MS SC561

Extends legislative recognition to James Patterson as a postmortem recipient of the 2019 Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Photography and Community Support.

James Patterson was a Jackson-area photographer whose work appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and international publications.

Patterson graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi and built a career photographing notable figures including Eudora Welty, Willie Morris, Morgan Freeman, and B.B. King, while also supporting lesser-known artists.

Patterson owned galleries and studios in Jackson's Fondren District that served as performance and exhibition spaces for emerging artists and musicians, often providing free or discounted services.

Patterson passed away in October 2018 after being selected for the award, and the resolution directs that it be presented to his surviving family at the Governor's Arts Awards ceremony.