Page 18 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2022

COAST NOTE
You’re invited to the premiere arts festival in Hancock County: Arts Alive! Returning to Bay St. Louis after a two- year hiatus due to COVID-19, Arts Alive! is back and better than ever!
In a bold move and a desire to be in the growing Historic Depot Arts District, this year’s venue will encompass our new campus at 405 Blaize Avenue in Bay St. Louis.
Our building, once the home of Carter Church, renowned Mardi Gras costume designer, was graciously donated by Mamie Hillery, a longtime supporter of the arts. Once reno- vations are completed this May, it will house studios, a small kitchen, office space, and a lovely gallery that will be open to the public with art on display and for sale. Visitors will
also be treated to a sculpture garden and beautiful dedicated brick walkway, along with new landscaping.
Arts Alive! will begin at The Arts, Hancock County cam- pus and wind down Blaize Avenue toward the Bay St. Louis Community Hall. Events inside the hall include our culinary competition, our Maker’s Spaces where visitors can try their hand at a variety of art adventures, and our student art expo displaying the works of talented young artists.
As you wander, you’ll find three different performance venues, food trucks, and a 40-member Artist’s Trail where visitors can do a little early holiday shopping. There will be something for the entire family! Join us on May 21 and be a part of the art.
MAY 21, 2022 story courtesy of The Arts, Hancock County
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photo courtesy of Gianna Milanese
Gianna Elizabeth Milanese shines inside and out, much like her initials suggest. The Ocean Springs born and raised 18 year old is the new face representing the City of Discovery.
Widely recognized as “The
Bee on TV” and the “Charisma Girl,” many people across the Coast may recognize Milanese
by her family's Bay Pest Control commercials and as a social media model for Charisma, a boutique in downtown Ocean Springs.
She was a 2021 graduate of Ocean Springs High School, where she was involved in many activities including cheerleading, where she served as both varsity and competition team captains, and she was even elected to the Ocean Springs Hall of Fame for
being in the top 20 in her class out of 420 graduates. She is currently a broadcast journalism major at Mississippi State University where she made the Dean’s List her first semester.
Milanese has always believed in giving back to the community that gives to you. She can frequently be seen at community service events across the Coast. One of her favorite charities is the Jackson County Humane Society, which she and her family have supported through fundraising events.
The new Miss City of Discovery is the definition of beauty and grace. She has a work ethic like no other and is one of the most genuine people you’ll ever meet. She looks forward to continuing to represent her hometown.
18 | May 2022
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living