Welcome

The Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center is the keystone of the public arts community in Ocean Springs. Located in the historic Ocean Springs Public School Building on Government Street, the Center provides a diverse set of programs and facilities for the arts. 

Working with the City of Ocean Springs, the Friends of the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center of Arts and Education are dedicated to restoring the 1927 Ocean Springs School building and to providing an environment for artistic activities including music, visual and performing arts and education. The Friends of the Mary C. are responsible for the administration and operation of the Center.

A Brief History

Mary C. O’Keefe, a progressive educator, was named the first woman public school superintendent in Mississippi. She instilled a spirit of learning and raised the level of education. In 1999, this facility was named in her honor.
The building was constructed in 1927 and is a primary historic landmark of Ocean Springs. The school’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places indicates the significance of this building in our community’s heritage.

The effort to save the building and create a community arts center began in 1998 and moved ahead quickly with the incorporation of the Friends of the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center in October 1999.  Since then, a major renovation has been completed and work continues on development of expanded facilities in the building.  Funding has been provided by the VA/HUD, Department of the Interior, State of Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Mississippi Arts Commission, Jackson County Board of Supervisors, the City of Ocean Springs, and by generous contributions - large and small - from local people and organizations... (Read More)

Hours

Monday – Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and later during events

The Studio – by appointment
Photo Tours - Take an online photographic tour.  Click a tour description below.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Suzanne Weidie Findeissen- Chairman
Carole Marie Stuart - Vice Chairman
Theresa Sparkman- Secretary
Nancy Ducket Allen - Treasurer
Derrick Charbonnet
Joanna Worch
Judi Altman
Greg Williams
Peggy Stowers
Elayne McMurtray
Kathryn Shanks
Ann Whyte
Tara Skelton
Tom Vandevender, Walter Anderson Players Representative
Mickey Williams, Historic Ocean Springs Association Representative
Bobby Cox, City of Ocean Springs Representative
Sandra Gagliano, Ocean Springs Art Association Representative
Julie Jowett, Ex-Officio

Mailing List – Stay informed about events and classes at the Mary C! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.