by Ezabelle Janssen, Staff Writer

PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — Beneath the oaks of War Memorial Park, the 28th Annual Art in the Pass returned from April 11th to 12th, transforming the park into a living, breathing gallery. More than 100 artists from all over set up to welcome a crowd that swelled well past 10,000 over the two-day celebration. For a town that knows its festivals, this one continues to rise to the top, equal parts color and community. 

Children darted between booths, music drifted from the stage, and the familiar pull of Pop Brothers kept more than a few visitors happily stalled in line. Artists lined the grounds with everything from layered abstract canvases to hand-carved woodwork. 

“It’s probably turned into one of the largest festivals in town,” said Pass Christian Mayor Kenny Torgeson. “It brings people from all over the coast and even the state… it’s one of the better festivals of the city of Pass Christian.” 

Alderman-at-Large Victor Pickich agreed, noting both the draw and the atmosphere that brings him and his family back every year. “We had a hard time getting past the Pop Brothers stand, but it’s such a great festival,” he said, laughing. “It draws a great crowd to the city and it’s fun for everyone.” 

Chair Betty Douglas Sparkman, who has led the festival for nine years, reflected on what made this year stand out. “I think it’s one of the best we’ve ever had,” she said. “The artists with the vendors reported almost $170,000 in sales. It was very dependent on our wonderful volunteers. We have over 100 volunteers who come and spend time selling sodas or beer, or sitting at the welcome center, booth sitting for artists so they can get something to eat. It is just a real community effort.” 

Art in the Pass takes it a step further by continuing to invest directly in the next generation of artists. Students displayed their work with the same care and pride as the seasoned professionals surrounding them. Sparkman explained the impact Art in the Pass has on future artists, “So we are at a minimum of awarding eight scholarships… because of the generosity of our sponsors and people who made donations this year, we’ll be giving away again at least $40,000 in art scholarships. We give grants to all of participating high schools in Hancock and Harrison County, and I think this year there were 11 high schools.” 

Pass Christian High School’s Imma Walker and St. Stanislaus College’s Michael Dawley were each awarded $4,000 scholarships, honoring their artistic ability and their commitment to continuing their arts education. Sarah Kish of Gulfport High School and Le’lani Burton of Harrison Central High School each received $2,500 for their work, which stood out in a sea of talent. Additional scholarships were awarded to Emily Duch of Long Beach High School, Nicole Hunter of West Harrison High School, and Rachel Rangel-Figueroa of Gulfport High School, each receiving $1,000 in support of their artistic pursuits. Harrison Central’s Natalie Vincent was also recognized among this year’s scholarship recipients, rounding out a group that reflects the depth of talent growing right here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Together, these students represent more than award winners; they are the future of the arts along the Coast, carrying forward the very spirit that Art in the Pass has celebrated for 28 years. For Sparkman and many others, Art in the Pass is unlike any other, “The purpose of Art in the Pass is to recognize and award student artists, and to proclaim Pass Christian as a community that loves art and artists,” she said. “every year we get artists saying how much they love coming to Art in the Pass because of course its in a beautiful surrounding and repeatedly people say everyone is so nice and hospitable. So we have a lot of repeat artists, and then new artists who have not been here before, but other artists say, “Oh, you’ve got to go to Art in the Pass.”

That reputation keeps creators coming back, including Biloxi-based jewelry artist Cindy Stewart, who now centers her festival season around this one weekend. “This is the only art festival I do now,” she said. “I particularly like it because of the park, how well organized it is, and how helpful the volunteers are. And it benefits the community… that’s very important to me.” Her work holds a beauty only pieces made from the heart share, coming from Stewart’s bare hands. “I make freshwater pearl and sterling silver jewelry,” Stewart explained. “ My pieces are hand forged and coal forged, so it takes a piece of wire, and I hammer it until it’s wide enough to look pretty. Then it has to be filed and sanded and polished, so it won’t snag your sweater when you have it on.” 

All over the park, that same care could be seen in every kind of medium, from textiles to sculpture. Among this year’s top honors, Peter Wu earned Best in Show, while standout category winners included Jean Kelly in Mixed Media & Fiber, Mollie Gregory in Painting & Photography, Tiffany Nesbit in Pottery & Glass, and Pass Christian’s own Spencer Gray in Sculpture, Wood & Other. 

Kelly’s quilted works are stitched with decades of experience, inspired by her grandmother, possessing both honor and distinction. Gregory’s layered abstracts search for harmony through shape and balance. Nesbit, a New Orleans native, utilizes clay, recycled materials, and memories to build harmonious sculptures. And Gray, a local favorite, transforms the everyday into playful sculptures. 

This year’s awards were extensive, highlighting just how much talent poured into Pass Christian for the 28th Annual Art in the Pass: 

  • Peter Wu, Best of Show
  • Laurie Lamarca, Jewelry, 1st Place
  • Catherine Rouchon, Jewelry, 2nd Place
  • Christy Barrett, Jewelry, Honorable Mention
  • Jean Kelly, Mixed Media & Fiber, 1st Place
  • Kathleen Johnson, Mixed Media & Fiber, 2nd Place
  • Tony Krysinsky, Mixed Media & Fiber, Honorable Mention
  • Mollie Gregory, Painting & photography, 1st Place
  • Thomas Sanders, Painting & photography, 2nd Place
  • John Halliday, Painting & Photography, Honorable Mention
  • Tiffany Nesbit, Pottery & Glass, 1st Place
  • Donna King, Pottery & Glass, 2nd Place
  • Vincent Tamplain, Pottery & Glass, Honorable Mention
  • Spencer Gray, Sculpture, Wood & Other, 1st Place
  • John Walrod, Sculpture, Wood & Other, 2nd Place
  • Carolyn Weir, Sculpture, Wood & Other, Honorable Mention

With strong attendance, record-setting sales, and a community showing up in full force, the 28th year proved what many already knew: in Pass Christian, creativity always has a home.

(Photos by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)