The Cullis Wade Depot Gallery is currently showcasing a series of 88 unique posters created for various performing artists, festivals, icons and more in the exhibit “LIVE! In Concert” by artist Jamie Burwell Mixon.
Mixon, an alumnus of Mississippi State University, serves as a professor emerita within the College of Architecture, Art and Design after retiring from her 29-year-stint as a graphic design coordinator.
She has been working on this particular collection for years, reaching back even into her days as an undergraduate.
“I started making concert posters in college as a member of Music Maker Productions,” Mixon said. “During my era, we had Bruce Springsteen, Linda Ronstadt, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Peter Frampton, Earth, Wind and Fire, Kansas and beyond. Really large acts, and I had the opportunity to make posters for all of these concerts. Lots of fun for an art major and really set me on my path!”
In fact, the first poster of Mixon’s that greets guests upon entering the gallery is one signed by Bruce Springsteen himself, a signpost of just how significant these initial opportunities were for her.
Dixie Lyn Boswell serves as the gallery director and exhibition coordinator for the MSU art galleries. When asked about the decision to display Mixon’s works, she said that it was part of the gallery’s tradition to host an alumni exhibition every fall semester and that discussions with Mixon about this particular display began roughly one year ago.
“The exhibition is a mini-retrospective of concert and event posters by a local, nationally recognized designer,” Boswell said. “Showcased works are Mixon’s signature style while also being specific for each performer or band.”
Mixon’s “signature style” encompasses bright colors, bold typeface and line work, which are three of the most prevalent traits within the posters. Overall, though, Mixon stated that she simply hoped to capture the energy of the artists.
“I spend time listening to and watching videos of each act before designing,” Mixon said. “I am very familiar with most bands, but if not, I end up knowing a lot about the music and personalities by the end of the process.”
Kore Larry, a senior studying international business and Spanish, recently began working with the Cullis Wade Depot Gallery. When asked about her experiences so far, Larry stated that she was enjoying the environment, particularly with Mixon’s exhibit being on display right now.
“It is super cool,” Larry said. “You get to meet people who are definitely interested in music, so a lot of my conversations have been about the artists and everything.”
While there are several music-centered posters in the exhibit, those are not the only kind of posters to be found. In particular, Larry directed me to her favorite piece in the exhibit, a poster dedicated to Eudora Welty, the famed Mississippi writer.
Boswell also chose a non-musician as her favorite, citing Mixon’s poster of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, commissioned for a lecture series the late U.S. Supreme Court justice conducted.
Boswell remarked on her hope with this particular exhibit, citing a desire to see every visitor connecting with the pieces, whether that be through simple enjoyment or even an “I need to see them next time they come through” moment. In particular, she expressed hope that art students would dedicate time to visiting and analyzing the pieces, but she warned against more casual viewers feeling too intimidated by the space.
“The galleries are for everyone,” Boswell said. “Our spaces are not graveyards where one has to be quiet and reverent. Nor are they for people ‘in art.’ Everyone in the world is creative in their own way. We welcome questions, conversations and discoveries from all walks of life.”
What can be expected next from Mixon and the MSU art galleries? Mixon shared that she is currently working on posters for country music artists Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson.
“My horizon is filled with music posters!” Mixon said.
As for the MSU art galleries — the Cullis Wade Depot, the Charlotte and Richard McNeel Gallery and the Visual Arts Center Gallery — Boswell stated that this fall they will be exhibiting “Where Shadows Cease” by Susan Burnstine. This will be part of the dairy-themed sixth annual College of Architecture, Art and Design and College of Agricultural Life Sciences Exhibit hosting “Overuse and Recharge” by Steve Rossi.
Mixon’s exhibit is open to the public and closes on Oct. 5.
