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The Starkville Area Arts Council will host its first annual U40 Exhibit, a juried art show for artists aged 18 through 40.
SAAC will host a free, public reception at 7 p.m. Feb. 24 at Nine-Twentynine Coffee Bar to kick off U40, with a month-long display of artworks from the artists at Nine-Twentynine.
U40 will follow the Art in Public Places model, with works being listed for sale. SAAC will collect and pay taxes on behalf of the artist for any work sold, and the artists will keep 80 percent of the proceeds.
"It's critical that we encourage and highlight young and emerging artists," SAAC Executive Director John Bateman said. "Sharing and exhibiting work is an important part of building confidence, gauging feedback and connecting with a larger community. I want every talented artist to learn how to market and sell, so they can build the skills to earn a living doing what they love."
Bateman said working with Gumtree Museum of Art is a fantastic opportunity to share young artists with north Mississippi.
Belle Naughter, executive director of the Gumtree Museum of Art, is this year's juror for the U40 exhibit. Naughter received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Mississippi State University in 2008 and has been executive director of Gumtree Museum of Art and the Gumtree Festival since October 2008.
"I am honored to jury this exhibit and look forward to partnering with John and the SAAC on projects that will bring north Mississippi closer together," Naughter said.