Have Geek Will Travel

Last Friday night Mid-South Cartoonists Association president and Memphis Ghostbusters co-founder Kevin L. Williams and I headed over across the Mississippi River and down to Helena, AR for artist Andre L. Miller‘s art show.

It was held at the Delta Cultural Center downtown on the banks of the river. We got there just after Andre started to address the crowd and tell the story behind the inspiration for his art exhibit, shared some facts about Robert Johnson and dispelled a few rumors about the blues legend and the stories about his deal with the devil for his soul at the crossroads.

The Delta Cultural Center opened in 1990 and the space is amazing! There are two galleries in the middle, a gift show, and two museum spaces on either side of the galleries. The museum has permanent collections with art and artifacts numbering in the thousands.

After the opening presentation, Andre was mingling with the art show attendees, including his wife, son, and daughters. Kevin and some friends ran into Andre and his family the next day at lunch and found out his daughters flew in from California to surprise him. Kevin first met him at a Huey’s restaurant up in Memphis while hanging out with our mutual friend Martheus Antone Wade. Turns out that Andre and Antone are fraternity brothers, and Andre and I were born at the same hospital…small world!

It was great to listen to Andre discuss some of the symbolism in his art pieces and study the paintings’ vibrant colors and rich textures, but it was also very educational to read the text pieces below each of the 29 original art pieces. Lots of great facts, stories, and thoughts by Andre about Robert Johnson.

 

There were lots of tasty refreshments during the opening reception, and even some great live blues music being played on the north museum space. Several “King Biscuit” items on display around the room, and a broadcast booth where two regular programs celebrate their rich musical heritage. The legendary “King Biscuit Time” radio show is broadcast, Monday – Friday, from 12:15 – 12:45. Each Friday from 1:00 – 1:30 you can also catch the “Delta Sounds” radio show featuring a variety of musical genres (KFFA 1360 AM).

The exhibit of 29 paintings by Andre Miller runs thru April 12, 2025, and there are plans for the show to tour. There is also another exhibit in the south gallery section of the museum, “Building For Tomorrow: E.C. Morris, Centennial Church and the Black Baptists During Jim Crow” which “explores the role of the Baptist Church in the lives of African Americans during the turbulent period of Jim Crow, as they navigated the difficulties and hardships of a segregated country.”

The museum is located at 141 Cherry Street, Helena, AR 72342. Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is FREE. Be sure to check out the gift shop while you’re there.

 

The Delta Cultural Center, located in historic downtown Helena, Arkansas, is a museum dedicated to the history of the Arkansas Delta. The museum interprets the heritage of the 27 county Delta region through exhibits, educational programs, annual events, and guided tours. Admission is free; come and experience what the Delta has to offer!

Kevin and I haven’t been down to Helena since we attended a King Biscuit Blues Festival almost 20 years ago (3 day premier blues fest founded in 1986). When we turned into downtown we wondered if we had the right directions. Like many river towns here in the south, there were a few buildings that were abandoned and neglected.

Kevin stopped for a minute so we could take some pics, and so I could jump out and get a close-up of the mural on the side of the building. It was REALLY cold outside, so I got my shots and jumped back in the van.

We soon recognized the stage where we’d watched harmonica extraordinaire James Cotton and other blues legends perform on, and then spotted the Delta Cultural Center across the street.

Before we left town we took some time to explore the downtown area near the museum. We found more great architecture, some had been saved and were in use, and some were showing obvious signs of being closed.

We not only plan to come back to visit the museum, but visit more of downtown Helena…while some of it is still standing.

Oh, on the way home Kev and I stopped by the Blue & White Restaurant on the way home for dinner. I’ve passed by it to and from the Tunica Humane Society animal shelter and now regret not stopping in before! I had a great Buffalo chicken sandwich and seasoned fries. Kev had some catfish, greens, and pie. If you’re traveling on Hwy. 61 and pass through Tunica stop on in yourself- 1355 Highway 61 N Tunica, MS 38676.

The Blue and White was originally established in 1924 on Route 61 along the railroad in downtown Tunica, Mississippi.  In 1937, the Pure Oil Company moved The Blue and White Cafe and Service Station to its present location on what is now Highway 61 shortly after the construction of the new Route 61. 

Thanks to Kev for the invite, ride down, and additional pics. Really look forward to making another trek down to Helena- hope you can, too! You can follow Andrea and his art on Instagram @artbyandremiller_06.

Robert Johnson (1911-1938)