d musical instruments fill the Colvard Student Union Gallery on the second floor of the Colvard Student Union as Mississippi State University showcases the art of Barbara E. Holmes Howell through Nov. 1.
Howell, MSU and Famous Maroon Band alumna, attended MSU from 1959-1963 and later from 1973-197, and received a bachelor of science and master’s degree in elementary education.
Howell was an involved student. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority, The Reflector staff, “Reveille” Staff, Baptist Student Union and on the MSU President’s Cabinet, but she said her role in the Department of Music had the greatest impact on her.
“I was a member of Mrs. Catherine Wasson Women’s Chorus, majorette and played bass/alto clarinet in the Famous Maroon Band,” she said. “I taught twirling and organized the MSU band camp newspaper for camp 1963. Since then I’ve served, when needed, as house mother for band camp.”
The art exhibited in the union displays a wide array of the Famous Maroon Band’s history. Howell created a painting to honor each band director. These pieces include “Dr. Crowder Hail State,” “James Hejl Band Go State” and “Dr. Sills Band America.”
Calvin Lin, senior engineering major, spoke admiringly of the watercolor painting “James Hejl Band Go State” and said he was in awe of how precisely Howell captured the massiveness of MSU’s football stadium.
“This painting really sticks out to me because it portrays a different perspective,” he said. “It emphasizes the vastness of Davis Wade Stadium.”
Howell’s paintings focus on the history of the Famous Maroon Band and its development over time. Howell said she donated six of these historical paintings to the new MSU Band and Choral Rehearsal Facility in appreciation of the legacy the band leaves behind.
“I want to contribute the six historical paintings I’ve completed in my family’s name to the new MSU Band and Choral Rehearsal Facility,” she said. “The band not only plays beautiful music. It also makes a symphony of memories for many.”
Kaitlin DeWitt, senior food science, nutrition and health promotion major, visited the gallery and said the artwork enhanced her school spirit.
“Through the pictures you can see the evolution of the alma mater, the band uniforms and campus itself,” she said. “It makes you proud to be a Bulldog, to see that development and know you have personally contributed to the betterment of our state.”
Although the original watercolor paintings of the Maroon Band’s history are not for sale, prints of the artwork are available to purchase. While some of Howell’s paintings come with a price tag out of range for a college student, prints are $20.
Luis Jaar, junior mechanical engineering major, said he gained a newfound respect for artwork after visiting the gallery, which gives students of all majors the opportunity to encounter creative work.
“As an engineering major, our daily activities mostly deal with numbers and symbols. All of our work can become dry and lifeless,” he said. “I can’t say how refreshing it is to be able to come here and see how someone has imprinted part of their soul onto these paintings. It has aroused a respect for art majors and art in general for me.”
Howell’s artwork not only portrays the musical side of MSU, but the Love of Art and Music Art Gallery displays Howell’s original paintings unrelated to MSU. Until Nov. 1, students of all stripes have the chance to visit the Colvard Student Union Gallery to view the illustrations of a true Bulldog who supports her alma mater years after graduation.
