Meridian Museum of Art to Celebrate 52nd Annual Bi-State Competition & Exhibition with Reception and Awards Ceremony

MERIDIAN, MS — The Meridian Museum of Art will host a reception and awards ceremony celebrating the 52nd Annual Bi-State Competition & Exhibition on Saturday, October 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Meridian Museum of Art, 628 25th Avenue. The event is free and open to the public.

The annual Bi-State is a juried exhibition presented by the Meridian Museum of Art that highlights contemporary artists from across Mississippi and Alabama. This year, 81 works of art were selected from more than 300 entries by juror James Ehlers, a faculty member at Baylor University and an accomplished artist and educator.

Ehlers earned his MFA from the University of Florida and previously spent 16 years at Emporia State University, where he served as Professor of Engraving Arts, Chair of the Art Department, and Interim Dean of the School of Visual and Performing Arts. His artwork has been exhibited throughout the United States and internationally, and he has led engraving workshops at national and international venues since 2007.

The 52nd Annual Bi-State Competition & Exhibition will award more than $3,000 in prizes, including a $1,000 Best of Show Cash Award. The awards will be announced at 3 p.m. during the October 10 reception.

Guests are invited to enjoy the exhibition, meet and celebrate participating artists, and take part in the awards ceremony. Refreshments will be provided by Weidmann’s.

“The Bi-State is an important tradition for the Meridian Museum of Art and for artists throughout Mississippi and Alabama,” said Caleb Phillips, Deputy Director. “Each year, the exhibition gives us an opportunity to showcase the talent and creativity of artists from across our region while bringing our community together to celebrate the arts.”

The 52nd Annual Bi-State Competition & Exhibition will remain on view through October 10. The exhibition features a range of contemporary artwork and reflects the diverse artistic practices of artists working throughout the region.

The 52nd Annual Bi-State Competition & Exhibition Reception and Awards Ceremony will take place Saturday, October 10, from 1–3 p.m., with awards announced at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Event Details:
52nd Annual Bi-State Competition & Exhibition — Reception & Awards Ceremony
Saturday, October 10, 2026
1–3 p.m.
Awards announced at 3 p.m.
Meridian Museum of Art
628 25th Avenue
Meridian, MS 39301
Free and open to the public

For more information, contact the Meridian Museum of Art at 601-693-1501 or meridianmuseum@bellsouth.net.