Olive Branch Arts Council

05/14/2026

05/06/2026

The Olive Branch Arts Council supports and encourages our readers to participate in helping promote arts in the High School. As patrons of the arts please help promote the following project.

Mrs. Bills with the Olive Branch High School reached out to the Olive Branch Arts Council seeking support for “Donors Choose Projects.” She teaches grades 9-12 and is seeking donations through this project for creative art projects for the High School art classroom.
General Motors and the Sonic Foundation will match donations if all materials have been donated by July 26.
Please visit the following websites for information on how to donate and supplies needed.
https://www.donorschoose.org/sl/6AXJmR3se4
https://www.donorschoose.org/sl/GB8tsR7w3

05/04/2026

Marilyn Pickle, with the Olive Branch Arts Council, held a quilling class at the Olive Branch Public Library April 20th. The participants enjoyed learning how to roll and shape strips of paper to create their design.

04/16/2026

Olive Branch Arts Council Secretary Doris Thompson presented a donation check to Olive Branch WinShape Camp host team member Michael Carpenter. Proceeds will help supply art project supplies for approximately 300 campers at the 2026 WinShape Camp, held at First Baptist Church Olive Branch June 29-July 3.

03/16/2026

07/22/2025

Art Camp at the Library sponsored by the Olive Branch Arts Council. Directed by board member Marilyn Pickle.

06/27/2025

Olive Branch college student wins scholarship at chalk art contest

Fantasia Jones has been doing art her whole life and was the first entry in a chalk art contest hosted at the Wesson House.

Jones’ piece, a mural depicting key facets of Olive Branch culture and history and went on to win her a $500 scholarship courtesy of the Olive Branch Art Council.
“It’s amazing, I didn’t know that was being offered.” Jones said.
The Wesson House, the home of the first mayor of Olive Branch, Ben Wesson, is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, but is not open to the public most of the year. The landmark is also a cornerstone in the Old Towne revitalization spearheaded by Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams. Part of that effort is both opening the house for tours and putting on city events on the grounds.
The first of these events is “Our History in Chalk,” a chalk-drawing contest in which participants illustrate scenes of Olive Branch history or create a piece about the city’s history. Jones’ piece was a mural depicting the Olive Branch High School logo, a portrait of Chief Lush-Pun-Tubby, who sold the land that would become Olive Branch to Milton Blocker was founded, and other symbols that are significant to Olive Branch.
“The train and the music notes, we have a very rich band community, and I was in the marching band. I played the clarinet for about six years.” Jones said.

Olive Branch Arts Council head Dena Richardson said Jones deserved the award because she is an excellent art student and impressed her with the chalk piece.
“I felt like she deserves this. This was not something planned, this was an on-the-spot thing she deserves, and I am proud to be able to present a college art student a scholarship.” Richardson said.
Jones said she plans on using the $500 to help her get the technology she needs going into her IT major at University of Memphis, as well as continuing her artistic expression.
“Art supplies are expensive, and I needed it so bad. Technology is extremely expensive, so thank you so much.” Jones said.

10/28/2024

Olive Branch Arts Council donated money to Chickasaw Elementary Special Ed Art Class to buy supplies to paint these festive paintings that were for sale today at the OBHS Festival. These are paintings Rita and Dena bought. I love good artwork!!!

10/10/2024

Olive Branch Arts Council President Rita Schelly presented a donation to Chickasaw Elementary 3rd Grade ELA Special Educator, Krissy Gagne, to buy art supplies for a paint project for her students. Paintings will be for sale at the School Fall Festival. Proceeds will go towards implementing a sensory corner in each Special Education room.

08/20/2024

Olive Branch Arts Director Dena Richardson with President Rita Schelly presented a check for the renovation of the Olive Branch Middle School Auditorium sound system. Justin Bixler is the OBMS theatre teacher and is overseeing this project.