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Gore Galleries Director Randy Jolly Named Museum Art Educator of the Year


Randy Jolly

Gore Galleries director Randy Jolly brings passion for the arts world, solid management skills, and considerable talent as an artist.

The Vicksburg resident truly shines, a proven leader of the vibrant Mississippi College facility for the past decade.

Mississippi Art Education Association officials are impressed with Jolly’s work on the Clinton campus and selected him the state’s museum art educator of the year.

During his 10 years at Mississippi College, Jolly curated exhibitions by the legendary Sam Gore, booked a Hurricane Katrina photography exhibit, and recently brought a Bill Dunlap retrospective show to the gallery.

The Warren County resident works closely with schools and other organizations across Central Mississippi to promote gallery activities. His latest acquisitions include paintings by award-winning artists Wyatt Waters of Clinton and William Hollingsworth.

“MC houses one of the most aggressive university galleries in the state,” says Art Department Chairman Randy Miley. “This is largely due to the work of Randy Jolly.”

MC leaders say the award for Jolly is well-deserved.

“We at MC owe the tireless Randy Jolly a huge debt of gratitude for his superb leadership of the Gore Galleries,” says Ron Howard, vice president for academic affairs. “Randy is a talented artist himself and a fine teacher to boot. His guidance has made Gore Galleries exhibitions known far and wide. He richly deserves this prestigious award.”

The MAEA is a statewide organization of art educators with a zeal to utilize art to benefit creative processes for all students. The arts teach students problem solving that can apply to their lives. The organization helps keep teachers on the cutting edge of art education.

Wayne VanHorn, dean of the MC School of Christian Studies and the Arts, commends Jolly’s splendid service year-round. “He excels at what he does because he has a passion for art. He enjoys showcasing what other artists have accomplished.”

The galleries are named for Sam Gore, founding father of the MC Art Department and its retired chairman. Nearing age 90, the Clintonian continues to craft magnificent sculptures and teaches a sculpture class at his alma mater in his hometown.

Jolly was delighted to receive the honor from his peers in November. “I am honored to have a job I truly believe in and work in such a wonderful place. Mississippi College and the Department of Art is a real family and a place of nurture.”

And Jolly says he’s blessed to work with such talented people with a strong belief in Christ. “I thank the Lord each day for my family and the gift to share His love through the arts.”

During the holiday season, Jolly often puts on a white beard and familiar red costume as a jovial Santa Claus. Randy’s helped brighten the Christmas holidays for scores of children from the Wingard House. It’s a Christian ministry for homeless families in downtown Jackson. Children and family members are treated to a Christmas dinner and gifts every December at a heartwarming event sponsored by the Mississippi College Art Department.