Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery

Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery The Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery holds over 1,200 paintings of the artist Kate Freeman Clark.

Kate Freeman Clark, a privileged daughter of Southern aristocracy, left her Holly Springs, Mississippi home for New York in the early 1890's, bent upon using her talents to become something more than a "commonplace girl." Accompanied by her mother, a widow, she came under the tutelage of William Merritt Chase, America's most famous art master of the day. In time, she came to be known as one of the

most accomplished of Chase's disciples and was ensconced in the innermost circle of his vast student following. Adopting the professional name "Freeman Clark" to conceal her gender, she exhibited canvases in prestigious shows throughout the country. Just before the First World War, however, events – both public and private – began to conspire against her, and by 1923, though at her peak, she abandoned her easel and returned to her ancestoral home in the South, never to paint again. Unmarried and without close kin, "Miss Kate" – as the home folks always called her – feared that she and her family would be forever forgotten after her death. To prevent their lives from slipping into this oblivion, she bequeathed for the enjoyment of the people of Holly Springs, a part of her estate, including the many hundreds of paintings and sketches she had produced, and plans for creating a "museum of fine and social arts" to house them. Cynthia Grant Tucker
"Kate Freeman Clark: A Painter Rediscovered"

Join us Saturday June 6th at 4:30pm for the Plein Air First Glimpse & Awards Presentation — celebrating art, community, ...
05/20/2026

Join us Saturday June 6th at 4:30pm for the Plein Air First Glimpse & Awards Presentation — celebrating art, community, and the beauty of painting outdoors.

Guests will enjoy refreshments and beverages while viewing freshly created plein air works completed throughout the day by participating artists.

Meet the artists, hear award announcements, and take advantage of the opportunity to purchase original paintings inspired by the charm and landscapes of Holly Springs.

Tickets are $20 per person. Discounted admission is available for current museum members. Not sure of your membership status? We’ll be happy to assist you. Memberships may also be purchased or renewed at the event.

Enjoy these photos from last year’s wonderful evening as we look ahead to another memorable celebration of art in Holly Springs.

Long before the gallery that now bears her name, Kate Freeman Clark traveled to New York to study at the famed Shinnecoc...
05/18/2026

Long before the gallery that now bears her name, Kate Freeman Clark traveled to New York to study at the famed Shinnecock Hills Summer School of Art under celebrated American Impressionist William Merritt Chase.

This rare photograph captures Kate sizing up the landscape she would soon paint en plein air — the tradition of painting outdoors, directly from life, light, and atmosphere. With easel in tow and nature as her studio, she embraced a practice that helped shape her artistic journey.

On Saturday, June 6, 2026, artists are invited to continue that tradition during our Plein Air Holly Springs event at the Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery. Spend the day painting throughout historic Holly Springs and celebrating the spirit of outdoor painting that inspired Kate’s work.

Guests are invited to join us for the reception and awards presentation beginning at 4:30 p.m., where the day’s fresh works of art will be exhibited and available for sale.

Artists wishing to participate may comment below for registration information or email [email protected].

A wonderful afternoon of creativity and community unfolded today at Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery during a collage work...
05/18/2026

A wonderful afternoon of creativity and community unfolded today at Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery during a collage workshop led by Ann Brock. Guests created whimsical bird collages filled with texture, color, and imagination while enjoying refreshments and the inspiring setting of the gallery.

It was a joyful afternoon of creativity, conversation, and community, with each collage reflecting the unique style and personality of its creator. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day so memorable.

Next up is our Plein Air event on June 6. Stay tuned to this page for forthcoming details, artist information, and ways to participate in another inspiring celebration of art.

05/13/2026

Snipping, sorting, layering, sipping — preparations are underway for an afternoon of creativity with artist Ann Brock. ✂️🥂

A few seats still remain for our collage workshop coming up this Sunday, May 17th at 2pm, and we’d love to have you join us. Come create, unwind, and leave with something uniquely your own.

Sign up below or text Kathy at 662-252-0872.

Cut, layer, arrange — and let your imagination take flight! A few spots remain for our upcoming Collage Art Workshop wit...
05/12/2026

Cut, layer, arrange — and let your imagination take flight!

A few spots remain for our upcoming Collage Art Workshop with Ann Brock this Sunday, May 17th beginning at 2pm at the Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery. $50 per person.

Comment below or text Kathy Elgin at 662-252-0872 to reserve your spot!

05/11/2026
Inspired by the light-filled spirit of Kate Freeman Clark, join us on June 6 at the Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery for o...
05/05/2026

Inspired by the light-filled spirit of Kate Freeman Clark, join us on June 6 at the Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery for our annual Plein Air Event.

Artists will spend the day painting throughout the community, capturing the beauty of the moment as it unfolds.

That evening, gather with us for a Reception & Wet Paint Sale—featuring fresh works created that very day.

✨ Watch art in the making
✨ Celebrate local talent
✨ Take home something special

Feathers, Scissors & Fizz ✂️🐦🥂Spend your Sunday afternoon cutting, layering, and creating your own vibrant bird collage—...
04/29/2026

Feathers, Scissors & Fizz ✂️🐦🥂

Spend your Sunday afternoon cutting, layering, and creating your own vibrant bird collage—no experience needed, just a love of color and a little curiosity. Inspired by Henri Matisse and his playful “drawing with scissors,” this workshop is all about simple shapes, bold choices, and letting creativity take flight.
Led by artist Ann Brock

Sunday, May 17 | 2PM
$50 per person | Space is limited

Sign up by commenting below or text Kathy Elgin at 662-252-0872

Address

300 E College Avenue
Holly Springs, MS
38635

Telephone

+16622525300

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