Gulfport’s history and scenery inspires painting that honors city’s 125th anniversary

As the 125th anniversary of the city of Gulfport approaches, the city unveiled a commissioned painting in honor of the anniversary during an event at the Police Department on Tuesday.

Charles “Charlie” Buckley, an artist from Oxford, worked on the painting — called a “stack” after the way he paints architectural landmarks layered over each other — over the course of a month, drawing inspiration from Gulfport’s history and scenery.

“It’s a great way to tell a story and come together to make this fantastic structure rather than just paint one building,” Buckley said.

The painting features landmarks of Gulfport, both current and historical, like the new aquarium and the First Baptist Church that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

At the bottom of the painting are several different boats, all representations of real boats that represent Gulfport’s industries, including a Coast Guard boat and the Ship Island ferry. The painting also features a boat named the Miss Paula, which Mayor Billy Hewes drew special attention to during the unveiling as it honors his wife, Paula.

Tiny little “easter eggs” also can be found within the painting, like the pelican wearing Mardi Gras beads or 1898 — the year Gulfport was founded — written on the train, as well as maritime flags on the boat at the center of the painting which spell out “Gulfport, MS” and “anchored in tradition” on either side.

Hewes personally commissioned the painting and helped Buckley with selecting the elements to be included in the painting. The painting will hang in City Hall and leave with the mayor when he leaves office.

Hewes originally wanted to commission Buckley for a personal piece after seeing his work in galleries around the state and online. “It was neat watching the idea assemble, I couldn’t be more pleased,” Hewes said. “What better way for Buckley to apply his talents.”

Posters of the painting can be purchased at the Gulfport Historical Society for $20.

The city will be hosting an event to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Gulfport on from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 29 in Jones Park. The event will feature a parade, live entertainment and a fireworks display starting at 8:30 p.m.