Art Sisters Shine Bright at Mississippi College

The Reed sisters are MC art students from Ridgeland.

Caroline Reed believes Mississippi College is the perfect place to pursue her dreams as an art student.

“Every teacher I have cares deeply for their students and works so hard to provide a great learning experience for them,” says the MC freshman says.

The art world remains a cornerstone of the Reed family. It’s been that way for generations in Mississippi and several members polished their artistic skills as MC Choctaws.

Caroline’s sister Catherine, is a senior studio art major on the Clinton campus. MC graduate Anna Grace Reed earned her BFA degree in studio art. Excelling in drawing and painting, Anna Grace was honored as the university’s art major of the year in 2016. After working at Disney World near Orlando, Florida, Anna Grace recently returned to Central Mississippi to pursue her career.

“Most everyone in my family does some form of art, so I have always loved to be creative,” says Caroline Reed, an interior design major.

Catherine Reed’s works are featured in an impressive art exhibit of portrait drawings at the Baptist Healthplex on campus. Her fabulous drawing of Elvis Presley now belongs to President Blake Thompson. MC’s leader is a huge fan of the King of Rock ‘n Roll from Tupelo. Caroline has won several honors at MC, including the Gore Award.

Art Department Chair Randy Miley is proud of the 2021 “MC Art Family,” with its rich legacy. “The Reed sisters are highly talented and well-rounded young ladies,” he said. “They have made a distinct impression and impact on our department.” From the three sisters to their grandmother, all have enjoyed success in the MC Art Department.

The Reed sisters’ grandmother is Mary Lane Reed, a 1970 MC art alumna. The south Jackson resident is a nationally recognized portrait painter. Oil is her medium. She taught art classes at her alma mater.               

The sisters’ parents show their creative side as well. Their Dad, Dr. Mark Reed, a 1985 MC biology graduate, is a physician and photographer with works throughout the University of Mississippi Medical Center. His wife, Cathy Reed, excels as a watercolor painter. The stay-at-home Mom stays busy as her children’s homeschool teacher in Ridgeland. She’s still teaching, with an eight-year-old, who could become the next Reed to join the Blue & Gold family.

America’s second oldest Baptist college, Mississippi College made sense to the three sisters as a place to pursue higher education because of its strong mission as a faith-based institution. Family roots run deep. Her dad’s grandfather, Al “Shorty” Reed, was a 1929 MC physics and chemistry graduate. He quarterbacked the Choctaws undefeated football team. 

When she began considering colleges as a teenager, MC kept rising to the top. “I began to feel called to go to a Christian university and that played a major role in my final decision,” Caroline said. “I love the small atmosphere of the campus.”

Catherine is just as upbeat about her Mississippi College experience. “One of the things I love most about MC is the community. I have met so many amazing friends and the faculty is just wonderful. Every teacher genuinely cares for their students.’’

Art became Catherine’s focus at a young age. “I grew up watching my mom, grandmother, and sister paint and wanted to be just like them.”

Art is definitely a family affair. Said her Dad, Dr. Mark Reed: “We all love art and the creation of it.”

What’s in store in her future? Catherine envisions becoming a stay-at-home mom. She wants to homeschool her kids and produce art on the side. “However, until then, my plan is to continue to make and sell art. I am just trusting in the Lord. God’s will for our lives is always better than anything we have planned ourselves.”