Gulf Coast Library Featuring Exhibit of Coast Artists

The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Library is hosting a new exhibit featuring artists who grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and express its beauty in their art.

Mary Beth Barnett and Patti Sneed, sisters who were raised in Gulfport, paint vivid images of plants, animals, beach scenes and bayous of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Barnett, having discovered watercolors later in life, finds her favorite challenges are exploring with color and discovering the essence of a subject. Sneed, who does not consider herself an artist for show, loves watercolor and sketching as a hobby. 

For Long Beach resident Xavier Carrubba, her interest in art began in elementary school when a nun introduced her to watercolors. Having started with art classes at Gulf Park College for Women, she eventually earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Southern Miss. She has experimented with different techniques, mediums, styles and forms of art from paintings on canvas to ceramics, egg shell decorations, painting on furniture, backdrops for college plays, sand sculptures, pottery, murals and wine glasses.

The exhibit will be on display through July 15 during regular library hours. Selected pieces will be available for sale. An artist's reception will be held Tuesday, June 17 from 4-6 p.m. at the library.

For more information, contact Betty Shaw at 228.214.3450 or betty.shawFREEMississippi.