Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Harrison County Campus Fine Arts Gallery will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Gulf Coast Art Association with the 2026 GCAA Members’ Art Preview, on display September 7 – October 9.

Founded in November 1926 by artist William Woodward, the Gulf Coast Art Association is one of Mississippi’s oldest arts organizations. For a century, the organization has worked to encourage artists in a variety of media, enrich the community through art and provide opportunities for artists to learn from and inspire one another.

“I think GCAA has lasted 100 years because of dedicated artists who have desired to be in contact with others, to share experiences, and be inspired by fellow artists,” said GCAA President Odie Spence. “Also, it is a tool for continued education, since each artist brings something unique into the group.”

The association’s earliest meetings were held in the Biloxi area, with its first art show held at the Biloxi Library in February 1927. Over the decades, generations of Coast artists have contributed to the organization and helped establish its lasting presence in the region.

Among those artists was Josephine Alfonso, who joined GCAA during the first half of its history and became an active member for many years. Known for painting a wide range of subjects, Alfonso is still remembered by some of the association’s longtime members. GCAA traditionally honors her contributions with a fall exhibition. Later this year, an exhibit will feature selections of Alfonso’s work alongside works by GCAA founder William Woodward.

Today, GCAA continues its mission through exhibitions, monthly meetings, educational presentations and workshops. During its centennial year, support from members and the Harrison County Board of Supervisors has also allowed the association to offer free activities for children and adults in the community, including pine straw basketry, mirror-image painting, clay modeling, and drawing.

“The GCAA has been important for some who have retired and look for weekday and group activities as a hobby they may have hoped to add someday,” Spence said.

The 2026 GCAA Members’ Art Preview is free and open to the public.

A reception will be held September 24 from 12:20 – 1:20 p.m. in the Fine Arts Gallery.

The gallery is located in the Fine Arts Building, Building D, at MGCCC’s Harrison County Campus, 2226 Switzer Road in Gulfport. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday.

For more information, contact Gallery Director Cecily Cummings at cecily.cummings@mgccc.edu or 228-897-3909.