Art instruction has been a part of our institution for nearly 150 years. Today, Summer Hall is home to the Department of Art & Design, the Ralph Hudson Art Gallery, and the Permanent Art Collection. Constructed in 1960, Summer Hall was the first building in the state of Mississippi purpose-built for the instruction of art.
The building was designed by Dr. Ralph Hudson, then-head of the art department. In 2002, an EF-3 tornado struck campus. Among the damage, the tornado destroyed the top floor of the then-Art & Design Building. Renovations and repairs were finished in 2009.
In 2017, the building was rededicated in honor of Eugenia Summer (Class of 1945), who taught art at The W from 1949-1987. The following year, in honor to his contribution to the arts at The W and his vision in starting the department’s permanent collection in 1948, the main art gallery was named the Ralph Hudson Gallery.
Below is a look at our gallery and studio spaces. If you'd like to see our studio space in person, we would be happy to give you a personal tour during your campus visit.