James Patterson Memorial Foundation
A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the work and legacy of esteemed Mississippi photographer, James Patterson.
Please join our inaugural event
James Patterson
Retrospective Exhibition
Join us for a night to celebrate the life and legacy of James Patterson. This retrospective exhibition will feature some of his most iconic and important photographs, available to view and purchase via silent auction for the first time since his passing in 2018. The community art event will feature music by local artists and cocktail reception with a cash bar and light snacks.
Musical Performances by
Bark
The Eric Stracener Trio
Rhonda Richmond
When
June 30th, 7-11pm
Where
Mississippi Museum of Art
Silent Auction
7-10:30pm
Tickets
$15 advance
$20 at the door
All proceeds go to funding for the Foundation
Our Mission
James Patterson left an indelible mark on the Mississippi community through his work as an artist, curator, and art advocate. Our mission is to preserve his legacy by supporting 3 key pillars that characterized some of his most important contributions to the artistic community.
Elevating Photography
James was a talented and prolific photographer whose life’s work was to capture the true nature of the people and places around him with elegant simplicity. He used his status as one of Mississippi’s great contemporary photographers to not only elevate the art form through his skilled and deliberate artistic approach, but also to support up-and-coming photography talent through mentorship and gallery showcases.
We endeavor to continue this important work by seeking out, supporting, and showcasing up-and-coming photographers, while also preserving and sharing James’s extensive portfolio for posterity.
Nurturing Community
Another important facet of James’s work was bringing people and art together. He is well noted for being the owner and curator of Gallery 119, an art space that transcended its function as a showroom by becoming a gathering spot for artists and art-lovers from all walks of life to share, discuss, and support creativity in all its forms.
In creating this cultural hub, James was an integral component of the revitalization of the Fondren district specifically, as well as Jackson’s art community as a whole.
We aim to continue his legacy of bringing people and art together by hosting annual artshows that invite people to experience art as a communal activity of sharing, connection, and inspiration.
Mississippi Advocacy
While James appreciated people and art from all corners of the globe, he was especially interested in uplifting his Mississippi community. From his work preserving the historic archives of Eudora Welty and capturing timeless portraits of our state’s many gifted musicians, to working with local media publications and showcasing artists from around the state in his gallery, James always propped up the talent and potential he encountered in this state.
We strive to continue this practice by supporting artistic achievement for Mississippi-based photographers for generations to come.
About James Patterson
In 2018, Mississippi lost one of its great sons with the untimely passing of James Patterson. James was a prolific, world-class artistic and commercial photographer who received the 2019 Mississippi Governor’s Arts Award.
Along with being one our state’s top photographers, with work published in The New York Times, Washington Post, Billboard, and Clarion-Ledger, James was also noted for taking on many other roles that enhanced the quality of life in Jackson and Mississippi. Among them, he’s well recognized for being:
A leader in the creation and development of a vibrant Jackson arts scene
An independent art gallery owner and curator in Fondren and Downtown Jackson
A conservation printer and co-publisher of Pulitzer Prize-winning Jackson author Eudora Welty's photography
A book editor for acclaimed Mississippi watercolorist Wyatt Waters
A managing editor of Jackson's independent Planet Weekly newspaper
A courageous promoter of progressive change in Mississippi
It has been stated that the theme of James Patterson’s life and work was community. But James did not seek to be nor see himself as a communitarian crusader. He was simply a very good and kindhearted person who genuinely cared deeply about others and showed his caring by investing his time and energy in them. As one colleague stated, “He gave so much of himself, but he did it in only James’s way. What I can tell you is that my story is special to me, but you know what? It’s one in about 300. It’s one in a thousand. Every person I run into has a story like that.”
Because of who he was and how he treated others, people were drawn to him. In that way, communities were formed and enhanced around him. He was truly loved by many, as the tremendous outpouring of affection he received in his final days demonstrated.
James Patterson still lives on fondly in the hearts of those whose lives he affected, and our hope is to sustain the rich social and artistic community he spent a lifetime cultivating.
Enjoy this wonderful radio program by MPB recapping his illustrious career.