MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – The Meridian Museum of Art’s biggest fundraiser of the year is set to bring food, music, and a celebration of creativity to downtown Meridian on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
From 6 to 8 p.m., Artini’s at the Museum will transform the museum into a lively evening experience themed “Renaissance Fare & Flair.” Attendees can expect live art, local music, themed cocktails, and the opportunity to bid on original artwork—all while supporting Meridian’s only dedicated art museum.
“This is Artini’s at the Museum. It’s the Meridian Museum of Art’s biggest fundraiser of the year. It’s going to be happening on June 19, which is a Thursday evening. Our theme this year is called Renaissance Fare & Flair,” said Chad Vance, event co-chair.
“We kind of debated a little bit about what the theme was going to be, and we feel like Meridian is going through a renaissance period with all these new businesses coming to town and lots of growth. Arts, culture, music, everything. So, we feel like Meridian is in a renaissance, and that’s what we chose for our theme,” Vance said.
For Stacy Howell, fellow co-chair, the experience is more than just a fundraiser—it’s an immersive celebration. “I enjoyed Artini’s last year so much. I had no idea I was going to enjoy it that much. From the moment you walk in, the stage is set with music, with costumes, with decorations. There was great, incredible food and themed cocktails, and just the people who were here. They were just in a festive spirit,” she said.
“This year our theme is Renaissance Fare and Flair, so I’m excited to be able to dress up,” Howell added. “Also, Fare on Eighth with a wonderful charcuterie board. We’re going to have some themed cocktails that Kelsey from Weidmann’s is making, and just all of the artwork. We got into a couple bidding wars last year, so I’m excited to see what we walk away with this year.”
The fundraiser plays a crucial role in supporting the museum’s year-round efforts to promote art in the community.
“The museum is one of a kind. It’s the only art museum we have in Meridian, and it’s important just to keep that alive. Keep it growing, keep fostering growth for future generations to take art lessons, to learn art, and to appreciate art,” said Vance.
Howell emphasized the museum’s impact. “They offer classes, there’s workshops, there’s rotating exhibits, there’s opportunities for students to display their artwork here, and there’s so many student groups who are able to come here,” she said. “To be able to support this fundraiser by purchasing a ticket, and/or a piece of artwork, it’s all for a great cause.”
The museum’s reach extends beyond its walls, according to Caleb Phillips, Director of Communication and Programs. “Well, we try to get local schools and nursing homes—we like to give them an opportunity to come here. We like to do demonstrations elsewhere if we can,” he said. “We’re about to put up our Rising to the Top exhibit at Anderson Hospital, which is winners from our Threefoot Competition that we do here.”
Phillips added, “I hope they see that the museum can be fun. We’re not just a silent look-around at art, but we can listen to some music, have some food and drinks, have a good time, talk to people, make some new friends, and also, it’s a great way to support the museum as well. Last year we made over $4,000 from artwork sales, that’s not counting tickets or anything.”
Next up for the museum is the 51st Annual Bi-State Competition, which opens July 8. “You see around me are previous Bi-State winners,” said Phillips. “We had 272 entries. I don’t know how many we’ll get in, but it’s going to be a great show.”
The museum remains committed to accessibility. “We always take donations, or become a member. That’s a great way to help us out. You’ll get news from us about things coming up, and it’s just a great way to support what we do here,” Phillips said.
Howell encouraged the community to come experience the event for themselves. “There’s also going to be some incredible live paintings that are going to be happening. There’s going to be musicians. So, it’s Artini’s as a lot of people know it, but it’s going to be up a notch this year,” she said.
Tickets for Artini’s at the Museum are $25 for museum members and $35 for non-members. For questions or to purchase tickets, call (601) 693-1501 or email [email protected].
“It’s just so much fun, and it’s all for a great cause,” Howell said.
For more information on the Meridian Museum of Art, click here.
