Page 26 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2016

COASTNOTES ART WALK
Ocean Springs Art Walk celebrates 25 years
story by Lynn Lofton
The merchants of downtown Ocean Springs will continue the tradition of hosting Art Walk during Labor Day weekend. This year it will be on September 3 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is celebrating 25 years of hosting artists.
Co-chairmen Katie Hinkel of Lee Tracy and Brandin Brosh of Charisma expect 50 to 60 artists to participate. The event will feature a lineup of creative talent including potters, painters, jewelry makers and mixed-media artists. They will be set up to demonstrate their work inside businesses and on the sidewalks. As artists register for Art Walk, their photos are posted on the event’s Facebook page.
“The whole thing is about promoting local artists,” Hinkel said. “Also, many businesses will serve light refreshments.”
There will be live music and face painting for children. The event is free to attend.
Downtown streets will not be closed although merchants expect 5,000 to 8,000 people to attend.
“Art Walk began as a way for merchants to showcase local artists and artisans as well as the shops, restaurants and galleries where they exhibit,” Hinkel added.
Art Walk
Katie Hinkel 228.447.4249 Facebook.com/ artwalkdowntownoceansprings
Mental Health fundraiser changes format this year
story by Lynn Lofton
Don’t Worry Be Happy, the annual fundraiser for the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi, is changing its format this year. It will be held September 9 at the Biloxi Civic Center. The fundraiser began as
a bachelor auction, then bachelorettes were added, and last year couples were included. Each honoree assembles a prize package that is auctioned to support the work of MHA.
The 2016 fundraiser will honor bachelors, bachelorettes and couples — all who’re active in community organizations. The honorees include Tim Bennett, Dan Nichol, Ashley Endris, Leslie Ledet, John and Sara Oropesa, Ben and Rebecca Powers, and Mark and Jackie Orgler.
“By purchasing tickets, becoming a business sponsor or donating items for the auction, you can help people with disabilities learn things that we take
for granted,” said Kay Daneault, executive director
of MHA of South Mississippi. “Funds raised will go toward meals; educational materials; gardening, arts, crafts and office supplies;
accomplishment rewards;
utilities; insurance; postage; printing and other opportunities to provide education and support of the journey toward recovery from mental illness.”
26 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2016
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Mental Health Association
of South Mississippi
228.864.6274 or 228.864.1310 www.msmentalhealth.org
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy Mon’!”