Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill Honored with the 2024 Medal for the Arts
Oxford, MS – On April 22, 2024, the city of Oxford gathered at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for a special event that celebrated the local arts scene and honored the city’s mayor, Robyn Tannehill, with the prestigious 2024 Medal for the Arts. The annual ceremony also included performances from talented artists associated with the University of Mississippi.
The Medal for the Arts was established in 2022 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and support arts advocacy. This year’s event marked the third time the award has been presented, with Tannehill being the recipient among a crowd of community members and university students.
Ceremony Highlights
The ceremony featured a variety of showcases from different departments at the university, including performances by the Department of Music, Department of Theatre and Film, and Department of Art and Art History. These presentations not only celebrated Tannehill’s dedication to enhancing Oxford’s arts community but also highlighted the vibrant artistic talents at the university.
“We are proud to showcase the incredible talent within our university and honor Mayor Tannehill for her outstanding work in developing our arts community,” said a university spokesperson.
Robyn Tannehill’s Contributions
After graduating from the University of Mississippi with a degree in interior design, Tannehill played a prominent role as the director of the Oxford Tourism Council. She is credited with creating the Double Decker Arts Festival, which began in 1996 and has grown into a major event attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year.
The ceremony included a short documentary that showcased Tannehill’s positive impact on Oxford’s arts scene, focusing on her efforts to increase public art displays throughout the community.
Artistic Performances
Many performances throughout the evening featured talented individuals, including the UM steel orchestra, graduate student trombonist Fred Hadley, and poet Noreen Ocampo. In addition, John Carden, a musical theater professor, and Adrienne Park, a piano professor, performed for the audience. The event also featured a preview of UM Opera Theatre’s upcoming production, “The Turn of the Screw.”
One standout moment of the evening was the performance by Izzy Arthurs, an undergraduate English student and singer-songwriter, who delivered a mixture of original songs and popular covers, captivating the audience.
Student Artists Showcase
Before the ceremony commenced, a group of student artists displayed their work in a gallery at the Ford Center. Among the featured artists was Claire Baskin, a senior BFA major focusing on painting, who shared how the creative environment of Oxford has inspired her art:
“Being from a small town in Mississippi and coming to Oxford, I feel there’s such a large circle of artists here. There are so many influential people,” Baskin remarked.
Fellow senior Angel Morgan, who specializes in photography and printmaking, echoed the sentiment, expressing her unique perspective as a Filipino American documenting the South. She explained, “I enjoy being on site and around Oxford.”
Another BFA student, Victoria Ellis, emphasized the supportive artistic community in Oxford. “It’s really nice to be here and have the support of all of the local people,” she said.
Community Impact
The event not only celebrated Tannehill’s success but also reinforced the idea that Oxford is a nurturing environment for artists. The city has become a hub for creativity and support, creating a promising future for the artistic community.
As Oxford continues to thrive in arts and culture, events like the Medal for the Arts ceremony will remain significant in recognizing and celebrating local talent and community leaders.
