Variety & Execution: Dunlap Praises Juried Fondren Show | Arts & Culture

Humility goes a long way. So does being a character.

For world-renowned artist William Dunlap, there's a bit of both at play. The Webster County born artist, arts commentator and educator has had a career that has spanned more than three decades. His paintings, sculpture and constructions are found in places like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, IBM Corporation, Federal Express and United States Embassies throughout the world, among many others. As we gleefully note his body of work and notoriety, his quick wit helps him respond: “well, I'm not trying to keep it a secret.”

Dunlap is a born and bread Mississippian, a product of Mathiston to be exact. He still maintains a family place there as part of his trifecta of studios and work spaces (the other two are in McClean, Virginia and Coral Gables, Florida.) Speaking of his home state, Dunlap says he's “gone away but never gotten away.” A 1969 University of Mississippi graduate, Dunlap returns “home” as often as he can. “I'll be back later this month,” he says.

He pops up on the Fondren radar for many reasons, the least of which is his role in tomorrow night's opening reception of juried art at The Cedars, a first of its kind show for the historic property. But it's a role he's not necessarily comfortable playing. 

Read more from William Dunlap at finditinFondren.com.