MERIDIAN – From comic books to television, Mississippi creators are making their mark on the world. This October, the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is hosting two events where you can hear how they do it: The Jackson Comics Experience on Saturday, Oct. 17, and A Conversation with Laura Kittrell on Thursday, Oct. 22.
Blake Barnes created Jackson Comics in 2022 with support from the Mississippi Arts Commission. The comic book series features Mississippi artists and stories about Mississippi, with an upcoming issue paying tribute to B.B. King and Eudora Welty. Mississippi Macabre #1, part of the series' horror anthology, includes "Robert Johnson at the Crossroads," written and illustrated by John Jennings, a New York Times bestselling graphic novelist. Jennings' work is on display now at The MAX in the Fred and Sissie Wile Changing Gallery.
Join us on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 12 p.m. for a panel moderated by Walt Grayson with Barnes, Talamieka Brice and Rod Mooney. They'll talk about how Mississippi artists put the state's legends and stories on the page. Workshops follow from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on visual storytelling, drawing emotions and creating and illustrating your own comics.
The afternoon wraps up with the opening of The Jackson Comics Exhibition, featuring work by Steven Butler, Justin Ransburg, Robin Martéa, Chris Windfield and other Mississippi artists. It's on view at The MAX through Dec. 5. An opening mixer runs from 3 to 4:30 p.m., with a set by DJ Venom (Phillip Rollins), who owns Jackson's comic book and record store Offbeat. The mixer is also the launch of Mississippi Macabre #2, with stories about the Three-Legged Lady, Bigfoot and other Mississippi cryptids. The panel, workshops and mixer are all free with admission.
On Thursday, Oct. 22, The MAX welcomes Meridian native Laura Kittrell home for a conversation at 6 p.m. about her career in television. Kittrell, a Peabody Award winner and Emmy nominee, created and is co-showrunner of Elle, a new Amazon Prime series that serves as a prequel to the Legally Blonde films.
Wear pink if you'd like, a nod to Elle Woods. Kittrell will talk about her path from Mississippi to Hollywood, including bringing a new chapter of the Legally Blonde story to life. Dr. Suzanne Hirsch, Executive Director of the Mississippi School of the Arts, will moderate.
RSVPs are encouraged for both events, which are chances to hear directly from Mississippi creators about their work. Additional information and registration are available at msarts.org/events. All events are free with admission or become a Friend of The MAX for free admission.
