The Independence Arts Conservatory, a new arts group, aims to promote the fine arts in and around their community.

The group is currently purchasing the old Mt. Zion Baptist Church building, just off Highway 305, for use as their headquarters.

Founder Jamie Thompson says that the arts have always been important to her. She currently serves as an administrator at Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, where she is involved with many of their arts activities.

"I think God has been preparing us our entire lives for this time," Thompson says. "As a child growing up in Tate County, God gave me a tremendous love for the arts. Teachers at Independence High School and Mt. Zion Baptist Church encouraged and offered many opportunities to participate in the arts, especially music."

"Throughout my entire college life at Northwest Mississippi Community College, Delta State University, and The University of Mississippi, God continued to grow that love for the Arts as He allowed various opportunities in both classroom settings and performance groups related to the arts."

"After I married my college sweetheart, Howard Thompson of Hernando, in 1964, we both continued to enjoy and embrace the arts as we both pursued careers in education as principals and administrators," she says.

She and her husband began to notice that there were many talented young people in their community who were not given the chance to showcase their talents.

"For several years our hearts have been directed to help provide additional arts support for the children, youth and adults in Independence and the surrounding areas of Tate County and beyond," Thompson says.

The Thompsons, who are members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, thought that the church's former building would be a perfect home for the arts in Independence.

"In June 2009, a journey began to seek the advice from leaders from across the county and state."

"We have met with hundreds of leaders within our county and across the state of Mississippi and from the states of Alabama and Tennessee. Staff members from the Mississippi Arts Commission, The Gertrude Castellow Ford Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Mississippi and the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi have offered tremendous guidance. We are most grateful for their help and support."

The Thompsons envision a place where four areas of the arts - performing, literary, visual, and the culinary arts - are showcased. They hope their location, close to both DeSoto and Marshall Counties, will help their group branch out into surrounding areas as well.

They are in the process of completing the steps to become a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, including filing certificates of incorporation and choosing members for a board of directors.

One of the Conservatory's first events is a tour of homes called Christmas in the Country. It is scheduled for Sunday, December 6 from 2 - 4 p.m.

Featured homes include those of Bill and Harriet Burford, Rick and Carla Dlugach, Bobby and Rebecca Ferguson, and David and Stephanie Stevens.

Other area attractions participating in the open house are the Albert G. Freeman Farms (which will highlight their tractor collection), the Feed Mill Restaurant, Jacey's, Katie's Antiques, Miller Place Bed and Breakfast, and Richard Todd's Feed and Hardware.

The Conservatory also plans a performance of The Joyous Pianos in Concert on December 27 at 2:00 p.m.

Eight local and guests pianists will be performing Christmas classics and hymns, and special guests will be The Celebration Strings from Bellevue School of the Performing Arts.

Tickets for the tour and The Joyous Pianos are $10 for each event, and reservations may be made by calling 233-1385, 501-0429 or 501-0899.

Tour tickets may be picked up, along with tour maps, on December 6 from 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. in the courtyard of the Independence Arts Conservatory, 87 Mt. Zion Road in Independence.

Email News Editor Melissa Turner

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