by Ezabelle Janssen & Hunter Dawkins, The Gazebo Gazette
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — Pass Christian? More like Pass Creativity! One hundred and ten artists from 16 states gathered at War Memorial Park the first weekend of April for the 27th annual Art in the Pass. From painting to pottery, there was something for all to enjoy!
The dreary weather halted for the sketchy event, allowing the community to freely celebrate together under the sun on Saturday, the 5th. The community poured into War Memorial Park, enjoying Pop Brothers and funnel cakes, children swinging, live music filling the air, and art vendors populating the grounds.
More than a market, Art in the Pass grants six scholarships to rising high school seniors who are pursuing art education and provides generous grants for art supplies to 14 local high schools, the Pass Christian School District, and the Pass Christian Boys and Girls Club.
The annual Celebrate the Gulf Marine Education Festival took place Saturday, April 5 on the first day of Art in the Pass at War Memorial Park. Since 1991, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources has been hosting the event that teaches residents and visitors about the importance of the Gulf of Mexico.
Participants learn about coastal habitats, wildlife and services the Gulf provides. 35+ exhibitors hosted family photo booths, caricatures and other experiences to learn about science these groups are doing. Celebrate the Gulf offered something for all.
The historical venue was rich with legacy. Edward Heerton of the Heerten Family Woodworking works alongside his wife and son. He traveled approximately four hours to display his beautiful creations, as he explained, “These are bark-edge or natural edge bowls. They are food safe. We do not use stains or dyes; we let the beauty of the wood and art show through. Our other products, like these drawers, have hidden components.”
He has visited Art in the Pass eight times and attends events in Ocean Springs, “You have a good art community on this coast…I love to display my art.” I am sure we will see the Heerton Family’s work for many more years to come.
A few booths over reigned Pass Christian local John Walrod with his beautifully unique, ornate sculptures. He recycles objects and creates assemblage art, Walrod explained, “I go around in a pickup van and go to garage sales, storage units, antique stores, and whatnot, where i find unique items and turn it into what i call ‘4D art.’”
His pieces go beyond their sculpture or 3d quality, for they also deal with time, he continued, “They create an immediate emotional connection, using materials that have seen before and creating something new.” Art in the Pass possesses an artistic gravitational pull, Walrod said, “I attended my first art festival fifteen years ago and it was here. I am from the Pass and my home/studio is in Pass.”
Art in the Pass had various awards this year:
- Alexander Brown, Mixed Media Artist – Best in Show
- Denise Hopkins, Denise Hopkins Fine Art – First Place, Painting
- Nick Cantrell, The Art of Nick Cantrell – Honorable Mention, Painting
- Catherine Rouchon, Compass Rose Jewelry Designs – First Place, Jewelry, Sculpture
- Ana Marie Andricain, Jewel of Havana – Honorable Mention, Jewelry, Sculpture
- Dan Bi – First Place, Mixed Media, Pen & Ink, Photography, Printmaking
- Lorie Dorpinghaus, Naps & Nites Studio Hand Painted Silk Shibori Scarves and Accessories – Honorable Mention, Mixed Media, Pen & Ink, Photography, Printmaking
- Jason Wilson, J. Wilson Pottery – First Place, Pottery, Wood, Glass
- Maya Blume-Cantrell – Honorable Mention, Pottery, Wood, Glass
Art in the Pass has enriched the Pass Christian culture and community for twenty-seven years and will continue for many more, rain or shine! It is easel-y one of Pass Christians’ great events.
(Front Photo: War Memorial Park Saturday, April 4, 2025 by Hunter Dawkins/The Gazebo Gazette. Inside Photo: Display of Design Work by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette. Additional Photo: Celebrate the Gulf table by Hunter Dawkins/The Gazebo Gazette.)
