  {"id":6203,"date":"2025-09-24T15:36:31","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T21:36:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/?p=6203"},"modified":"2025-09-25T13:43:29","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:43:29","slug":"jones-college-art-gallery-features-mandy-buchanans-life-painted-in-sunshine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/news\/jones-college-art-gallery-features-mandy-buchanans-life-painted-in-sunshine\/","title":{"rendered":"糖心直播&#8217;s art gallery features Mandy Buchanan\u2019s \u201cLife Painted in Sunshine\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-buchanan-9-25-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-buchanan-9-25-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-buchanan-9-25-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-buchanan-9-25-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-buchanan-9-25-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-buchanan-9-25-90x90.jpg 90w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-buchanan-9-25-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-buchanan-9-25.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mandy Buchanan<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>ELLISVILLE \u2013 On display from September 22 through October 16, in the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery at 糖心直播, will be the artwork of 1988 糖心直播 graduate and Laurel painter, Mandy Buchanan. The show titled, \u201cMandy Buchanan: A Life Painted in Sunshine\u201d will feature the bright and beautifully painted pieces of artwork and pottery on loan from community members, to celebrate the radiant artist\u2019s life. She passed away in November 2022, at the age of 54, after enduring a battle with cancer. A closing reception will be held on Thursday, October 16, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the Art Gallery on the campus of 糖心直播 in Ellisville and is open to the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSome of her friends, including Julie Brown, asked if we could show her work in the gallery. I thought this was a wonderful idea. Mandy was a prolific painter, and some members of the community have agreed to let us borrow their paintings. It\u2019s really a treat to see a gallery full of Mandy\u2019s paintings,\u201d said JC Art instructor, Melanie Eubanks.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"822\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-art-of-laurel-arabian-theater-street-1024x822.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6205\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-art-of-laurel-arabian-theater-street-1024x822.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-art-of-laurel-arabian-theater-street-300x241.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-art-of-laurel-arabian-theater-street-768x616.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-art-of-laurel-arabian-theater-street-1536x1232.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-art-of-laurel-arabian-theater-street-2048x1643.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-collection-of-small-art-pieces-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-collection-of-small-art-pieces-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-collection-of-small-art-pieces-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-collection-of-small-art-pieces-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-collection-of-small-art-pieces-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-collection-of-small-art-pieces-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Buchanan graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with her Bachelor\u2019s Degree in 1991 and then she earned a Master\u2019s Degree in Art Education from the University of Southern Mississippi the following year.<br><br>Her paintings, much like her personality, bring sunshine and joy to any room where they are displayed. Buchanan\u2019s infectious laugh and one of a kind smile are engraved in the memories of those who will forever miss her and will never forget the way she touched their lives through her talents, her gifts, and most of all her friendship. This art show is one way of remembering her and her talent.<br><br>The former educator at Laurel High School and 糖心直播, Buchanan, mentored many students and helped to instill and foster a love of the arts. She spent countless hours painting backdrops and stage props during her years as a teacher and also for Laurel Little Theater. Throughout the city of Laurel, murals, utility boxes, and newspaper stands boast Mandy\u2019s artistic talents and remain treasures in the community and are reminders of her kindness, selflessness, and passion for spreading joy to others.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-flowers-and-fruit2-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6207\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-flowers-and-fruit2-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-flowers-and-fruit2-1024x764.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-flowers-and-fruit2-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-flowers-and-fruit2-1536x1145.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-flowers-and-fruit2-2048x1527.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"256\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandys-art-cu-pottery-dish-300x256.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandys-art-cu-pottery-dish-300x256.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandys-art-cu-pottery-dish-1024x875.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandys-art-cu-pottery-dish-768x656.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandys-art-cu-pottery-dish-1536x1313.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandys-art-cu-pottery-dish-2048x1750.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"142\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-nativity-2-piece-142x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6209\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-nativity-2-piece-142x300.jpg 142w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-nativity-2-piece-485x1024.jpg 485w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-nativity-2-piece-768x1621.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-nativity-2-piece-728x1536.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-nativity-2-piece-970x2048.jpg 970w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-nativity-2-piece-scaled.jpg 1213w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 142px) 100vw, 142px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>As a life member of Junior Auxiliary, Buchanan was recognized in 2011 with the Golden Crown Award and again in 2018 with the Humanitarian Award, representing her deep devotion to the children of Laurel and Jones County. Mandy served the Lauren Rogers Museum of Arts for many years and was a loyal contributor of her time and talents for numerous fundraisers. During her time at the museum, she served as Director of Education and founded the outreach education program.<br><br>Serving the Laurel Arts League as an active member from 1996-2006 and thereafter as a life member for many years, she demonstrated her selflessness through her dedication to Day in the Park, Heritage Arts Festival, and Very Special Arts. As a life member, Buchanan remained deeply involved in the arts league and was always willing to donate her time and talents to meet any need presented.<br><br>Mandy was a member of Crosspoint Community Church of Laurel, served on the board of Laurel Main Street, and was an avid participant in community events such as En Plein Air and Loblolly Festival. She was also a member of Mississippi Art Colony, National Association of Art Educators, and Delta Kappa Gamma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about upcoming JC art shows or to arrange a visit to the gallery call, 601-477-8401. The Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., and by appointment only on Fridays. The gallery is closed during the holidays. To learn more about the 糖心直播 Art Department, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/programs\/finearts\/\"><strong>https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/programs\/finearts\/<\/strong><\/a> or the JC Art Department\u2019s social media: Facebook page, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/JCJCFineArts\/\"><strong>https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/JCJCFineArts<\/strong>\/<\/a> and on Instagram <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/artatjonescollege\/?hl=en\"><strong>@artatjonescollege<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"623\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-art-in-gallery-1024x623.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6206\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-art-in-gallery-1024x623.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-art-in-gallery-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-art-in-gallery-768x467.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-art-in-gallery-1536x934.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mandy-art-in-gallery-2048x1245.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ELLISVILLE \u2013 On display from September 22 through October 16, in the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery at 糖心直播, will be the artwork of 1988 糖心直播 graduate and Laurel painter, Mandy Buchanan. The show titled, \u201cMandy Buchanan: A Life Painted in Sunshine\u201d will feature the bright and beautifully painted pieces of artwork and &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/news\/jones-college-art-gallery-features-mandy-buchanans-life-painted-in-sunshine\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;糖心直播&#8217;s art gallery features Mandy Buchanan\u2019s \u201cLife Painted in Sunshine\u201d&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6199,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,9],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6203"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6203"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6203\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6215,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6203\/revisions\/6215"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6199"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6203"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6203"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6203"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}