ABOUT GMA

The GumTree Museum of Art features exhibitions, workshops, Art Talks and special events year-round. In addition to high-quality exhibitions, the Museum highlights two student art shows each spring. All exhibitions are free and the public is invited to attend. GMA is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Education

GMA exists to cultivate an appreciation for the arts. We host educational programs and activities for artists and students of all ages. From our children’s educational art programs to the Art Talk lecture series available to the general public, we offer an array of opportunities for visitors and the community to interact with our permanent collection and visiting exhibitions. Art education is and will always be a priority.

The Window

The most intriguing feature of the front of the bank exterior is a decorative stained-glass wreath. Since the bank opened its doors early December 1905, it is assumed by some that it is a Christmas wreath, but the reason still remains a mystery. A more plausible explanation is the it is a symbol of good will and welcome.

The building was renovated in 1985 for a community art gallery named The Tupelo Artist Guild Gallery. The Guild Gallery became museum status in 1985. The name was changed to the GumTree Museum of Art, after receiving a collection of work by local artist, Susan Bean Goff.

Our Historic Building

  • Built in 1905. The construction cost was $20,000.

  • The building next door, (now FirstBank) was a clothing store named Hinds Brothers. Hinds Brothers burned on September 20, 1918 causing the People’s Bank to have fire damage to the roof and upstairs.

  • The People’s Bank (now Renasant) moved to its current Downtown Tupelo location on November 20, 1981.

  • During it’s time, the building was described as one of the most handsome bank buildings in the state.

Interior of the bank lobby in December of 1905
June 1957
Interior of the bank lobby, after renovation in November 1919.
Doris Smith is preparing to move from the Main Street vault to the new vault.

Board of Directors

Chairperson: Kathy Corban

Chairperson-Elect: Chris Hallmark

Secretary: Sally Elliott

Treasurer: Leslie Ausbon

Art Guild Representative: Maribeth Kirkpatrick

Whitney Pegues-Beck

Gail Boland

Anita Bryan

Jessica Clayton

Larry Coggin

Emily Hill

Mieko Kikuchi

Sarah McCullough

Julia Monts

Director: Molly Nolan