About Us
Enhancing the Arts In Byhalia and Beyond
Purpose Statement
The purpose of Byhalia Area Arts Council shall be to support and enhance cultural arts opportunities for all residents of Byhalia and the surrounding regions.
Our History
In 2008, a small group of Byhalia residents assembled to dream about an arts council. Working with the Town of Byhalia, Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce, and Mississippi Main Street Association, they carved out a future place for celebrating the arts in the Byhalia area.
In 2011, the vision of those few, with the help of many, become a reality as the Byhalia Area Arts Council (BAAC) was established as a 501c3 non-profit corporation.
The BAAC is comprised of a Board of Directors, who meet regularly to plan and coordinate art events as well as strategize goals for the Council. The BAAC began using the Byhalia Old School Commons, owned by the Town of Byhalia, in 2011 as their arts programming headquarters and the location to host art events. Since then, the building’s use has grown tremendously.
The BAAC understands the importance of incorporating the local community into its efforts. To gain the level of activity and engagement they have acquired, BAAC has partnered with the community in many of their efforts. They provide the opportunity for area art lovers to become BAAC financial supporters with an option of support levels, allowing citizens to assist arts programming for their area. Along with financial support, the BAAC has local volunteers that provide aid during the programs, events, and activities, creating a network of citizens invested in the arts programming of Marshall County.
Meet Our Board
Susan Bonds (President)
Telesa Wright (Vice President)
Telesa Wright is a seasoned real estate professional with over 12 years of experience, proudly serving as a Multi-Million Dollar Club Member. She’s a licensed realtor in Mississippi and Tennessee, holding certifications as a Certified Real Estate Team Specialist (C-RETS) and Luxury Certified. Telesa and her husband, Benjamin, are the dynamic owners of Bespoke Realty, formerly known as Wright Team and Associates, a thriving full-service Real Estate company.
In addition to her remarkable career, Telesa is a published author, known for “Boss Lady Confessions” and “Worth-It,” a collaboration with her husband, Benjamin. Her influence extends beyond the real estate world, with appearances on radio, television, and social media shows, as well as features in notable publications like Voyage Atl, Voyage Memphis, Fox News, NBC, CBS, South Reporter, The Arkansas Gazette, and Pigeon Roost News.
Telesa’s commitment to education and community is commendable. She has participated in various panels, hosts educational courses, and volunteers in schools, courts, and elderly homes. As a certified life coach and the gracious host of an annual High Tea event, she employs diverse teaching techniques to inspire and educate.
When not making her mark in the professional world, Telesa enjoys woodworking, reading, writing, and tackling DIY projects. Her personal life is equally fulfilling, as she’s the loving mother of six children and a cherished YaYa to three precious grandsons. With 16 years of wedded bliss to her soulmate, Benjamin, Telesa’s life beautifully balances professional success and family happiness.
Joy Crain (Treasurer)
Joy Crain is a passionate arts advocate and community member. Joy is a dedicated member of Byhalia United Methodist Church and the BUMC UMW. She also enjoys gardening and is a proud supporter of local businesses through the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce.
After a long and successful 44-year career at Roura Material Handling, Joy retired in 2020. She’s a certified yoga teacher, bringing peace and wellness to her life. Joy originally hails from Water Valley and attended Northwest MS Community College. Joy enjoys time with her husband Charles, their four children, and six grandchildren.
Patrick McGee (Artist Coordinator)
Patrick McGee is an active member of the Byhalia Area Arts Council (BAAC) board, contributing to events like Byhalia Arts & Eats, town murals, and monthly song shares. A seasoned musician and visual artist originally from Toledo, Ohio, Patrick moved to the Memphis area in 2018, bringing 25 years of musical expertise to the region. He’s performed solo, with numerous bands (including a 70’s R&B cover group), and in the avant-garde ensemble Logic Alley.
In 2022, Patrick released his EP, “Midnight Choirs and Cabarets,” featuring six original songs spanning Americana, folk, and country. He’s also exhibited his paintings at various venues, from Memphis Botanic Gardens to the Beale Street Art Crawl. Patrick resides in Byhalia, Mississippi, with his poet wife and pets. In his free time, he’s quietly mastering the art of BBQ tacos.
Anthony D'Wayne Moore
After creating a portrait for actor Morgan Freeman in 2001, artist Anthony D’Wayne Moore decided to take his art to the next level. Having started in Byhalia, Mississippi, Moore’s art encompasses realistic portraits, mixed media graphic, and rhythmic colorful works on railroad board. Themes that have been explored by the artist include retro musician portraits, Paris and American-Influenced Black Art, and commissioned works for clients. The artist has produced commissioned realistic portraits for over 20 years and continues to create unique works of art.
Additionally, Moore has worked as a Visual Art Teacher at Memphis-Shelby County Schools for over 13 years. He and his family currently live in Byhalia, Mississippi.
Faye Woods (Founding Executive Director, In Memoriam)
Faye Woods was the driving force behind the Byhalia Area Arts Council, an organization she founded with the belief that the arts could unite and uplift the community. With a long and successful career as an educator, Faye’s passion for teaching was matched only by her dedication to fostering creativity and culture in Byhalia.
Inspired by her deep love for the arts and the encouragement of her husband Tommy, Faye established BAAC, which quickly became a cornerstone of the community. Faye also contributed to various community organizations, but we are forever indebted to her work with the Byhalia Area Arts Council.
Faye Woods passed away in 2024, leaving behind a lasting legacy of creativity and community. Thanks to her vision, the arts continue to flourish in her beloved Byhalia.
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Rita Hobbs (Secretary)
Rita is a native of Byhalia. She is retired from Citizens Bank of Byhalia as a financial
officer and a director. Rita serves as co-trustee of The Margaret M. Grow Charitable Foundation.
She has been on the Byhalia Area Arts Council board for since 2019 and serves as
Secretary.
Rita loves working with local artists, libraries, schools, businesses, and civic organizations to promote all art development in our area. She especially enjoys working with the youth as they are developing and exploring their artistic abilities.
Michelle Forsythe
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Michelle got to Byhalia as soon as she could! She has a BS degree in journalism and political science from Ball State University. Employed by FedEx for 25 years, Michelle serves as a project manager on the sales proposal team. In her spare time, she passionately pursues photography, hand embroidery, lettering, junking, yoga, camping, and traveling. After teaching mixed media at the BAAC youth camp in summer 2023, Michelle became a BAAC board member. She wants to help others fearlessly unleash their creativity.
Jim Moore
Jim is a University of Mississippi alumnus with a BBA in Management Information System. He boasts a 30-year career in Information Technology, specializing in systems development and project management across diverse industries. Jim holds the distinguished certification of Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute.
In recent years, Jim has passionately dedicated himself to serving the community. He currently holds the position of Director at the Marshall County Historical Museum, a role he’s embraced for the past 6 years. Post-retirement, Jim’s commitment to volunteer work shines through his active involvement. He serves on the Board of Directors for Holly Springs Tourism, the Holly Springs Main Street Chamber, and the Byhalia Area Arts Council. Additionally, he’s a proud member of the Holly Springs Rotary Club. Jim’s extensive experience and strong community ties make him a valuable asset in various volunteer capacities.
Sarah Sawyer
Sarah Sawyer served as the Executive Director of the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce for over two decades, making a profound impact on the community. Her commitment extends beyond the professional realm, as she actively engaged in various leadership programs, focusing on volunteer development, grants, and non-profit organizations. Sarah’s passion for community development has been unwavering.
Sarah has left an indelible mark on numerous organizations, having served as a board member for the Byhalia Area Arts Council, actively contributing to Byhalia’s designation with Mississippi Main Street, and participating as a board member for the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi.
Education and achievement have been a constant theme in her life journey. She proudly graduated from the U.S. Chamber Institute of Organization Management and has been celebrated as one of Mississippi’s Top 50 Business Women.
On a personal level, Sarah is an active member of the Byhalia Garden Club, a dedicated member of the Byhalia United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. Family holds a special place in her heart, as she is a loving parent to two sons and doting grandmother to two cherished granddaughters. Her life is a shining example of the profound impact of leadership, education, and community dedication.
Margaret Williams
Margaret Williams, a versatile artist skilled in watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting, finds her deepest satisfaction in capturing the essence of life and her inner emotions through art. In her work, she revels in the intricate play of color, texture, and the interplay of light and shadow, drawing inspiration from the everyday. Margaret believes that even the most mundane and familiar scenes can hold hidden beauty, waiting to be uncovered.
Margaret’s true joy lies in helping others embark on their artistic journeys. As a teacher at the Byhalia Area Arts Council, she approaches art instruction with a profound respect for foundational techniques and a fervor for fostering individual expression. Her teaching philosophy embraces experimentation and taking artistic risks, principles she herself has explored extensively. Margaret’s passion is to guide others in revealing their concealed artistic potential and igniting their creative sparks.
Jessica Hughes
A lover of Mississippi and old things, Jessica Woods Hughes captures what we often don’t stop to look at. She makes time stand still and allows us to enjoy and preserve the character of our beloved towns. She starting taking pictures at a young age with an old Pentax 35 mm her grandfather gave her. Hughes took pictures mostly for herself until her grandmother needed pictures for an area art gala. She walked around her hometown of Byhalia, Mississippi and captured the big and small things. She never stopped from there. Her photography has placed 1st and 2nd in local art competitions, received Best of Category at Cotton District Arts Festival, and has been awarded spots in the national cotton calendar for The Cotton Board.
Hughes is a 2004 graduate of Mississippi State University, where she earned a B.S. in Education and is an alumna of the Delta Gamma Fraternity. She was a school teacher for 15 years and is
now part of the 4th generation working alongside her family at Woods Farm Supply.
Hughes resides in Byhalia, with her husband and children. Her children like to travel with her as she documents the beauty of our great state and have also developed a love for Mississippi and
its history.
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