52nd Annual Bi-State

Competition and Exhibition

The annual Bi-State is a juried exhibition by the Meridian Museum of Art.

It offers over $3,000 in awards and prizes, including the $1,000 Best of Show Cash Award. The exhibition aims to showcase contemporary artists in Mississippi and Alabama and reward their efforts. Use the drop down menus to find out more information on the competition and exhibition.

Juror

James Ehlers was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He earned his MFA from the University of Florida and is a certified Master Engraver with the Firearms Engravers Guild of America (FEGA). He is currently a faculty member at Baylor University, where he teaches Two-Dimensional Design and Drawing.

Ehlers previously spent 16 years at Emporia State University, serving as Professor of Engraving Arts, Chair of the Art Department, and Interim Dean of the School of Visual and Performing Arts. Since 2007, he has led engraving workshops at national and international venues, including Frogman’s Printmaking Workshop, the IMPACT Printmaking Conferences, and the Mid America Print Council.

His work has been exhibited widely in the United States and internationally, including exhibitions in Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Poland, Portugal, Norway, Romania, North Macedonia, and Turkey.

DIGITAL IMAGES, ENTRY FORM, AND $30.00 FEE MUST BE RECEIVED BY JULY 10, 2026, IN ORDER TO BE ENTERED INTO THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email.

(601) 693-1501 or meridianmuseum@bellsouth.net