ELLISVILLE – Two of the six sophomore art majors, Lillian Barnett-Soso and Jordan Parker-Ellisville are displaying their award-winning artwork with recognition from the Mississippi Community College Art Instructor Association’s statewide student art show at the annual Sophomore Art Exhibit. Barnett and Parker, along with Zykeria Coleman-Laurel, Zoe Estacio-Laurel, Alyssa Mosely-Laurel, and Gracie Nichols-Laurel have several pieces of artwork currently on display at the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery on the campus of Jones College in Ellisville, through May 2, 2025. The Sophomore Art Exhibit features a little bit of everything from the classes students have taken on campus including drawing and design to ceramics and painting. All the bases are covered according to Jones College Art instructor, Melanie Banks.
“I’m really proud of these graduates, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for them,” said Eubanks. “I hope the public takes the time to see their artwork.”
Jordan Parker of Ellisville earned first place honors at the Mississippi Community College Art Instructor Association’s statewide student art show. The South Jones High School graduate explained her printmaker poster was inspired from a 1950s poster she updated featuring her favorite current musicians for a concert appearance.
“I love oil painting, so this print piece is really out of my norm,” shared Jordan. “It was for an assignment and my least favorite genre of art so I was a little surprised I won!”
Parker said she’s been drawing since she could hold a pencil as a child. Her future plans include earning her bachelor’s degree from USM, working in a museum and continuing to create art.
Her classmate, Lillian Barnett of Soso, also earned honors at the statewide art show. Barnett received an Honorable Mention for her oil painting, “Worn Out” depicting a scooter needing repairs. The West Jones High School graduate explained her dad’s repair shop was the inspiration for her winning artwork.
“I’m very happy about placing in the MCCAIA competition; it feels good! The award also confirms my decision to become an art professor,” said Barnett, who also won 2nd place while in high school.
Northeast Jones High School graduate, Zykeria Coleman has several ink and pen drawings of still life on display. She explained that her inspiration comes from her self-determination to succeed with aspirations of inspiring others to succeed.
“A year ago, I didn’t think I could do what I love. With a little hard work and dedication, and support from my instructor, Mr. Brown, I’m going to earn my art degree and continue creating,” said Coleman.
She added that her grandfather’s love of art inspired her to pursue being an artist since he had to work instead of following his dreams of becoming an artist. Coleman plans to earn her art degree at William Carey University.
Also showing some of their favorite works, is Zoe Estacio whose artwork features her love of stuffed animals. The West Jones High School graduate’s brightly colored oil paintings reflect happiness through the eyes of children. She plans to get her B.F.A. from Mississippi State.
Additionally, Alyssa Mosely of Laurel enjoys using bright colors in her oil paintings and ink drawings which are her contributions to the Sophomore Art Exhibit. She focuses on drawing flowers and other still life objects in her work and has plans to earn her degree at USM.
Gracie Nichols dabbles in various forms of art including water color, ink, charcoal, and graphite. The West Jones High School graduate from Laurel plans to continue creating artwork in the future.
For more information about upcoming JC art shows or to arrange a visit to the gallery call 601-477-8401. The Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., and by appointment only on Wednesdays. The gallery is closed during the holidays. To learn more about the Jones College Art Department, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/ or the JC Art Department’s social media: Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArts/ and on Instagram @artatjonescollege.
