The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center

The old Ocean Springs High School building - Home of the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center for Arts and Education
Ocean Springs Public School, circa 1927

News

March 4, 2008 - Call to Artists for Bridge Mural Designs. The City of Ocean Springs is inviting artists from Jackson County to participate in a project that will produce a mosaic mural to be created by Gulf Coast artist Elizabeth Veglia on the four concrete bridge panels installed on the beach adjacent to the yacht club. Four artists or artist teams will be chosen to input designs for the project. Each of the four will receive a stipend of $5,000 for the winning entries. Details in pdf file.

World Cinema at The Mary C. Monthly classic film festival. Details.

2006 Ocean Springs Music Festival, August 4 and 5. Details

Supporters - December 2005 - The Mary C. welcomes First Chemical of Pascagoula as a substantial supporter of the Friends of The Mary C. First Chemical joins Jeff O'Keefe, Jerry O'Keefe, and Bob Myer as Proscenium Arch Medallion members. Our thanks to you all.

Photo Tours - January 2006 - Take an online photographic tour. Click a tour description below.

Mailing List - We'll be sending email news bulletins on events and new developments from time to time. Click here if you'd like to add your addess.

Detail from James McConnell Anderson's bayou mural, formerly at the Jackson County Courthouse. Click here for more murals.

The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center is the keystone of the public arts community in Ocean Springs. Located in the historic Ocean Springs Public School Building on Government Street, the Center provides a diverse set of programs and facilities for the arts.

Working with the City of Ocean Springs, the Friends of the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center for Arts and Education are dedicated to restoring the 1927 Ocean Springs School building and to providing an environment for artistic activities including music, visual and performing arts and education. The Friends of the Mary C. are responsible for the administration and operation of the Center.

A Brief History

Mary C. O’Keefe, a progressive educator, was named the first woman public school superintendent in Mississippi. She instilled a spirit of learning and raised the level of education. In 1999, this facility was named in her honor.

The building was constructed in 1927 and is a primary historic landmark of Ocean Springs. The school’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places indicates the significance of this building in our community’s heritage.

The effort to save the building and create a community arts center began in 1998 and moved ahead quickly with the incorporation of the Friends of the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center in October 1999. Since then, a major renovation has been completed and work continues on development of expanded facilities in the building. Funding has been provided by the VA/HUD, Department of the Interior, State of Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Mississippi Arts Commission, Jackson County Board of Supervisors, the City of Ocean Springs, and by generous contributions - large and small - from local people and organizations.

Hours:

Monday - Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturdays and Sundays - by appointment