August 12, 2024

Former art instructor honored in Marie Hull Gallery of Hinds Community College

“There are different themes and symbols present. There are also works that incorporate ideas about home, family connections, and she explored femininity and gender roles.” - Michael McCarty
BY: Rhonda Dunaway

RAYMOND – Hinds Community College’s first art show of the 2024-25 school year honors a treasured mixed media artist and instructor.

The late Gayle McCarty, who was a former art department chair, instructor and director of the Marie Hull Gallery will be featured in a show called “Retrospective” starting the first week of classes on the Hinds Raymond Campus.

The show runs from Aug.12-Sept. 12 in the Marie Hull Gallery located in the Katherine Denton Art building. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday. 8 a.m.-3 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. The Gallery will be closed on Labor Day.

McCarty taught at Hinds from January 1982 till May 2007. She passed away in April 2023. Her son Michael McCarty, who is also a Hinds art instructor, has been reflecting on her work to put together a showing that covers her development as an artist. And, as much as she taught others about art, she was also exploring her own inspirations.

“This is a retrospective art show including works she’s done predominantly in the last 20 years,” McCarty said. McCarty said his mother loved working with found and created objects, especially things that had an archeological feel to them. Over the years her art was inspired by ancient history and symbolism of ancient religions and culture, said her son.

“There are different themes and symbols present. Like ancient figurines that resemble the 25,000-year-old Venus/fertility goddess figurines and the works that look like Egyptian hieroglyphs. There are also works that incorporate ideas about home, family connections, and she explored femininity and gender roles,” McCarty said.

Hinds offers affordable, comprehensive educational opportunities across six campus locations and has nearly 500 academic classes guaranteed to transfer to a university, over 65 career and technical program options and an extensive array of online courses. Applications for general admissions are currently being accepted. Prospective students are encouraged to apply and explore enrollment steps at hindscc.edu/enroll.

Our Mission: Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.

Our Vision: Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.

Our Values: Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.

To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.

Photo: Angie Foote

RAYMOND – Hinds Community College Hi-Steppers have been named for 2024-2025.

They are, front, from left, Denver Jackson of Jackson, Zoe Irving of Jackson, Alexis Marts of Flowood, Amia Lewis of Byram, Cheyenne Cornelius of Clinton, Malayah Evans of Newton County, Erin Lollis of Byram, Skylar Boyd of Jackson and Jayda Graham of Flowood; back row, Alexis Malone of Clinton, Ciera Pruitt of Gulfport, Olivia Broadwater of Pearl, Chloee Haley of Clinton, Rylan Liles of Vicksburg, Chloe McHann of Clinton, Cori Turner of Jackson, Reaghan Miller of Clinton and Jakayla Brown of Utica.

The group has a new director, Beka King of Pearl. She is only the third director in the 75-year history of the Hi-Steppers. She herself was a Hi-Stepper from 2013-2015 and, during her sophomore year, she was captain of the team.

Hinds offers affordable, comprehensive educational opportunities across six campus locations and has nearly 500 academic classes guaranteed to transfer to a university, over 65 career and technical program options and an extensive array of online courses. Applications for general admissions are currently being accepted. Prospective students are encouraged to apply and explore enrollment steps at hindscc.edu/enroll.

Our Mission: Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.

Our Vision: Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.

Our Values: Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.

To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.