The Hattiesburg Arts Council provides collaborative, innovative, and accessible programming in the arts, that promotes artists in all disciplines and enhances the quality of life in our community.
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Hattiesburg Arts Council is pleased to welcome its new executive director, Elizabeth Henry. She has lived in Hattiesburg for nearly five years, moving with her husband to the Hub City from the Washington, D.C., area.
Since becoming a Hattiesburger in Spring 2021, Elizabeth and her husband have immersed themselves in all Hattiesburg has to offer, including the numerous arts events they have discovered.
“We like everything this wonderful little town has to offer,” she said. “There’s just lots to do. It’s hard to decide sometimes what to do. There’s a lot to love.”
Her enthusiasm is contagious. We hope to see many more Pine Belt arts lovers catch the same fever.
Elizabeth is experienced in event planning, award management and other organizational and governance skills through her work with the American Statistical Association and the American Institute of Architects.
The Louisiana native earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree in urban design from the University of Oklahoma.
Elizabeth’s first day at the helm was January 5, 2026. We will provide information about a meet-and-greet reception for Elizabeth in the near future. For now, we’re giving her time to get her feet wet and figure out her daily routine.
Thanks to all of you for your continued support of the arts and Hattiesburg Arts Council, which has been going strong for 55+ years!
All the best, Jeanne Gillespie, president, Hattiesburg Arts Council Board of Directors
Hattiesburg Arts Council welcomes new executive director​
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Upcoming workshop
Get ready to “Light up the Night” with your own magical paper lantern! The Lantern Krewe will help light the way for the St. Catherine’s Walking Parade on the streets of downtown Hattiesburg, which will take place Friday, February 6, 2026.
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This willow and paper lantern workshop will teach you how to create a lantern using a willow frame covered in tissue paper. The workshop will guide participants through bending and shaping willow, building the base and top of the frame, and applying tissue paper with a glue mixture. Battery-operated lights will be inserted into your lantern. All supplies are included!
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Participants will learn techniques to make the structure durable.
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Each paid adult can bring one child under 12 to make a lantern. Adults must assist the attending children. The final workshop will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Rebekah Stark Johnson Community Arts Center. Cost to attend is $35, plus Eventbrite fees.
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Participants are invited to walk with the Lantern Krewe in the St. Catherine’s Parade and show off their handmade lanterns.
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To register for the January 24 workshop, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/willow-and-paper-lantern-workshop-tickets-1976946317654
Children's Theater
Wiggle Genius will once again partner with Hattiesburg Arts Council to present For the Love of Dance, a combined theater and dance interactive event for children in pre-K through age 12.
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This year, the Arts Council is pleased to announce it will offer the shows to school groups for free. It will also be hosting two Saturday shows so families can attend together.​​
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Although admission is free, tickets are required, since seating is limited. To reserve your ticket, visit the Hattiesburg Arts Council page on Eventbrite and selecte the date and time you plan to attend.
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For school groups to register for the February 2 or 3 shows at the University of Southern Mississippi Theatre and Dance Building, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wiggle-genius-for-the-love-of-dance-tickets-1978436360412.
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Open admission shows will be at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. February 28 in the Black Box Theater at the Rebekah Stark Johnson Community Arts Center, 825 N. Main St. Reserve your tickets for these shows at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wiggle-genius-for-the-love-of-dance-tickets-1978436995311.
Amateur Photo Contest Reception
Our annual Amateur Photo Competition is full of some amazing work by local photographers! We will celebrate their work during an exhibit and reception honoring the winners of the contest.
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The reception will be from 3p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Hattiesburg Cultural Center, 723 N. Main St.
Adults and youth entered several categories: Nature, People, Landscape, Animals and Design for a chance to win ribbons and best of show cash prizes for both age groups.
If you're a budding photographer, get to work now to be ready for next year's show!