Published: July 01, 2009 12:13 am      

Meridianite appointed to Mississippi Arts Commission

from staff reports



Meridian resident and arts enthusiast Kris Gianakos has been appointed to fill the Mississippi Arts Commission board position recently vacated by fellow Meridian resident Dianne Walton.

Gianakos has held various leadership positions across the arts community in Meridian and Lauderdale County, including with the Meridian Council for the Arts, the Meridian Little Theater, and the Meridian Museum of Art. He is beginning to try his hand at creating his own art, studying under award-winning nationally recognized local artist Greg Cartmell.

"We are extremely proud to see Kris take his extraordinary energy to the state level on behalf of the citizens of Meridian," said Mayor John Robert Smith. "Kris has been a tireless advocate in working with myself and others within the city to bring the arts of all mediums to the most citizens possible. I'm sure he will continue that work with the Mississippi Arts Commission."

Meridian Council for the Arts President Debbie Martin said: "Kris brings a high level of passion to anything he does, but especially his work within the arts community. I have had the pleasure to work with him in the past and I cannot think of anyone better to take that passion to the state level for the people of Meridian."

The Mississippi Arts Commission is the state's official grant-making and service agency for the arts, as well as an active supporter and promoter of the arts in community life and arts education. It is governed by a 15 member volunteer Board of Commissioners appointed by the governor for five year terms. Three new commissioners are named each year.