Mississippi Artist Conner Burns Hosts Annual Event
Natchez, Mississippi, artist Conner Burns invites arts aficionados both near and far to set up their holiday events schedules early and plan to attend his once-a-year studio celebration—his Annual Open House and Sale on Saturday, December 11, from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at 209 Franklin Street—The Gallery of Conner Burns. Burns will give tours of his studio, provide an assortment of good food, and have his artwork displayed and available for purchase. As in years past, Burns introduces new artwork at this event.
In addition to Burns’ wares, the Annual Open House and Sale will feature guest artist Lil McKinnon-Hicks and her exclusive jewelry. McKinnon-Hicks is a metalsmith and jeweler who handcrafts all parts of her jewelry in her Jackson, Mississippi, studio. When asked about her jewelry, she explained, “All of my jewelry is made by hand, the way jewelry has been crafted since the earliest days of civilization. Every piece starts out as an ingot of gold or as a sterling silver sheet or wire, and then goes wherever my fancy takes me. Often embellished with pearls or gemstones, each piece is different and one of a kind. Working with my hands carefully, meticulously on such small-scale and detailed pieces brings me great joy. I hope that my jewelry, through its varied shapes, textures, and colors, connects with you—causes you to pause, lean in, and look a second time. As you do, may you realize that each piece is unique, yet with one thing in common . . . .”
Conner Burns has hosted an annual open house since 1999 and has been at his Franklin Street location since 2003. This year, however, marks a change in the date of the event. For a decade Burns hosted the event on Thanksgiving weekend but has chosen the second Saturday of December for this year’s open house. During this event, which attracts both local and regional art lovers to Natchez for the weekend, Burns opens his doors to the public and allows them to see what goes on inside his studio, not only the artwork but also the workspace and the kilns used to create the artwork. In 2009, Burns expanded his studio and facilities to occupy the entire building at 209 Franklin Street, and in 2010 he completed extensive renovations to the facility. The additional space has provided him the opportunity to experiment with his artistry in new ways. Come see what is new this year at the studio and gallery!
Burns works with clay, using natural materials and shapes that are subtle in both color and texture as he creates vessels—cups, bowls, teapots, vases, etc.—as well as sculptural items. Organic fluidity is his intention, such that each piece looks as if it “grew that way” rather than having been crafted that way. In addition to fashioning his artwork and operating his gallery, Burns teaches workshops across the nation to both professional and amateur artists. His work has been featured in books about teapots, bowls, glazes, cups, and pitchers and has received awards from galleries, art festivals, art associations, and national clay organizations. Of international notoriety, Burns’ work has been exhibited widely and is in collections across Europe, Asia, and the United States.
Events nearby and running currently or in the near future that feature Burns’ artwork include “Steep: An Invitational Teapot Exhibit” at the Red Dot Gallery in Birmingham, Alabama, through September 18; “Three Cups of Tea Invitational” in the Mississippi State University Gallery at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, September 26 through October 28; “Glazes and Surfaces” workshop at the Mississippi Craft Center in Ridgeland, Mississippi, October 9; and “Biblical References,” a presentation at First Baptist Church of Pineville in Pineville, Louisiana, November 7.
Other than the annual holiday open house, The Gallery of Conner Burns is open by appointment only by calling 601-446-6334. For additional information, visit www.connerburns.com.
