances across sixteen diverse roles at the Metropolitan Opera, Leontyne Price's illustrious career is nothing short of legendary. Her rich discography includes approximately 110 albums, 17 singles and EPs, and 85 compilations, each capturing the essence of her unparalleled artistry. Join us as Dr. Katrina L. Cox presents Leontyne’s Playlist, a specially curated recital that journeys through the timeless songs and operatic masterpieces that defined her extraordinary legacy. Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the voice that forever changed the world of opera.
Music in the Museum
Voices of Women: A Celebration of Female Composers
Friday, March 14
6:00 pm
Dr. Christina Mathis, piano
Cassia Mathis Taylor, vocals
Join us for an evening that shines a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of women to the world of classical music. This performance will bring together a diverse selection of works by composers whose voices have historically been underrepresented in the concert hall. From trailblazing figures of the past to contemporary innovators, Voices of Women showcases the depth, breadth, and brilliance of female composers across time.
Spring Break Festival
Tuesday, March 18
1:00 - 3:00 pm
This FREE family event features hands-on activities, live demonstrations, interactive art experiences and more!
Program: Meet the Artist Kevin Cole
Thursday, March 20, 2025
5:30 p.m. Program
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Reception and Book Signing
Free and open to the public
Kevin Cole’s work is included in the Museum’s permanent collection and is featured in Memories & Inspiration. Born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Cole holds a B.S. from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, an M.A. in art education from the University of Illinois at Urbana, and an M.F.A. from Northern Illinois University. Within the past 32 years, he has earned 31 grants, 66 art awards, and 51 teaching awards, including 2025 Retired Art Educator of the Year by Georgia Art Educators and Most Notable Georgian in 2023 by Georgia Trend Magazine. His artwork has appeared in over 500 exhibitions worldwide and is in more than 4,500 collections, including the Smithsonian, High Museum of Art, and Yale University Art Gallery. Cole has created over 47 public art pieces, notably a 15-story mural for the 1996 Olympic Games. His work has been featured in The Guardian, The Washington Post, Sculpture Magazine, and Forbes Magazine.
Cole will highlight his life and work, and he will speak about how he came to know Kerry and Betty Davis. After the lecture, he will be signing copies of a book about his exhibition at The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia titled Where Do We Go from Here?
Image: Kevin Cole
