The Vicksburg Art Association is gearing up for the 2024-25 season and this year’s programing is set to focus on the art of collecting.

VAA president Ashley Schutt said this will include touring local art galleries.

“We will be seeing the different galleries around town and what they have to offer,” she said. And the group will also be talking about the personal appeal of varying styles and mediums.

There will also be meetings scheduled at the homes of local collectors so members can experience the feel of collecting.

VAA meetings are held monthly, and the first installment will kick off at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Constitution Firehouse Gallery, 1204 Main St.

The event will include a panel of longtime art collectors who will share their experiences of collecting art, local artist and VAA Vice President Jean Blue said.

“We will do a little Q and A on their personal approach to collecting art and then they will talk about three pieces they will bring from their collection (and how they support their individual tastes),” she said.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the VAA is welcome to participate.

“This meeting is kind of our membership kickoff,” Blue said.

In addition to the VAA’s monthly programing, the association holds two art exhibitions for ages 18 and older and, in conjunction with the local schools, they also host a youth and an elementary art exhibit.

This year, the 43rd annual VAA Mississippi Artists Exhibition will run from Oct. 19 through 23. The exhibition is open to all VAA members and includes a variety of media categories.

Schutt, who claimed to be more of an “art lover” than “an artist,” said she was initially surprised at the number of art mediums that are included in the exhibition, but, as a member, she said she has become more familiar with the varying forms.

Media categories for the fall exhibition include oil; watercolor; acrylic; three-dimensional; photography; fiber; mixed media; graphic/computer design and imagery; printmaking-fine craft and drawing.

Schutt said the exhibition is an adjudicated show and first, second and third place, as well as honorable mention, awards will be handed out in all categories. Best in Show will also receive a $500 cash prize.

For those interested in competing in the exhibition, perspectives/rules will be available at the September meeting. Schutt reiterated that to compete one must be 18 years and older and a VAA member.

Memberships options include individual membership, which costs $25; sponsor, $50; patron, $125; silver benefactor, $250; gold benefactor, $500 and platinum benefactor, $1,000.

Patron and benefactor memberships also include tickets to the VAA’s annual Christmas party — two for patron and four for silver, six for gold and eight for platinum benefactors.

Also serving on the VAA board are Jim Biedenbach as the vice president of workshops, Reba Causey as secretary and Jon Dietrick is the treasurer.

For more information on the VAA, follow them on Facebook @Vicksburg Art Association.

VAA 2024-25 schedule

Sept. 10 – The art of Collecting- A panel Discussion

Oct. 8 — 53 Year as a Gallery, the Attic Gallery

Oct. 19-23 Fall Mississippi Artists Exhibition

Nov. 12 — Collecting Art for a Small Space, home of Glynn Lassiter

Dec. 6 — VAA Christmas Party, Firehouse Gallery

Jan. 14 — And Artist’s Gallery, H.C. Porter Gallery

Feb. 11 — Art Enhances A Home, Home of Carol Zoerb

March 2 — VAA Children’s showcase

March 11 — Quilt Collection and Talk with southern Fiber Artist, Firehouse Gallery

March 30 — VAA sponsored Youth Showcase

April 8 — Art from Jackson Street Gallery, The Mulberry

April 26-30 — Spring Member Exhibition

May 13 — Potluck Picnic and Music on the Lawn, Home of Christine and Chris Rials