We left the POW camp and made our way back to the coast to the birds of Biloxi and Ocean Springs and the most famous American artist that you have never heard of. As you will quickly find out the theme of this post is birds. The old port in Biloxi proved to be a great spot to watch Herons antics.
They were mostly just standing there,
judging everyone
especially this goofy guy
but we also saw some action moves
and some careless dancing!
Next, the marina at Ocean’s Springs was the headquarters of the Pelicans
and they quietly reigned the waterway
contemplated,
and discussed current events very seriously
Some of the real gems were not live birds though.
WALTER ANDERSON MUSEUM OF ART in Ocean Springs was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
Anderson had a way with birds.
In paintings
sculptures,
and functional art.
Walter Anderson story is a sad one wrought with mental illness and anguish, but his work and philosophy were brilliant.
Exquisite murals which he painted for $1, cover the entire interior of the community centre that is adjacent to the museum. Do take a minute to click on the photo below to see them in a larger format to appreciate the volume of work.
Anderson believed that good art should be accessible
He worked through a variety of techniques
and material
but the natural world was his passion and inspiration and he spent weeks at a time on a deserted island studying the natural world.
He was in and out of mental hospital – out mostly by escaping.
After his death, his wife opened up the cottage where he was staying by himself in his last years to find a treasure trove of art pieces and an entire room painted as a day in Ocean Springs from sunrise to sunset.
The details of the natural world that he loved so much
and the colours and shapes that haunted him are all there in that little room.
The entire room was transferred to the museum and it is awe inspiring! If you are ever in the area drop in for a visit and make sure to watch the movie about Anderson for better context. It’s not just art —it’s an experience.
This museum set the bar pretty high. Will there be another one that will top it?
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I migrated to the South in my 20’s, was married in Pascagoula, and lived several years in Gautier. I traveled to nearby Ocean Springs and Biloxi many times before later moving away. Never stopped by the Anderson Museum. Now I know what I missed! Thank you!
I hope you get a chance to go back and check it out!
Your birds are exquisite! What a wonderful museum to showcase art and nature!
Thanks, Terri! And of course, thanks for the inspiration for this post!
The artwork is amazing! But to paint the entire interior of the room is something else!
It was incredible!