Just about everyone in Jackson (maybe even statewide) knows Josh Hailey’s name. From local rappers to news-making politicians and those Millsaps “Are you one?” billboards, Josh has captured Jackson life on film. When he’s not stealing snapshots, you might catch him prancing around in that gold lame bodysuit of his. He’s a permanent fixture in the capital city. Until he’s not.
Josh Hailey is moving to Los Angeles. What shall we do? Attend his exhibit, “I Love Mississippi: Jackson Retrospective,” and relive Hailey’s years in Jackson with him.
“This is my final show in Jackson before I expand to Los Angeles, Calif. I want to thank you, Jackson! For embracing me as a part of your great city and for being my home where I could get down and crazy with my art,” Hailey writes about the show. From “buildings to boobies,” he likes to say, Hailey’s show promises to be the perfect combination of everything that personifies him.
Musicians Patrick Harkins, Scott Albert Johnson, James Collette, Horse Trailer, The Furrows, TTOCCS REKARP, Hot and Lonely, J-Tran and The Quills with Josh Hailey (yes, he dabbles in music, too) will set the musical mood as patrons are invited to look (and buy) pieces of art. Then there’s dance–Nicole Marquez has choreographed something specifically for “I Love Mississippi”–body painting (you know how Hailey loves his body paint) and a T-shirt-making station. And if you’re not too embarrassed to capture it all on film, Adam Hudson Photography’s photo booth will be onsite, too.
For all the love he’s shown Jackson, join the JFP and the people who love Josh to bid him adieu at the Arts Center of Mississippi, Thursday, Dec. 2, 5 p.m.-midnight, for the “I Love Mississippi: Jackson Retrospective” exhibit. The only thing better than this Hailey-produced going-away exhibit/party would be a welcome back shindig. Here’s hoping!
Previous Comments
You will be sorely missed my friend- Ill see you tomorrow night for what I know will be the Art Show of The Year! Sincerely- KC
#161146 | Author: kcaven | Date: Dec 1 2010
Josh is in my list of top three Jacksonians, right up there with my wife and chane. Can’t wait for the party tomorrow but it will be bittersweet and sad to see him go. But, like myself and many others, Jackson calls us back and we probably haven’t seen the last of Mr. Hailey.
#161151 | Author: gwhiz | Date: Dec 2 2010
The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.