Timothy R. Collins of Gore Springs has been awarded a grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission. This grant is a portion of the more than $1.65 million in grants MAC awarded in fiscal year 2023. MAC grants are made possible by continued funding from the Mississippi State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
“Our arts community is incredible, and we are very pleased to provide even more grants to artists throughout the state, nearly twice as many as last year,” Sarah Story, executive director of MAC said . “Mississippi’s artistic legacy was built through the talents of its exceptionally creative citizens. These funds help support the next generation of amazing artists and ensure that the story of artistic excellence in our state lives on.”
“My paintings are inspired by life, the world, and my personal experience. They’re about the universal themes that connect all of us. My images come from all over, a photo, sketch, the streets, visions, and memory. If it relates to the concept I’m trying to express, I use it. The artwork reflects a longstanding relationship with abstraction, color, materials and found objects. I want the viewers of my artwork to feel and think about what he or she sees; to use their emotions and their imaginations, to put themselves in my place. I’d like the audience of my pictures to stop and invest their time in what they view. I want my work to become a mirror to the viewer showing the beauty and ugliness that surrounds us. But in considering my work, I hope the person comes away with a richer understanding of our world and the common thread that joins us together,” said Collins.
Mr. Collins artwork has been displayed in solo and group exhibitions in Chicago as well as New York City, including The New York Public Library, The Beverly Art Center, Gallery Guichard, the University of Illinois at Chicago, The Museum of Science and Industry, and Gallery 312. He has received awards and grants, including The Citation Award from Black Creativity (Museum of Science and Industry), The Best of Show from The Beer Art Competition (Beverly Art Center), both awards received for his work called “Emmet Till, Wolf Whistle: Before and After.” A CAAP Grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs (Chicago, Ill.) and the IAS-PO Grant from the Illinois Arts Council (Chicago, Ill.).
The Mississippi Arts Commission is a state agency serving more than two million people through grants and special initiatives that enhance communities, assist artists and arts organizations, promote arts education and celebrate Mississippi’s cultural heritage. MAC is funded by the Mississippi Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Mississippi Endowment for the Arts at the Community Foundation for Mississippi and other private sources. For more information, visit www.arts.ms.gov
For information about the Mississippi Arts Commission, please contact Ellie Banks, Communications Director, (601) 359-6546 or ebanks@arts.ms.gov
