A Bit About
Mississippi School of Folk Arts
The Folk Art Adventure
In 2018, several Natchez craftsmen began to discuss the possibility of a folk school to teach traditional crafts and to continue and expand upon courses in fine arts already being offered in Natchez. The result of these conversations is Mississippi School of Folk Arts. Mississippi School of Folk Arts is a 501(c)3 non profit organization dedicated to the finest instruction in both fine arts and traditional crafts. Focusing on regional artists, working with Mississippi Arts Commission, Mississippi Artist Guilds, and other regional art organizations, as well as The National Endowment for the Arts, MSFA strives to bring the best artist instructors to their studios to enhance the lives of those coming to Natchez to learn something new or hone their craft.
The arts in Mississippi are found in every corner of the state, MSFA is located in beautiful Natchez, Mississippi, a gem on the Mississippi River overlooking Louisiana. Natchez has plenty to offer beyond the growing art community, it is steeped in history, rich with beautiful architecture, offering local shopping and dining for visitors. When taking advantage of the opportunity to enrich your life with creative learning, be sure to take the time to wander around to see the beauty surrounding the region.
MSFA is bringing together like minded creative thinking people in an environment where the traditional arts are celebrated. Mississippi has a rich heritage of craftsmen and artisans and we are celebrating that history with hands on workshops, team building events, exhibitions, lectures, ongoing classes, children's programming and community events. We provide an environment where everyone can have the opportunity to touch the past by using the tools and materials of generations of artists and craftsmen, preserving the arts in the process.
Located in downtown Natchez, Mississippi, directly across from the Convention Center, classes are currently being offered in painting, printmaking, dyeing and textile arts, pottery and clay arts, and jewelry making. The large light filled studios were formerly used by Conner Burns of Burns Pottery, now located in a newly renovated studio on the same Franklin St property.
To learn more and stay up to date with our schedule, please email us msfolkart@gmail.com and ask to be on our mailing list. We also list all of our classes on our Class page.
How to find us
Main Campus/Franklin Campus
209 Franklin Street
Natchez, Mississippi
Mississippi School of Folk Arts is located in beautiful downtown Natchez, Mississippi. We are located across the street from the Natchez Convention Center and next door to the Natchez Community Center. We are just a block from the beautiful bluff above the Mississippi River, some of the most beautiful views from along the river can be seen from just a short walk down the crepe myrtle lined streets. Most downtown restaurants are an easy walk from our campuses. Franklin Street and Main Street offer many interesting shopping options for those interested in taking a look around our little town while here.
Natchez is located in southwest Mississippi, along the Mississippi River. Approximately 3 hours from New Orleans, Louisiana, 2 hours from Jackson and Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and 1.5 hours from both Alexandria and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Tucked away in one of the most beautiful corners of the state, Natchez is a wonderfully historic city surrounded by natural and historical places to see on your trip here.
If you are flying in to one of the regional airports and choose not to rent a car, we recommend Downtown Karla Brown for her shuttle services. She also offers wonderful tours of the area for those extending their stay or traveling with others who won't be taking a course. We are walking distance from several B&B options and Natchez Grand Hotel is across the street.
Mississippi School of Folk Arts
209 Franklin St.
Natchez, MS 39120
msfolkart@gmail.com 601-493-4242
Please send mail to:
P.O. Box 696
Natchez, MS 39121
