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 workshops
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.
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!
Participants will learn techniques to make the structure durable.
Each paid adult can bring one child under 12 to make a lantern. Adults must assist the attending children. Workshop will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Rebekah Stark Johnson Community Arts Center. If you can't make it, we have a second workshop scheduled for January 24. Materials are provided. Cost to attend is $35, plus Eventbrite fees.
Participants are invited to walk with the Lantern Krewe in the St. Catherine’s Parade and show off their handmade lanterns.
To register for the January 10 workshop, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/willow-and-paper-lantern-workshop-tickets-1976941464137
To register for the January 24 workshop, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/willow-and-paper-lantern-workshop-tickets-1976946317654
Amateur Photo Competition
Our annual Amateur Photo Competition is coming up fast! The deadline to email entry forms is Friday, January 9, 2026.
If you're a budding photographer and want to show off your skills, you can enter in several categories: Nature, People, Landscape, Animals and Design. You may enter up to five photos, with an entry fee of $5 per photo.
The competition is open to any amateur photographer of any age. Judging will be done by professional photographers in two divisions: Adult (18+) and Youth (17-). The show will be January 24, 2026, at the Hattiesburg Cultural Center.
Find entry forms and more information on our website by clicking the "Call for Artists" link.