Attic Gallery patron reflects on shows and a lifetime of art

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Editor’s note: This story is part of The Vicksburg Post’s ongoing coverage of the Attic Gallery’s 50th-anniversary celebration.

When Lesley Silver moved her art gallery just three blocks down Washington Street in 1997, Vicksburg residents Paul and Donna Ingram along with others in the community helped transport the art to its new location. 

“She had a nude of Kathy Gergo’s and Paul prominently walked down Washington Street caring this large nude that Kathy had done,” Donna said. 

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This is typical of Paul’s buoyant personality, but it also reflects the love and appreciation both he and Donna share as ardent supporters of the Attic Gallery and its owner. 

“Lesley is a treasure, and she has done so much for the art community,” Donna said. 

Located at 1101 Washington St. above the Highway 61 Coffeehouse, the Attic Gallery is a one-of-a-kind art experience. Even as you climb the steps to its second-floor home, art pieces hang on the wall giving one a taste of what’s to come.  

“We love it. The Attic Gallery is a treasure. Every time you go in there you find something that you haven’t seen before or an artist you have not noticed because they (paintings) are buried amongst all the art that is stacked up on counters and on the floor and on the wall,” Donna said.  

Not counting the jewelry and gifts the couple have purchased, Donna said, they have collected more than 50 pieces of artwork from the Attic Gallery, some of which were purchased during art shows. 

These showings are held above the gallery in Silver and her husband, Daniel Boone’s home. 

Paul, who is an architect, helped with designing the couple’s third-floor living space, Donna said, which is capable of being transformed into a gallery itself with its picture rails throughout.   

Donna describes the art shows held in Silver and Boone’s home as impactful because not only can one view the art, but patrons can also meet some of the artists. 

“The intimate setting that Lesley is able to create at her shows with the artists mingling with the patrons is what I think makes that event so special. You have them (the artists) telling the story that went into creating the art. And it’s the stories that make the art so interesting to us,” Donna said. “Plus, you get to meet other collectors.” 

With art pieces varying from folk art to abstracts to realism, to everything in between, Donna said, the Attic Gallery has a little bit of everything. 

The variety also allows for varying price points so anyone can become a collector.   

“She (Lesley) wants to get art in the hands of people,” Donna said. 

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

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