JACKSON — Columbus novelist Michael Farris Smith has been awarded the literary arts fellowship for fiction by the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). Established in 1968, the MAC is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Mississippi Endowment for the Arts at the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson, and other private sources.
“Artists of all kinds are the heart of the Mississippi Creative Economy,” said Malcolm White, executive director of the MAC. “They contribute to the economic growth of their communities and our state, and the MAC is honored to support their outstanding work.”
Smith said, “I’m flattered to have the support of the MAC. In a state known for its great writers, this is a very nice honor.”
Smith is the critically-acclaimed author of “The Hands of Strangers” and “Rivers.” “Rivers” was named in Best Books of the Year by Esquire, Hudson Books, Book Riot and numerous other national and regional publications. His essays have appeared in the New York Times, Deep South Magazine, Catfish Alley and more.
Two new novels by Smith are forthcoming. “Desperation Road” releases in February of 2017 and is set in Smith’s native South Mississippi. “Desperation Road” has already been called “maybe his best work yet” by award-winning novelist Tom Franklin and a novel “as rich and alive as any you’ll find in contemporary fiction” by New York Times bestselling author Wiley Cash. “Desperation Road” will be followed by “The Fighter” in early 2018.
Smith lives with his wife and daughters in Columbus. More information is available at michaelfarrissmith.com.
The Mississippi Arts Commission is a state agency serving residents of the state by providing grants that support programs to enhance communities; assist artists and arts organizations; promote the arts in education and celebrate Mississippi’s cultural heritage.
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