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The next Art in the Pass is scheduled for
April 6-7, 2024
The 25th annual Art in the Pass returned to scenic Memorial Park, overlooking the beach and gulf waters, in Pass Christian, Mississippi, April 1 and 2, 2023. Our vetted fine arts festival attracts about 100 artists from 10 states and approximately 10,000 visitors from Pensacola to Baton Rouge. We are known for our Southern hospitality, beautiful location, amazing art, great food and incredible live entertainment.
In addition, the Celebrate the Gulf Marine Education Festival is held concurrently each year, this year with an added science component.
Funds raised directly benefit our Gulf Coast communities. Due to the generosity of our sponsors and visitors, we were able to increase to four our scholarships for rising high school seniors who are pursuing art education. Plus we made significant grants for art supplies to 11 area high schools, the Pass Christian School District and the Pass Christian Boys and Girls Club. In 2023, with the invaluable help of our sponsors, we provided more than $28,000 in scholarships, grants and awards.
The Silent Auction
Each year we hold a Silent Auction that features original artwork from artists participating in the Festival. Each artist contributes an item to our Silent Auction, which is open until 4:30 that Sunday.
Live Music
Throughout the Festival we have live music from some great local groups.
Food Vendors
During the Festival, food vendors offer an assortment of food items available for sale.
Festival Activities
The annual Celebrate the Gulf Marine Education Festival is held concurrently with Art in the Pass and is a free, fun, family-friendly event held on the Saturday of Art in the Pass, adjacent to the park’s playground. Celebrate the Gulf offers lively hands-on activities addressing marine and estuarine environmental issues, and recreational and commercial uses associated with the Gulf of Mexico.
Art in the Pass is filled with special events. Applicants for the Art in the Pass Scholarships display their art in the scholarship competition. In addition on Sunday, there are art activities for children as well as the high school art contest.
Student Art Show: The 10th annual Art in the Pass Student Art Show is held on Sunday. Students from area high schools showed their works and compete for cash awards and ribbons. Instructions are mailed to area art teachers in January.
Thank You for Your Support:
All of the volunteers who work at Art in the Pass and to the City of Pass Christian: Parks & Recreation Dept., Police Dept., Public Works Dept., and Fire Dept.
2023 Board Members
Betty Sparkman (Chair)
Avery Beck (MS Department of Marine Resources)
Jen Cumbest (MS Department of Marine Resources)
Donna Boue
Claire Bosch
FJ Cutting
Robert Cutting
Richard Douglass
Sandra Douglass
Anita Giani (Pass Christian Main Street)
Calvin Ishee
Sandra Lobrano
Marie Lamb
Fay Mathison
Charla Pryor
Susan Putnam (City of Pass Christian)
Wilma Rizzardi
Past Event Chairs
| 2015, 2016, 2017 | FJ Cutting |
| 2013, 2014 | Anita Giani |
| 2011, 2012 | Jerald Williams |
| 2008, 2009, 2010 | Julie & Richard O’Briant |
| 2004, 2005, 2007 | Virgil & Margaret Harris |
| 2004, 2005 | Virgil & Gretchen Harris |
| 2003 | Kathie Short |
| 2002 | Betsy Burgess & Margaret Harris |
| 2001 | Terry Scott |
| 1999-2000 | Helen St Paul |
| 1995-1998 | Malee Hearin |
