So many wonderful artists are inspired by the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Original art can be found along the coast from Bay St. Louis to Ocean Springs, MS. One folk artist is creating delightful and inspiring paintings, meet Church Going Mule, Marshall Blevins.
Paintings created by Marshall Blevins, Church Going Mule, 2020.
Each year Twelve Oaks in Ocean Springs houses a regional artist, and Artist in Residence for 2020 was MARSHALL BLEVINS. A folk artist from our neighboring state of Louisiana, she has brought her special creative folk art talents to our coast.
Folk art that offers inspiration, she brings history and reflection to many of her paintings. As you look though her work you notice a mule is often at the center. There is a playfulness and energy to the images. Each painting offers a message, mostly positive and always of a simpler life. Marshall Blevin and her art can be found on Instagram @churchgoinmule.
Let your curiosity take flight at the Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum. Francisco Gonzalez, Project Director, has produced this dream project, a museum that highlights the history of Mississippi aviation. The Gulfport museum inspired by the pioneering African American pilot John C. Robinson, has become a comprehensive interactive look at Mississippi's contributions to aviation for the entire family.
Impressive, educational, and very fun! Spend the day, learn and experience aviation history all while jets buzz the sky overhead landing at nearby Keesler Air Force Base.
The museum offers 22 gallery showcases transporting you into a rich history; from John C. Robinson an African American who grew up in Gulfport and went on to be part of the elite Tuskegee Airmen, Jesse LeRoy Brown who was the first African American naval aviator in the US Navy, Stuart Allen Roosa who was command module pilot for Apollo 14, to Fred Wallace Haise, Jr. born in Biloxi who is one of only 24 men to travel to the moon. This museum tells the stories of so many, all from Mississippi, all in one place.
Display after display will immerse you in the detailed adventures of pilots. You will stand beside real vintage aircraft, a Space Shuttle cockpit, and enter a massive room resembling a passenger airliner that acts as a movie theater. There are genuine historic uniforms, war medals, artifacts from airports and planes that made history. Experience film clips of the brave military men and women, and discover the commitment and courage it took in the early days of aviation. There is something for everyone with hours of enjoyment.
Sign up to sit at one of the dozen or so flight simulators for a flying lesson, or just relax while you witness planes take-off and land at LAX International Airport in real time on the wall size monitor. Kids can be hands on, and will be able to challenge themselves as they have fun learning. The museum offers many interactive displays for children and parents alike.
The John C. Robinson, Brown Condor Association, Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum will transport you into history. Discover the people and events behind aviation today. You and guests will talk about the experience for a long time. Currently Open Thursday - Sunday.
Location: 429 Pass Road, Gulfport, MS - Free Parking
