ABOUT GMA

The museum features exhibits, workshops, lectures and special events year-round. GumTree Museum of Art also serves as an invaluable resource for young artists, featuring exhibits of art from local schools twice each year. The museum is a non-profit organization; the exhibits are always free and open to the public.

The Window

The window remains a mystery.

The most intriguing feature of the front of the bank exterior is a decorative stained-glass wreath. Since the bank opened its doors late November early December, 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 that dates from Antiquity.

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

Board of Directors

Chairperson: Kathy Corban, Chairperson-Elect: Molly Nolan, Secretary: Sally Elliott, Treasurer: Leslie Ausbon, Whitney Pegues-Beck, Gail Boland, Anita Bryan, Jessica Clayton, Larry Coggin, Chris Hallmark, Emily Hill, Mieko Kikuchi, Sarah McCullough, Julia Monts. Art Guild Representative: Maribeth Kirkpatrick, Past Chairperson: Evie Storey, Director: Sally Kepple

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 lunch and learn 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.

History of the GumTree Museum of Art building

  • Built in 1905. Construction cost $20,000

  • Moved in the last of November and the beginning of December of 1905

  • The upstairs was rental space for businesses

  • The building next door, (now FirstBank) Hinds Brothers burned on September 20, 1918 causing the bank to have fire damage to the roof and upstairs of the bank. At this time the bank took over the entire building putting the boardroom upstairs.

  • The bank remained the People’s bank headquarters until November 20, 1981.

  • The Bank building which opened in December of 1905 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 for the moving of the old Main Office vault to the vault at the new Main Office

Interior of the bank lobby, after renovation in June 2022