AN INTERVIEW WITH THE LOCAL CREATIVES GALLERY’S NEW CURATOR: Jerrod Partridge
Sarah Posey (Arts & Culture Assistant): You are a full-time studio artist. Is this your first foray into curation?
Jerrod Partridge: Curating exhibitions has been a regular part of my professional career as an artist. I have curated numerous Art Space 86 pop-up shows, a community arts engagement project I began with a friend back in 2013. I also had the pleasure of curating a large retrospective exhibition for the sculptor Robert Crowell in Jackson, and most recently curated a Live oak themed exhibition at the Walter Anderson Museum. I'm looking forward to working with the Mary C. staff and the participating artists to present the artwork in a compelling way that celebrates the artist's creativity.
SP: You are a part of The Local Creatives, a group of creative entrepreneurs who are working artists selling and showing their work who are from or live in the Gulf Coast Area. When and how did you become a part of the LC?
JP: I have been part of Local Creatives since its inception in 2017. Being part of this group has not only allowed for exhibition opportunities, but has connected me to other professional artists in our community. I'm excited to see how it continues to evolve and grow.
SP: What is your area of expertise?
JP: I am primarily an oil painter, but also produce drawings...
...watercolors, gouache paintings, and block prints. I teach workshops occasionally throughout Mississippi as well as leading Visual Explorations trips around the world.
SP: Tell us about your studio practice!
JP: My studio is in my home, here in Ocean Springs. I produce commissioned work as well as pieces to hang in galleries such as Palmette, a flower shop and art gallery my wife and I own in downtown Ocean Springs. I also show my work at Fischer Galleries in Jackson, Southside Gallery in Oxford, and Claire Elizabeth Gallery in New Orleans.
Jerrod’s work can be seen at The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center, Palmette inside the Springs Hotel or by appointment at his studio in Ocean Springs, MS; Fischer Galleries in Jackson, MS; Southside Gallery in Oxford, MS; Claire Elizabeth Gallery in New Orleans, LA; and various temporary locations through Art Space 86. If you like Jerrod's work and would like a custom drawing or painting, he accepts commissions for artwork including portraits and paintings of Italy.
