A History of The Arts, Hancock County - “Art Finds A Way”

In late 2002, Gwen Impson saw untapped potential in the charming coastal town of Bay St. Louis and decided to do something about it. What she did was spearhead a movement to form an arts council, in Hancock County. Bolstered by information gather in a questionnaire circulated throughout the County, she believed that the interest for such a venture existed. This new organization would serve as a network to promote and support the deep pool of artists and performance groups in the area. Gwen was a powerhouse. At the initial arts organizational meeting on January 29, 2003, the response was overwhelming. Over 100 attendees came to learn more and volunteers, sparked by Gwen’s enthusiasm, began stepping up.

In early 2004, more than fifty people attended the first annual meeting of newly dubbed, The Arts, Hancock County. Gwen presented the organization’s first annual report highlighting the stages of development from 2002 and accomplishments achieved in 2003. Next, attendees voted on the first Board of Directors: Gwen Impson (President), Angela Sallis (Secretary), John Chaszar, Sally Johnson, Chuck Ueltschey, Teri Wyly. In November 2004, the first Arts Alive was held and included 24 studio self-guided tours. The tour was free and maps and brochures were available at the Depot. Kathe Calhoun, a prominent Arts member, was instrumental in the success of this event. Arts Alive remains a highly popular event for both artists and patrons, and has continued to grow over the years.

Against unpresidented odds, The Arts has continued to build on success. Even after the destruction from Hurricane Katrina, The Arts non-profit organization continued to grow. Our board members investigated ways to assist local artists. And in a heartening show of support, communities across the country came to our aid. Again, after the lockdown of the COVID pandemic (2020-2022), the Arts Board and volunteers found innovative ways to continue supporting the artists.

A new and exciting phase came in the fall of 2022 when the permanent home of The Arts, Hancock County opened at 405 Blaize Avenue in Bay St. Louis, MS. It seemed fitting to house artists in the former studio of renown artist, Carter Church, with his spirit of creativity filling the building. Through our growing roster of shows, events and classes, The Arts, Hancock County continues to support artists, students, and visitors with our mission of, “Uniting, strengthening and exciting our community through the transformative power of art.” We’re thrilled to see that Gwen’s legacy is alive and thriving.