FEBRUARY 2016
FEBRUARY 2016
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ON THE COVER Local artist Brent Farrar’s creative watercolor paintings depict many iconic Tupelo places in the new children’s book Goodnight Tupelo. illust ration by Brent Farrar
IN EVERY ISSUE 4
Letter From the Publisher
6
What’s Happening
10
Community Corner: CREATE
12
In Season: Freshly Baked Bread
66
Out and About
76
Tupelo Spirit: Tina Mabry
ANNOUNCEMENT 15
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Woodruff & Prather
INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
FEATURES
EVENTS
34 Whistle While You Work
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MLK Black-Tie Gala
A Tupelo artist’s unique, interactive whistle sculptures are popular with customers and are displayed in several Southern galleries.
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Eisenhauer Band Concert
18
Magnolia Regional Anniversary
20
Saltillo Sippin’ Cider
22
State vs. Ole Miss Hockey
24
Saltillo Christmas Parade
26
Elvis’ 81st Birthday Celebration
28
Alcorn County Tournament
30
An Evening with Paul Thorn
32
Glitzy Glam Sip and Shop
48 Creative Collaboration
56
Cydesdales Open House
Designer Johnson Benjamin is embarking on a new adventure with a growing company.
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Northeast Mississippi Rodeo
60
Genesis 5K Race
52 Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
62
Canoeing for Critters
A colorful new children’s book features some of Tupelo’s most beloved places.
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Tupelo Ballet’s The Nutcracker
39 Rocking the Line Musicians get to fine-tune their musical talent at this Baldwyn recording studio.
44 The Power of Pink The northeast Mississippi chapter of Pink Heals inspires people of all ages to help those fighting cancer.
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February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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THE PUBLISHER publishers
Phil and Rachel West
editorial
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Emily Welly CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Lena Anderson EVENTS EDITOR Mary Moreton STAFF WRITER Melanie Crownover COPY EDITOR Kate Johnson
advertising
C
reativity and new ideas fill this month’s issue, which highlights those who are a part of Tupelo’s creative class. We’re featuring a whistle maker, a local author and illustrator who put a new spin on a well-known children’s book, a nonprofit organization using fun pink fire trucks to promote its cause, and everyone in between. Here at Invitation Tupelo, we also fall into this category of creative professionals. It’s an amazing job to have. Every day, we come up with new ideas. We find compelling stories to tell; help generate original advertising concepts for our clients to market their services or products; conceptualize interesting art to accompany the wonderful people we highlight; and finally put all of the pieces together to create a magazine that makes us proud. Ten times per year, we publish a product that is captivating to read, informative and much, much more. This issue was one of our favorites
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
to produce because it gave us the opportunity to visit and collaborate with folks who also show their creativity in unique and exciting ways every day. We have a lot of new ideas in store for 2016 that we are looking forward to sharing with you, including a combined Invitation Tupelo-Invitation Oxford summer wedding issue for northeast Mississippi that is going to be amazing. You will not want to miss this publication. Whether you’re planning a wedding, creating a piece of artwork or organizing a community event, we are excited and honored to be a part of your creative process. We look forward to presenting many more inventive ideas and showcasing fascinating people throughout this year.
RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Jennifer Bolton Alise M. Emerson Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Stacey Raper Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Becca Bailey Zach Fields
art
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hallie Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Lisa Roberts Joe Worthem CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Chasity Dees Whitney Worsham
production
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Emily Suber
office
BUSINESS MANAGER Hollie Hilliard COMPTROLLER Julie Clark DISTRIBUTION Donald Courtney Brian Hilliard MAIN OFFICE 662-234-4008 ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@invitationtupelo.com
To subscribe to one year (10 issues) of Invitation Tupelo, send payment of $50 to: P.O. Box 3192, Tupelo, MS 38802 or visit invitationtupelo.com to pay online. To request a photographer at your event, email Mary at mary.invitation@gmail.com.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE
February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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FEB. 15 - MARCH 15
Now through 2/27 Dragsters
Tupelo Automobile Museum exhibit features powerful drag-racing cars of the past. Open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Sunday noon-4:30 p.m. For more information, call 662-842-4242.
2/25-27 Ring of Fire
Tupelo Community Theatre Off Broadway presents Richard Maltby Jr.’s musical celebrating the life of legendary singer Johnny Cash. 7:30 p.m., 213 E. Franklin. Tickets, $20, can be reserved by calling 662-844-1935.
2/25-28
Tupelo Furniture Market Hundreds of furniture industry experts, including exhibitors and retail furniture buyers, will be in town for the annual spring market. The Gift and Home Accessories Show, which features furniture, home dĂŠcor, fashion and gift items, will run concurrently and will be open to the general public.
2/27
Sleeping Beauty Civic Ballet brings the fairy-tale to life. 2 and 7 p.m., Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets $15 for adults; $10 for children 12 and under. civicballet.org.
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
2/27 Brantley Gilbert Concert Country music star Brantley Gilbert hits the stage along with special guests Canaan Smith and Michael Ray. 7 p.m., BancorpSouth Arena. Tickets $35-$40. bcsarena.com
Don’t miss our
WINTER SALE starting
February 15th! Break a Leg
109 North Spring St. Tupelo, MS 662-321-2435
Tupelo Community Theatre is taking another production to a regional competition. After raking in awards in January at the Mississippi Theatre Association Festival for its production of Pvt. Wars, the cast and crew are headed to the Southeastern Theatre Conference Community Theatre Festival in Greensboro, North Carolina, March 4. Pvt. Wars is a compassionate and funny play telling the story of three Vietnam veterans recuperating in an Army hospital. TCT is also planning a public performance this month to share the award-winning show locally. Last summer, TCT scored national wins at the American Association of Community Theatre National Festival for its production of Lone Star.
2/27
The Red Violin North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra features violin virtuoso Elizabeth Pitcairn and her 1720 “Red Mendelssohn” Stradivarius violin. 7:30 p.m., Link Centre. Tickets $30 at the door; $25 in advance; $10 for students. Visit nmsymphony.com for more information on upcoming NMSO performances.
the cotton bolt
Drapery & Upholstery Fabrics • Reclaimed Wood Furniture • Custom Drapery Hardware • Trims & Tassels • Feather Pillow Inserts • Custom Upholstery Furniture • Vast Selection of Rugs WHOLESALE PRICES AND BELOW. EVERYDAY! 1727 McCullough Blvd. Tupelo, MS 662-841-2621 February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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FEB. 15 - MARCH 15
3/2
Empty Bowls Luncheon The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary hosts one of its largest fundraisers. Lunch includes homemade bread and soup served in a handmade bowl. Tickets, $15, can be purchased from auxiliary members, from the Salvation Army at 527 Carnation St. or at the door. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tupelo Furniture Market.
3/4
A Novel Affair: Mississippi Tastes Friends of the Lee County Library host a benefit at BancorpSouth Conference Center. The evening features Mississippi chefs Ty Thames and David Crews, who will provide a sampling of fare from the state’s five regions. 6 p.m. For more, call Bonnie Gaines at 662-841-9029.
3/5
Tupelo Comic Con Fantasy, science fiction, gaming, cosplay and more will be celebrated at the first Tupelo Comic Con. Tickets $20. Link Centre. For details, visit tupelocomiccon.org.
3/9-10
Throughout March
The third annual Unite to End Hunger food sculpture contest takes place at BancorpSouth Arena. Local businesses and organizations are invited to participate in a friendly competition building sculptures from canned and boxed foods to be donated to food pantries in the area. Last year, 33 pallets of food were collected and distributed to those in need. Learn more at unitedwaynems.org/endhunger16.
Tupelo hosts a monthlong celebration of the arts with exhibits and performances of art, film, music, theater and dance featuring Tupelo Civic Ballet, A Novel Affair, Tom Kimmel and the Waymores, West of Shake Rag, Tupelo Community Theatre, Mike Farris in Concert, North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Tupelo Ballet and more. For information, call 662-690-4011 or visit artrockstupelo.com.
Unite to End Hunger
3/10-12
A Higher Place in Heaven Tupelo Community Theatre presents a play about love and acceptance in pre-Depressionera rural Georgia. 7:30 p.m., the Lyric Theatre. Tickets, $18, can be reserved by calling 662-844-1935.
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Art Rocks Tupelo
February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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CREATE FOUNDATION
CREATE Northeast Mississippi’s Community Foundation
Since 1972, CREATE Foundation has been working to improve the quality of life for people of northeast Mississippi through comprehensive charitable planning. CREATE IS A COMMUNITY FOUNDATION While most nonprofits raise money to directly benefit specific causes, CREATE invests most of the money it receives for long-term growth, and then uses a portion of the earnings on that investment to award grants and fund programs or initiatives. Meanwhile, the principal of the endowment is never touched, so the fund lives and grows at CREATE in perpetuity. HOW THEY HELP CREATE brings in millions of dollars in contributions, and in turn gives millions in grants to organizations and individuals in the region. CREATE reaches far beyond its Tupelo headquarters through its 12 community affiliates across northeast Mississippi that support a range of community-specific initiatives. OPTIONS FOR DONORS The foundation offers several methods for making charitable contributions. Donoradvised funds allow individual donors to establish funds, then make contributions as they see fit. The gifts are tax deductible at the time they are made to CREATE, even though distributions may be made in the future. Other options include endowed funds and supporting organizations (foundations that operate under the CREATE umbrella), which allow donors to support specific charitable interests over a longer term. CREATE also manages hundreds of special project funds and scholarship funds. BECOME A DONOR To learn more about establishing a fund, call 662-844-8989 or visit createfoundation.com.Â
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
The latest fashions & trends for every occasion!
Xtreme TA N
Prentiss Street Baldwyn, MS 662.365.8087
&
GIFTS
Prentiss Street Baldwyn, MS 662.365.9876 February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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FRESHLY BAKED BREAD written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
U
rsula Margarete Garner’s decade as a candy shop owner after she moved to the United States from Germany in 1989 primed her to open Simply Sweet by Margarete on South Green Street in 2012. But she is quick to say she was not born a baker. Preparing confections for the shop became second nature to her, but the bakery end of the business fell to her master baker brother who had come to the U.S. that year. After he returned to Germany last April, Garner adapted quickly. “A bakery is no bakery without bread, and I had never made a loaf,” she said. “Before he left, I watched him and made notes on every step and movement he made.” Her first couple of tries ended in crooked baguettes and discouragement. Within a few months, though, Garner’s oven skills rivaled her penchant for creating sweets. She mastered
cakes, pretzels and pastries, but her forte is bread. She goes to the bakery at 3:30 a.m. every day to keep up with customer demand for flavors such as bacon, jalapeño (pictured), apple cinnamon and her signature sourdough. A few of the recipes are holdovers from her brother, but the oven is primarily fueled by inspiration she finds flipping through old cookbooks. Some of her bakery offerings – including apple strudel, Bavarian pretzels and Black Forest cake – even put a little of her homeland on the menu. Garner says homemade breads like this Bavarian rye, hot from the oven, can make simple meals more special. “Bread making is a lot of work, but it is extremely satisfying work,” she said. “This is a traditional one that is hearty, not sweet, and goes well on a sandwich or toasted with jelly or honey.”
Bavarian Rye Bread 2 cups flour 1 cup rye flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons sugar 1/3 teaspoon yeast 1½ cups very warm water Mix all ingredients. Place the dough in a bowl. Cover, and let sit overnight or for a few hours during the day. Heat oven to 450°F with a round, oven-safe pot inside. Remove the pot from the oven when it is heated. Sprinkle pot with flour, and place dough in it. Cover with a lid, and bake for 35 minutes at 400°F . Remove lid, and bake 20 minutes longer. Cool before serving.
February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
MARTIN LUTHER KING BLACK-TIE GALA Committee for King hosted a gala to celebrate Martin Luther King Day Jan. 16 at St. Paul Christian Life Center. Lane Chapel Male Quintet was presented with the Image Award. photographed by Chasity Dees
Eloise Mayfield and Kawana Valet
Juda and Juaje Horn
Darius Brown, Undrea Townsend and Kenneth Mayfield
Candice Williams and Jacarah Martin
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Joel Jordan, Hayden Brines, Maria Segundo and Ra’Anthony Perry
Nadine Kelly Hudges, Pamela Hampton and Denise Peggen
E.C. Foster, Wayne Hereford, Rob Barnes, Rufus Lauderdale and Gregory Henderson
Betty and J.C. Beene
Sean and Janet Suggs
PHOTOGRAPHED BY AARON ADAMS OF ICON PHOTOGRAPHY
MEGAN HOPE WOODRUFF & JOHN AUSTIN PRATHER
r. and Mrs. Hilry Woodruff of Oxford are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Megan Hope Woodruff, to John Austin Prather, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Prather of Guntown. The bride is the granddaughter of Mrs. Frances H. Owen of Tupelo. The groom is the grandson of Mrs. Evelyn Bryan of Guntown. Megan is a graduate of the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in human resource management. She is employed as an assistant branch manager at Renasant Bank in Olive Branch. John received an associate’s degree in Web and programming technology from Northeast Mississippi Community College, as well as a bachelor’s degree from the Patterson School of Accountancy at the University of Mississippi. He is employed as a transportation tax analyst at the FedEx headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. The couple will exchange vows on March 19, 2016, at West Jackson Street Baptist Church in Tupelo with a reception to follow.
February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
EISENHAUER FAMILY BAND CONCERT The Eisenhauer Family Band performed Jan. 22 at Magnolia Civic Center and the Basement in New Albany. Blues musician Sam Mosley made a special appearance during the Basement show. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Shirley and Alan Cousar
Genny Vance and Calvin Aston
Mason and Betsy Wages
Joyce Sumners and Ethel Holland
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Roberta Shanahan and Josie Martin
Tom and Gloria Cooper with Martha Kate and Billy Wiseman
Deanna Cobb with Bradley, Zoey and William Palmer
Randy and Lisa Darling
Susan and Phil Morris
Louise and Barrie Whisenant
Edna Daniel, Jenny Smith, Jamie Rogers and Thad Mueller
Now offering NUYU
Now Carrying UNITE PROFFESIONAL SALON SYSTEM
BEFORE
American Idol contestant Amelia Eisenhauer
AFTER
662-205-4683
Holli Duffie, Megan Gale, Lindsay Henry, Candice Parker, Dawn Dyson, Ginger Carson, Shana Tatum, Lindsey Johnson LMT#2112
1004 Commonwealth Blvd. Tupelo, MS 38804
Ethan, Dan, Amanda and Ella Edwards
February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
MAGNOLIA REGIONAL’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY Members of the community celebrated the 50th anniversary of Magnolia Regional Health Center on Dec. 17 at Crossroads Arena in Corinth. photographed by Whitney Worsham
Addie Paige Pratt and Anna Grace Schnabl
Jay and Seresa Houston
John and Jennifer Shipp
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Dee Brown, Deonte Keith and Will Gardner
Jimmy and Myrna McNair
Jeff Mansel and Makayla Wilhite
James and Mettie Walker
Linda and Mac Ayers
names names Jason names andnames Danielle names Coley names names
Tracy and Mitch Johnson
Lindsey and Jeffrey Williams
names namesPhil names andnames Cindy names Mathisnames names
Lizzie Lee, Ashton Murrah, Carlie Dodd and Caroline Sleeper
Reggie and Jamie Anderson
Star Harbin and Mary Damron
Javen Morrison, Anyaah Copeland and Armad Wicks
Tracy Moore and Ben Tucker
Lisa Davidson and Kristy Hopkins
Sue Parker with Loretta and Bob Newton
Kristie Studdard and Amy Craven
Hope Murphy and Kathy Fowler
February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
CITY OF SALTILLO SIPPIN’ CIDER A holiday sip and shop was held on Dec. 3 in Saltillo. Activities included cider tasting at 17 local businesses and the lighting of the Christmas tree at city hall. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Sydney Palmer, Becky Cagle, Heather Palmer and Wanda Grimes
Tommy Dale Holcomb and Brett Pearce
Peggy and Tommy Joe Smith
Ali Bryan, Lindy Hopkins and Ann Brock
Cathy Miller, April Jones, Kathy Kuykendall and Georgia Lindsey
Whitney, Jill and Layla Stacy
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Reneé Smith, Sharon Rodriquez and Rosa Connally
INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Adrian Stewart, Rylan Richey and Callie Ward
Anna Grace Dulaney; Amanda and Matt McCarley
Douglas and Evie Harris Gholston
Olivia, Danny and Lisa McCarley
February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
MISSISSIPPI STATE VS. OLE MISS HOCKEY Mississippi State Ice Dawgs played Ole Miss Ice Rebels in games Jan. 13-14 at BancorpSouth Arena. Ole Miss won both games in the series. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Paige and Savannah Wooldridge
Shannon Olsen, Madison Hill, Victoria Kokinos, Emme Logan, Lauren Shiflett and Jessica Lindsey
Maddox, Milo and Megan Yarbrough
Brad, Korban, Melissa and Selah Essary
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Lela Midkiff with Jordan and Christie Brock
Jennifer Talley with Cullan and Stephanie Strickland
INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Carly Jones, Brittany Tallant and Hannah Bullock
Ben Johnson, Alicia Tubb, Jade Sullivan and Ryan Bentley
Laura and Andrew Thorne
Bailey Hamil, J.B. Lyles, Victoria Scarbrough and Trevor Horne
February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
CITY OF SALTILLO CHRISTMAS PARADE Saltillo hosted its annual downtown Christmas parade Dec. 8. The event included hot chocolate provided by local banks. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Steven Crane, Shawn Smith, Harmon Massengill and Joel Crane
Emily, Daniel and Ethan Parmer
Kendal Houpt, Weston Johnson and Katelyn Hooker
Jamie Palmer, Hannah Rider and Karley Williams
Connor, Melinda, Preston and Scottie Clark
Peyton Pitts with Catherine, Cameron and Matt Howell
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Gracie Holcomb, Addy White, Natalie McKinney, Kaitlyn Green, Abby Patterson and Chandler Powell
INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Peyton and Kristen Miles with Jaydon Hooker
announcements
engagement
THIRD PAGE: $50 Includes one photo and up to 150 words
wedding
HALF PAGE: $90 Includes one photo and up to 200 words FULL PAGE: $150 Includes three photos and up to 300 words TWO PAGES: $275 Includes five photos and up to 500 words
Look forward to Invitation Oxford
and Invitation Tupelo’s combined Bridal issue featuring gorgeous brides, dapper grooms and festive celebrations. FOR MORE INFORMATION,
call Hallie at (662) 234-4008 or email hallielandonmarshall@gmail.com
We join the Tupelo community honoring the legacy of Jack Reed Sr. He will be remembered as an influential business and civic leader in this historic city. February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
ELVIS’ 81ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION The community celebrated Elvis’ 81st birthday Jan. 8 at his birthplace home. Guests viewed a new star that will be placed in his honor on the Mississippi Walk of Fame in Meridian. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Tom Robinson, Blair Hill and Guy Harris
Rhonda Lamb and Dick Guyton
Chelsea Rick and Shirley Scott
Joyce Brown, Ella Loden and Freda Prather
Mary Cobb and Jerri Tumblin
Neal McCoy and Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton
Paul Ott, Sir Fred Cannon and Joe Norwood
Shantay Wood, Debbie Price and Teresa Reed
Meridian Mayor Percy and Deidre Bland
The Station
Jewelry- Jane Marie, Southern Elegance, S Marie, and Sorelli Properly Tied T-shirts • Oxford Originals • Clothing Boots • Purses • Greenleaf Home fragrance • Baby gifts Home gifts and decor • Swanky Baby Vintage and Mustard Pie ••We now offer monogramming•• 377 Second St. Belmont, MS • Check us out on
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
ALCORN COUNTY TOURNAMENT The annual Alcorn County basketball tournament was held Jan. 10 at Crossroads Arena in Corinth. Corinth Warriors won the men’s championship, and Biggersville Lions won the women’s championship. photographed by Whitney Worsham
Carlie Dodd and Hannah Sitton
Shelby Phillips and Dylan Nelson
Ziona Cummings, Anna Grace Schnabl and Katera Bridges
Paris, Kyana and Sadiya Hill
Beverly Harris and Brylan Walker
Emily Henson and Lauren Kate Drewry
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Arch and Dana Bullard
Jon D. Warren and Tada Stricklen
Cathryn Corbitt and Madison Mayhall
Carlee Cook, Noelle Borden, Zoe Anglin and Harlee Cook
Marea and Tommy Wilson
Julia Glidewell and Alli Seago
Callie Genovese and Prentiss Worsham
Zeb Taylor and Jason McGrath
Amy Craven and Mona Grady
Cindy, Meredith and Olivia Wilbanks
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View more photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
AN EVENING WITH PAUL THORN Guests enjoyed a special performance by musician Paul Thorn on Dec. 12 at Sadie J. Farm in Plantersville. The concert benefited Regional Rehabilitation Center. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Steve Holland and Paul Thorn
Cathy Stewart, Martha Matthews, Debbie Hall and Helen Monts
Barbara, Marshall and Lauren Brisco
Shelia McCool and Linda Springstead
Butch Guest, Carol Etheridge and Vicky Maynor
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Kari and Brandon Robison
Mary Puckett, Margaret Parker, David Puckett and Moe Livingston
Mark McAlister, Rhonda Greening and Richard Dabbs
Mary Ann and Alan Francis
Melanie Cleveland, Brenda Daugherty and Janice Coleman
David and Mori Sykes
Bill Robertson, Kay Mathews and Ken Robertson
Ronaldo • Skosh • Hobo Rodan & Fields Skin Care 3 level tanning beds Mystic spray tan • Airbrush tanning
Mon-fri 10:00-7:00 Sat 10:00-5:30 662-869-1833 127 Town Creek, Saltillo, MS
Linda Hood and Brenda Byrne
Rhonda Black and Cindy Wood
February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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View more photos @ invitationtupelo.com.
GLITZY GLAM SIP AND SHOP CELEBRATION The Glitzy Glam Sip and Shop celebration was held Dec. 5 at BancorpSouth Conference Center. The event featured boutiques displaying clothing, jewelry, home dĂŠcor and food. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Robert Arant and Gail Miller
Amber Knight and Kerri Hancock
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Sherwin Austin and Rudi Roberts
Aminah Pugh and Resell Larthridge
Gary and Mary Pat Hancock with Amanda Carpenter
Della Hightower and Sharon Edwards with Dorothy and Sammie Rudd
Roslind Harper and LaKeisha Bowdry with Janice and James Springer
Casey Bumpus, Kaila Brook Whitfield and Mariah Copeland
February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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A Tupelo artist’s unique, interactive whistle sculptures are popular with customers and are displayed in several Southern galleries. written by Melanie Crownover
Artist Barbara Eaton specializes in small, whimsical handfired clay sculptures that function as musical instruments. Find her work locally at Caron Gallery.
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
photographed by Joe Worthem
ARTIST BARBARA EATON SMILES AS SHE unpacks her hand-fired clay sculptures for display. Familiar faces – Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, Elvis – stare back at her from the table, colorful caricatures with miniature heads attached to fanciful fish tails. Eaton lifts the King up for closer inspection, then pulls his lips to hers. With a flurry of her fingers and a few puffs of breath, she fills the air with a whimsical tune. “No one ever expects that,” she says, laughing. “I tell my customers you have to kiss the King to make him sing.” The impersonator musical sculptures are just a few in Eaton’s collection, an array of whistles ranging from owl and frog statues the size of baseballs and golf balls to ladybug pendants only as big as her thumb. All together the works reflect her second career as a professional artist. Previously, she was a national board certified art teacher. After more than 30 years teaching students all over north Mississippi and being elected the state’s High School Art Teacher of the Year, Eaton retired in 2010 and turned her favorite pastime into a full-time job. “I always struggled between the desires to teach and to create, so many nights I would paint until dawn and then head in to work,” she said. “It’s hard to believe sometimes that I get to do both. I guess one did kind of lead to the other.” Eaton discovered whistle making at a workshop held by the Mississippi Art Educators Association almost a decade ago. The instructor taught her to make a tiny one-hole
February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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Some of Eaton’s most popular whistle creations are caricatures of personalities such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. She also makes tiny whistles that can be worn as bracelets and necklaces, and her colorful, 4x6-inch fish sculptures are her largest.
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
creation, a lesson she shared with her art students in Ripley. The whistle sculptures she now calls Claytunes were born years later when Eaton paired the technique with clay figurine making, which she had taught to her art students in Booneville around 1990. She sold her first whistles at an antiques store in Texas after retirement while teaching homeschooled children art and doing paint-and-sip parties on the side. When the first batch sold out in a week, she realized the demand and started refining her technique. “It took a lot of experimenting,” Eaton said. “As a piano player, I began trying to match the sound holes on my wet whistles to the notes on my piano such as C, D, E or F. The problem is the clay shrinks about six percent when you fire it and changes the sound. I had a lot to learn.” Eaton’s first instruments played three sounds, but her musical sculptures now play up to eight sounds depending on the placement of the player’s fingers on the variously sized holes. She still uses the same slow-fire clay and glazes she did in her art classes, employing a method that turns a small ball of clay into a hollow sphere, and then adds clay and sculpts it into a character of her choosing. Her only help is the curve of her thumb and a bevy of everyday tools, such as eye-shadow wands used to carve shapes and salvaged antique doilies used to imprint feathery details in wet clay. After several hours of drying, Eaton inserts a craft stick-like reed into the mouthpiece and carves the first hole at a 45-degree angle for the air hole and first sound hole. She then slips different-sized skewers into the base or belly to create the remaining sound holes. The larger the vessel that makes the whistle’s body, the deeper the timbre of its pitches. Each whistle dries for about a week before she fires the work in her studio kiln for eight to 12 hours at up to 1,950°F. Then she applies each shade of glaze three times and fires the sculpture again. The resulting works have been displayed in galleries such as Alley Cats in Memphis, Tennessee; Copper Fox Gallery in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee; A.T. Hunn Gallery in Savannah, Georgia; and Caron Gallery in Tupelo. “I saw her at the GumTree Festival a couple of years ago and knew we had to have her whistles here,” Caron Gallery owner Kim Caron said. “Her work is so interactive and meticulously detailed. The more people pick them up and try them out, the more intrigued they get. It’s so much more interesting than your regular sculpture.” And while the response from festival-goers and gallery clientele keeps Eaton perfecting her art, she says it’s as close to a science as she’ll let it get. “The fact that this is different from what everyone is doing is part of what I love about it,” she said. “I just never want this to start being assembly-line for me. I go a little overboard with the details sometimes, but it gives each piece its own personality and voice.” To see Eaton’s current work, search for “The Art Shack by Barbara Eaton” on Facebook.
February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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CORRECT & STAY FIT
iJump NO W O P E N!
Birthday Party • Events • Individual Play K ids Night Out • 662-871-4021
(662)401-6248 CryoCorrect.com 3819 McCullough Blvd. Tupelo, MS
COMING SOON
CRYOFACIALS
(used by Gigi Hadid, Jessica Alba, etc.)
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Local musicians get the opportunity to fine-tune their musical talent at this Baldwyn recording studio. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
THE COUNTY LINE IN BALDWYN
runs through the middle of Main Street, dividing Prentiss County from Lee County. Townspeople gravitate to the odd fact that bars are only found on the south side of town because Prentiss County is dry and Lee County is wet. Musician Eric Nanney (pictured) said he put his new recording studio, County Line
Music, on the Lee County side because after several years with his band, 20 Mile, he knew his clientele would appreciate a venue in a location that had some nightlife options. “We’ll let people from any walk of life use this studio, but I mainly cater to the local musician who may be pulling together pennies to make a demo,” he said. “This was the perfect
spot for a studio like that, and sometimes it’s nice to be able to walk down the street to relax after laying down a track. It makes it easier for events, too.” The studio has become an active part of Main Street’s arts scene, sponsoring the local County Line Music Festival’s Singer/Songwriter Contest just a month after their April February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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Musician Eric Nanney opened recording studio County Line Music in Baldwyn last year to offer personal and professional recording experiences to aspiring musicians. The studio also reaches out to the community, allowing music teachers to use the space for lessons and sponsoring a local singer/songwriter contest in the spring.
grand opening. Nanney said they plan to hold the contest again this year. Nanney bought the historic Five and Dime building in fall 2014. Construction began in January 2015 to create soundproof recording rooms and take advantage of the resonant high ceilings and concrete walls of the 2,500-squarefoot structure. The site boasts four soundproof booths that rent by the hour – one for vocals, another for guitar, the third for piano and the last fit with a full drum set for percussion recording. The rooms are wired back to a sound room equipped with Persona Studio Live, a 20channel soundboard with software to mix and master professional-grade tracks. Booths also have a “plug-and-play” set up with equipment for patrons who don’t bring their own. Two professional sound engineers are on hand to record, or musicians can opt to bring their own engineers to cut the songs. Extra picks, guitar straps and strings are available for purchase from a gear shop if clients need them.
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
For artists such as Sean Austin, it’s the perfect fit for his next recording project. He began work on his second album there last June. “When I recorded my last album in Nashville, the whole process felt so impersonal. I would lay down the recording blueprint for a song and then get a call in a few months saying to come lay down the final vocals because the other musicians were done recording their parts. It was like doing karaoke to my own songs,” Austin said. “This studio has a downhome feel but is on level with any I’ve seen. And here, I can take my time to have it done the way I want with the local musicians I’ve always wanted to work with.” The studio is becoming a place for music students to learn as well, thanks to the professionally lit and rigged indoor practice stage. Several music teachers find the layout an ideal spot for music lessons, including Nanney’s bandmate Erin Bristow. “I have kids coming from Tupelo and Corinth to do weekly lessons here now,”
Bristow said. “I pay a monthly fee to have all of this equipment at my disposal, and the students get the opportunity to feel like it’s more than just a lesson. They get a taste of what it feels like to be a professional.” Nanney and his crew can pipe music from the lessons out into the seating area for parents to hear or make recordings for students to take home to analyze or practice with until next class. He can even bring in audience members and light up the stage for students to get experience performing live. Bands like 20 Mile can also rent the stage for practice or jam sessions. Additionally, Nanney is working with the city of Baldwyn to light a new outdoor patio stage in the alley behind the studio for local festivals and events. It’s just one more detail he thinks will make his creative compatriots feel at home. “We’ve got a good thing going here,” he said. “This gives local musicians of all ages a lot of options they really haven’t had until now, and we’re not done yet.”
February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
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THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER OF PINK HEALS INSPIRES PEOPLE OF ALL AGES TO HELP THOSE FIGHTING CANCER.
THE POWER OF PINK written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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started a new tradition on his 7th birthday last October. He didn’t want presents; he wanted donations. Every dollar he received went to his hometown chapter of Pink Heals, Inc., a nationwide organization of firefighters and community friends determined to help cancer patients and their families. He asked a local member to speak at his birthday party about the Pink Heals mission, and he even added the birthday money loved ones tried to sneak to him on the side. He raised more than $300. For family and friends, the big-hearted gesture was no surprise. His grandmother, Charlotte Overby, has been fighting ovarian cancer for almost five years. Through surgery and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, Rhodes’ “Lot-Lot” has watched the disease go in and out of remission, never losing her determination. Keeping her chin up got a little easier last summer when Pink Heals knocked on her door with a bouquet of flowers and a host of community supporters. Seeing his grandmother’s reaction deepened Rhodes’ affection for his local heroes. “He was already into them because he’d seen them at school before they came to visit her. Since he saw how much it helped her spirits, it’s gone into overdrive,” Rhodes’ mother Cassidy Roberts said. “It’s all Pink Heals Tshirts, black tennis shoes with the pink ribbon, a toy pink fire truck to play with. He’s even gone to Cracker Barrel and the Bodock Festival with the group to help fundraise. He thinks he’s a member now.” The Pontotoc-based northeast Mississippi chapter, which started in 2012, is the only one in the state. All money raised by Pink Heals, including the money Rhodes raised, goes directly to their cause.
Rhodes Roberts, front, celebrated his 7th birthday by raising more than $300 for the local chapter of Pink Heals, which offers support to people battling cancer. Pictured with Roberts are Pink Heals volunteers (from left) Jeremy Maxey, Lance Martin, Marsha Carnes, Amelia Carnes, Barry Carnes and chapter president David White.
Members climb into their pink fire truck in pink firefighter uniforms several times a year to visit the ailing. They distribute hope in the form of financial aid to assist with necessities, from bills to groceries. They also offer caring ears and plenty of hugs. The people they visit sign the chapter fire truck before the visit ends to remind the volunteers why they serve. “It all started as a way to help women with breast cancer, but now it’s all types of cancer,” chapter president David White said. “It’s something to show these people that someone besides their friends and family really cares. We do that better than just about anyone.” Local superfans like Rhodes aren’t the only ones rooting for the group. For the past four years, the Pink Heals national tour has visited northeast Mississippi in the fall to support growth of the young chapter. Volunteer
firemen from all over the United States have converged on the area during one day of their five-month, cross-country trip to help local members help others. In addition to reaching out to individuals, the chapter attends local festivals and events to spread awareness and raise funds for their services by selling T-shirts. They are finding support through special projects such as visits to Tupelo Cancer Center and Pontotoc’s Bodock Festival last September. Last March, their inaugural Pink Powder 5K color and fun run raised an additional $3,000 for the organization to funnel back into nearby communities. They’re expecting an even larger crowd this year with the addition of extra powder colors to represent the range of cancers people are fighting. The members hope exposure through such
events will bring new volunteers and possibly new chapters of Pink Heals to the state in the near future. White said the chapter is working to spread out into the surrounding area, and a new chapter is about to start in Starkville. For fans like Rhodes who have seen the difference one pink truck can make, that’s welcome news. “I picked Pink Heals [for birthday donations] because I like their fire truck, and I like what they do,” he said. “I don’t really need presents anyway. I would rather help people like they do.” For more information on participating in the March 19 Pink Powder 5K, visit racesonline.com/events/pink-heals-powder-5k. To get involved with Pink Heals, search for “Pink Heals Pontotoc” on Facebook, or visit pinkfiretrucks.org. February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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Creativity and ingenuity have opened doors for local designer Johnson Benjamin, who is embarking on a new adventure with a growing company. written by Melanie Crownover photographed by Joe Worthem
J
ohnson Benjamin always had a flair for design. His outlet shifted from Lego bricks to architecture and landscaping in his youth, but as he graduated into adulthood, the 26-year-old Corinth native’s attention reverted to a familiar family industry: garment production. Specifically, handbags. Five years after starting his line of vintageinspired accessories, his success and reputation put him in the position to join Blue Delta Jean Company, another up-and-coming Southern brand with a rapidly expanding presence in north Mississippi.
At the drawing board “I think it hit me when I was working retail in school,” he said. “Almost every box of products we unpacked for the racks were either made in China or some other faraway place. And the quality just wasn’t there. I started wondering if it was viable again to build something better here.” As the grandson of a man who watched his Rienzi sewing factory fold in the 1990s when most production migrated overseas after the
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North American Free Trade Agreement passed, Benjamin knew what he was facing financially. “His generation traded in for cheap labor, and my father’s generation got their products for less and let the factory jobs go,” Benjamin said. “Now we can see the repercussions, and I have to believe my generation is the turnaround.” Consulting with his father and grandfather, Benjamin found an abandoned sewing factory in Corinth to buy in 2011. The building was beyond repair, but many of the well-used machines were salvageable. Benjamin decided his niche would be custom handbags and spent the next year researching bag construction, fixing up an uncompleted shop his father owned and learning to sew from old tailoring textbooks and tips from his mother and grandmothers. His goal was to combine the detail and quality those women stitched into every handmade garment with the business savvy and productivity of his granddad’s factory. The shop reconstruction took three years to complete, but Benjamin sold his first drawstring canvas backpack in 2012.
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
He started attending trade shows and made his first online sale on etsy.com before his Web page was finished. As the business grew, he focused on keeping designs classic, materials high grade and details key on the production line, putting out only small batches of each style of bag before starting another. “There is no standing inventory of 1,000 items we have to sell by June,” he said. “We focus on one design at a time because I want to do it right and build on something solid. It’s worth it to take that extra time.”
Cut from the same cloth Benjamin’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed. He met Josh West and Nick Weaver, the creative powers behind Blue Delta Jean Co. a year after the pair opened their shop in 2011. The company is headquartered in Oxford, and they make their products in a Tupelo warehouse. The encounter was kismet. Within a month of buying a few refurbished machines from Benjamin, the denim specialists were in Corinth checking out his bag-making facility
and pondering the future. “We knew from the beginning that we could be assets to one another,” West, Blue Delta’s managing partner, said. “Our styles are very different, but we immediately wanted him in our circle. He’s a young, talented person who can create something from scratch. That’s a totally different perspective now in our industry.” Benjamin signed on with Blue Delta’s design team in 2013, helping the burgeoning business draft unique patterns for each customer while also streamlining the design process for more efficiency and quality consistency. In the meantime, Johnson Benjamin – the bag company – flourished. He officially opened his Corinth factory in 2013 and expanded his offerings to two styles of backpacks, two shoulder bags and a messenger-style field bag last year. But when Blue Delta’s production increased enough for them to require a full-time designer, Weaver and West approached Benjamin about a company merger. “We looked at people from Boston, New York and Nashville, but he was at the back of
Designer Johnson Benjamin (middle, opposite page) has joined Nick Weaver (left) and Josh West (right) at Blue Delta Jean Co., a custom-denim business that makes its product in Tupelo and is headquartered in Oxford.
our minds the whole time,” West said. “This is the union we’ve been waiting to make happen.” Weaver and West brought Benjamin on as a partner in August, and he moved to Tupelo. He spent the end of the year liquidating the last of his company’s inventory. For now, the trio is focused on Blue Delta’s staple products, but they hope to use Benjamin’s penchant for bags in the future. They’ve discussed a carry-on duffle, a hang-up bag and a Dopp kit that would mix the jean makers’ style with Benjamin’s detailed design expertise. The company marriage may mean the end of Johnson Benjamin as a standalone brand name, but the designer says he has a feeling his creative side is just getting stoked with his new partners. “It’s nice to know that I’m with others who have that same vision … who want to give people something real and unique, something made right here with a purpose that will last, something they can be proud to own when they see all the work that went into it,” Benjamin said. “Together, I know we can do that.” To learn more, visit bluedeltajeans.com.
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Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
A colorful new children’s book features some of Tupelo’s most beloved places. written by Melanie Crownover
Brittany Rogers of Tupelo doesn’t get
pre-story-time jitters when she enters most classrooms. Unlike many other parent volunteers, the former preschool teacher has a lot of experience reading to a room full of youngsters. But a recent story time with students at All Saint’s Episcopal Church was different. She knew the book by heart from cover to cover because she wrote every word. “It’s a little different coming in as an author,” she said. “There’s that feeling of responsibility for what they’re hearing, and you want them to like it so much more.” The story Goodnight Tupelo takes the classic Goodnight Moon to a local level, inviting readers on a tour of iconic Tupelo locales be-
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
artwork by Brent Farrar
fore the narrator’s eyes close to dream. Tupelo Hardware, Ballard Park, Tupelo Buffalo Park, Tupelo Automobile Museum and 20 more locations are all depicted in brilliant watercolor illustrations accompanied by lilting rhyme. Rogers said response to the self-published children’s book has been tremendous since its release two months ago. It sold out at its December debut at Reed’s GumTree Bookstore, where it sold exclusively for a month. Local retailers have been lining up to add the book to their shelves since then. Finding subject matter for the book was never a problem. “I don’t think I even realized how many great places there are here until I started put-
February 2016 | INVITATION TUPELO
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PORTRAITS PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAN CARROLL AND MARY MEGHAN MABUS
Author Brittany Rogers and illustrator Brent Farrar teamed up to publish Goodnight Tupelo. At left, Rogers is pictured with husband Kyle and dog Sammie. At right, Farrar is pictured with children Fischer, Gatlin, and Stella and wife Jenny.
“We wanted images that would stand the test of time and represent the heart of this place.” -BRENT FARRAR
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
ting them down on paper,” she said. “When I had 30, I decided it was time to start cutting down and find an illustrator.” Rogers found Brent Farrar, a local painter best known for his watercolor works used in promotions for the Down on Main concert series, the Elvis Festival and last year’s 36th Annual Picnic in the Park in New York City. His expertise as an artist and father of three gave Rogers new perspective. The two set up play dates with family and friends at select locations and photographed the fun. Their favorite snapshots became the illustrations, and now the memories they captured are hidden in the storybook’s pictures. “We wanted images that would stand the test of time and represent the heart of this place, but my second-grader thinks it’s cool to look through there and find himself,” Farrar said.
“That makes it an even more fun read for us.” Even for those who may not find their actual likeness on the pages, Rogers and Farrar agree that there’s a special connection to the book for anyone who knows the area. That’s why Rogers is working to arrange a reading for her former preschool students soon. “I never expected this much success, but that would be an ultimate moment for me,” she said. “My first group of 2-year-olds is now learning to read in kindergarten. To share a work they inspired so much with them would be beyond words.” Goodnight Tupelo is now available at Reed’s, North Mississippi Medical Center Women’s Hospital gift shop, Silly Simpson’s, Elizabeth Clair’s, the Corner Shoe Store, Swirlz, Tupelo Hardware, Tupelo Automobile Museum, Mary McGuire’s Cakes, Rosie’s and Staggs Interiors.
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EXPRESS CLYDESDALES OPEN HOUSE An open house was held Dec. 3 for the Express Clydesdales at Lee County Agri-Center in Verona. The black-and-white horses were on display, and their crews were available to answer questions. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Marie, Olivia and Dustin White
Victor and Alexia Luna
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Kylee and Katelynn King
Micah, Anayah and Judah Abavare
Ray, Ava, Dax, Jennifer and Kailee Bentley
Jill and Kait Comer with Amy Riley
James and Joyce Malone with Grace, Ivy and Jamie Elliott
Kelon Betts and Landon Donaldson
Verena Schurr and Alonna Snyder
JUNE 2016 Look forward to Invitation Oxford and Invitation Tupelo's combined Bridal issue featuring gorgeous brides, dapper grooms and festive celebrations. All advertising must be reserved by May 5, 2016. To reserve your space in this issue, contact your Invitation Magazine marketing consultant today.
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NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO The Northeast Mississippi Championship Rodeo was held Jan. 22-23 at BancorpSouth Arena. Proceeds from the event benefited Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Georgia, Ginger and Brighton Buchanan
Jeannie Salsbury, Sierra Lee, Stephanie Miller and Josie Murray
Tyler and Grayson Wilemon
Connie Haygood, Ashton Cook and Matt Haygood
Talon, Andrew and Layla Pastis
Clay McGregor and Mark Haygood
Lecile Harris and Denver McCoy
Tyler and Laura Greenwood
Jason Gibbs and Cade Parks
Jennie and Dacie Murray
Justin Wilson and Cody Smith
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
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GENESIS 5K RACE Omada Sports Management hosted a New Year’s Day race on Jan. 1, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the New Beginnings Adoption Agency. More than 100 racers participated in the event.
photographed by Lisa Roberts
Degnet Masebo, Melanie Sander and Yosef Masebo
Navin and Rashni Barath
Eli and Misti Tooley
Kirsten and Josh Pittman
Alicia and Jake Milstead
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Liza, Josh, Anna Cash and Amanda Sullivan
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CANOEING FOR CRITTERS A event was held Jan. 19 at Blue Canoe to help raise funds for the Critter Coalition. The proceeds will be used to support local animal charities. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Robin Jackson with Becky and Ray Gentry
Adam Morgan, Meredith Martin, Amy Trapp and Virginia Metts
Donna Criswell and Trish Bates
Molly Conway, Anna K. Webb, Beth Scott and Lauren Bell
Matt Nolan and Beth Tuck
Brenda Daugherty and Anita Jaggers
Mike Hester and Sherri Reese
Milly, Emily and Michael Addison
Barbara Fleishhacker and Josh Martin
Shari Lieb and Donna Jarrell
Parrish Potts and Brent Martin
names namesPaula names and names Bill Calhoun names names names
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Val and Marla Voyles
Bo Tanner, Bailey Kesler and Levi Clarkson
Victoria Hughes and Rachel Allred
Paula Bonds, Rachael Potts and Kim Wade
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TUPELO BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER Tupelo Ballet presented its 33rd annual performance of The Nutcracker on Dec. 5 in the Performing Arts Center at Tupelo High School. The cast included more than 100 adults and children. photographed by Lisa Roberts
Lucy Johnston, Emma Gregory and Megan Tucker
Anne Daniel Sams, Amelia Webb and Emily Upchurch
Stella Root and Caroline Carlison
Paige Moore, Caroline Michael and Gaby Ungo
Madison Denton and Mary Conlee Wilson
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Hannah Ruth Culp, Lindsay Hopkins and Ivy Moffatt
INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Cara Elizabeth, Reagan and Sam Smart
Anna Calhan and Isbella Webb
Courtney Shaw and Ellye Sistrunk
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OUT AND ABOUT CONTINUED ON PAGE 68
TUPELO COMMUNITY THEATRE’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Beckie Rhea, Remy Francois Duvalier, Ruthann Morgan and Krystal Black
Warren Nybo, Caye Durbin, Brent Roberson and Renee Anderson
Lisa Hatfield, Don Anderson and Eron Hendrix with David and Carolyn Neilsen
Tennesson Jordan, Harley Nabors, Eli Blair, John Vardaman Doorenbos and Julia Jane Averette
SUSAN GOFF RECEPTION AT GUMTREE MUSEUM
GOODNIGHT TUPELO BOOK SIGNING
Carter, Leigh and Belle Naugher
Brent Farrar and Brittany Rogers
CIDER AT THE CEDARS
Randy and Sharron Aycock
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Stacy Russell and Sandy Davis
Molly Loden, Lynn Blaylock, Joel Ewing and Margaret Bain
COMMUNITY BANK OPEN HOUSE
Charles, Kathryn and Clayton Rhea
Santa with Graci Lindley
ELVIS’ BIRTHDAY BREAKFAST
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Debbie Brangenberg and Linda Elliff
Jennie Bradford Curlee and Blair Hill
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OUT AND ABOUT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 66
TOY RUN AND MOTORCYCLE PARADE
Cheryl and Tom Abney with Percy Gardner
Mary Jane Q’Hoffman and T.L. Riddle
Dale and Judy Petty
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY VS. AUBURN UNIVERSITY HOCKEY
Allie Pasley and Julia Langford
Sandy and Craig Capano
GUMTREE MUSEUM’S SUMIDA JAPANESE POTTERY EXHIBIT OPENING RECEPTION
Bobby and Lucy Gaines with Albine Bennett
Misti Wilcox and Alice Copen
Victoria Kokinos and Brooke Dutton
Jessica Lindsey and Lauren Shiflett
MSU LANDSCAPE STUDENTS AT FULTON CITY HALL
Zang Mohan, Jason Feng and Amer Mahadin
Wil Carson and Leslie Moma
MAKE-A-WISH CELEBRITY WAIT NIGHT
Kim Caron, Sam Farris and Jim Johnson
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Jude, Regina, Jace and Rod Counce
LIGHTING OF BALLARD PARK AND OREN DUNN
Laura Kramer, Neely Turner and Deana Carlock
Mieko Kikuchi, Hiromasa and Thom Eason
Isaiah Traylor with Leah and Carolyn Davis
Check out the
Fridays are tasty at INVITATIONTUPELO.COM! Visit our food blog for delicious recipes contributed by food blogger Kimme Hargrove each week. Mary Catherine Miller and Whitney Campbell
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
1733 A McCullough Blvd Tupelo, MS 38801 662-321-1332 www.lcatupelo.com
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OUT AND ABOUT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 68
REED’S TUPELO CHRISTMAS PARADE
Matt and Annabeth Wyatt
Matt and Emily Leonard Laubhan
Dustin Kirk and Paige Wood
TUPELO COMMUNITY THEATRE’S UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER TRIVIA NIGHT
Lisa Hall and Mary Frances Massey
Loralei and Greg McGee with Robyn Sandlin
TUPELO SUZUKI ASSOCIATION CONCERT
Madison Hall and Elyse McKissick
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
Alicia Payne, Monica Rowe and Adelia Wright
Alexandria Neal and Jennifer Millsap
SREMM FEST
Garrett Weeks, Jeffery Hardin and Clay Cordell
Jameria Bailey and Amanda Burress
Brielle Ivy and Chelsey Taylor
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
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TINA MABRY interviewed by Melanie Crownover photograph courtesy of Fox Network
Tupelo native and Hollywood filmmaker Tina Mabry has been busy since the first film she wrote and directed, Mississippi Damned, was released in 2009 to critical acclaim and major film festival awards.
Q: When did the writing bug bite? A: I intended to go to law school until I saw two movies my senior year at Ole Miss that changed my life: Boys Don’t Cry and Love & Basketball. They were both amazing films written and directed by women. I’d never thought of that as a career choice before then.
Q: You attended film school at the University of Southern California. How did you adjust to life there? A: I’ve been here 14 years, and it’s still not home. You never forget where you come from, nor should you, because it makes you who you are. Mississippi is in me and my work always.
Q: How did Mississippi Damned come to be? A: I started writing down some personal stories from my time back home when I was working at a boys’ home here in 2005 after I graduated. I started putting them together as a script, but I almost stopped the screenplay in 2006 when my mom got cancer ... [She] made me promise to write it the way it should be and to actually film it. I was blessed to start [filming] three years after she passed. After a 21-day shoot in North Carolina, my wife (Morgan Stiff) produced it with her father (Lee Stiff) on a shoestring budget.
Q: What are you working on currently? A: I’m writing on my first TV show called Queen Sugar. It’s a series Oprah Winfrey is producing, and my friend Ava DuVernay (producer of Selma) is writing on. It’s exciting to get to work with Ava, but even more so to lend my voice to a show made by Ms. Winfrey [originally from Kosciusko]. Seeing someone from your state make it like she has motivates you to do whatever you can to chase your dreams.
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INVITATION TUPELO | February 2016
You Know She’s Worth It
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