Creativity is not cancelled

Freida Hamm--Lavender Fields (2009)

Freida Hamm is one of McNairy County’s most celebrated painters. She pursued some form of visual art most of her life, but as an adult graduate of Memphis College of Art and University of Memphis, Freida achieved international renown, primarily as a landscape artist with an instantly recognizable style. Working quietly from her home and studio on 5th Street in Selmer, Freida won international awards and commissions, was featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions worldwide, and turned out a body of work that is still much desired by art collectors today.

Arts in McNairy was honored to collaborate with her on occasion and proud to have her patronize many of our programs, but you really didn’t see Freida out and about that much. You could typically find her at her studio doing what she loved most: creating art. 

Freida is our reminder that whether we see one another or not, creativity is never cancelled. 

While we have been disappointed by the temporary suspension of programming at the Latta, our first responsibility is the health and wellbeing of the community we serve. As you might imagine, social distancing is difficult for an organization that was committed from the outset to bringing people together to share all kinds of creativity. Our mission hasn’t changed, but the way we go about it has evolved rapidly under the unprecedented conditions we are now facing together.

Keep watching our social media outreach. We will be posting videos from the Crossroads exhibit from time to time, sharing thoughts from our leadership, and highlighting Arts in McNairy’s various community arts programs. Of course, we will keep you updated on scheduling changes, and hope to have good news about future plans and programs as Arts in McNairy heads into our exciting 20th Anniversary season in 2021. 

Spring is a time when we celebrate renewal, a time when nature itself is creating anew. This year, we encourage you to renew your sense of wonder and creativity. Write those poems you have neglected or finish that short story you started. Read a good book. Dust off the instrument and play a few tunes, if only for your own enjoyment. Take an online museum tour, or shoot that digital short film you’ve been thinking about. Break out the paints, pastels or pencils and have at it. Sing and dance like you mean it. 

Creativity is not cancelled. ​

Arts in McNairy wishes you a healthy and happy Easter.

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