Mississippi State Hospital’s 2023 Serendipity Art Show and Silent Auction is live and accepting bids. Patrons can visit the auction website at myminiauction.com/serendipity to see artwork and place bids. Bidding is online only and will close at 6:30 pm following the public show to be held on Thursday, September 7.
New this year is the addition of Mystery Art! More than twenty pieces of Mystery Art will be on display September 7 during the public show. The special Mystery Art pieces are not listed in the online auction and will only be available for viewing and bidding in-person the day of the public show.
After a ten-plus year hiatus, the Serendipity Art Calendar returns this year. This year’s calendar will feature artwork created by Jaquith Nursing Home artists. Proceeds from the sale of the calendar will go towards a Jaquith Nursing Home Prom, which will be held in the fall. Calendars will go on sale in August 2023.
One more incentive to attend the public show is to view the special Art Installation that all Serendipity artists have contributed to for the September 7 public showing only.
Serendipity is an annual exhibit and auction featuring artwork created by participants in art classes at Mississippi State Hospital. The program provides services to children and adolescents receiving treatment at Oak Circle Center, adults receiving psychiatric and/or substance use services, and residents of Jaquith Nursing Home.
Art classes meet a wide range of therapeutic needs, as well as increase competency in self-expression, visual communication, creative processes, and cognitive understanding of art materials and methods. Positive outcomes of the art program include: enhances self-esteem, provides an outlet for creative expression, cultivates competency in the use of art materials and concepts, promotes positive use of leisure time, gives opportunity to learn new skills or broaden current abilities, increases or maintains motor skills, enriches verbal and non-verbal communication, enhances creative thinking and problem-solving, broadens cultural literacy, and encourages appropriate social skills.
This unique show features over one hundred and forty works of art. All proceeds go to the individual artists. The pieces up for auction include watercolor and acrylic paintings, pencil and color pencil drawings, prints, “scratch art” and mixed media pieces. Each piece of artwork has been beautifully framed and is included in the winning bid price.
All artwork listed online and the new Mystery Art will be on display for a public show to be held on Thursday, September 7, 11:30 am-6:00 pm in Building 71.
Winning bidders will be contacted the day after the auction to arrange payment and pickup of artwork. Shipping will be available for a separate fee. If you would like more information about a particular piece you can contact the program director by email at ceci.whitehurst@msh.ms.gov. For more information about the show, contact MSH Public Relations at 601-351-8018.
MSH, a program of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, was founded in 1855 and helps the individuals it serves achieve mental wellness by encouraging hope, promoting safety, and supporting recovery. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission.