If you are ever looking for a place to entertain guests, show your artwork or even hold a meeting the Yocnapatawpha Arts Council’s Powerhouse Community Arts Center is the place to go to. With their friendly staff and great historic building this is perfect place to begin. The Powerhouse is holding numerous events to showcase local artwork and raise money for their new renovations to the building.
The Powerhouse is a place that hosts events for the Oxford community. Beth Ziegenhorn, Operations Coordinator for the Powerhouse, said, “The Powerhouse has some great events coming up like the Oxford Arts Crawl. This is the first time we have done this event and we are really looking forward to a huge community turnout.” The Oxford Arts Crawl is an event where five art galleries will showcase their new art with artists from the community. You can park your car in one place on the square and be shuttled by the Double Decker bus from each gallery like The Powerhouse and Southside Gallery. They also encourage people to stay and eat on the square after the free exhibitions. The Oxford Arts Crawl will be held once a month starting March 22.
A fundraising event that the Powerhouse is also hosting is the Miss-I-Sippin’ Beer and Food Tasting. The Powerhouse is teaming up with the University of Mississippi Hospitality Management students to host this event. Executive Director for the Powerhouse, Wayne Andrews said, “This is our third annual beer and food tasting event and last year the tickets were sold out. We were able to raise over $3,000 and split it with the Hospitality Management program who are raising money for a scholarship. This event allows these students to be hands-on when making the food which gives them great knowledge and experience on how to plan and work an event.” Mississippi based businesses donate all the food ingredients like Papa John’s dough and Delta Pride catfish, and the students make all the menu items. The event is March 31 and tickets are now being sold at $35 per person or if you are an arts council member or a student the tickets are priced at $25.
The Powerhouse also holds art classes for children and is rented out for banquets, formals, wedding receptions and local events. Crystal Gardner, a student at The University of Mississippi, said, “I have attended numerous events at the Powerhouse like the Ducks Unlimited Banquet, date parties and The Susie Haskins Bash. Each event is great and the Powerhouse has a great stage for bands to perform. They are always showcasing wonderful pieces of art along the old brick walls.” The Powerhouse provides a great place to rent for an event which in return is going to a good cause.
