“Hello, I’m Alice Moseley” Film:
Disability Connection produced an educational video of the South’s renowned folk artist and story teller, Alice Moseley. Miss Alice was a warm and charming 93-year-old Southern Lady whose humor and talent for creating happiness was shared by her folk art, her stories of the South, and her past. Miss Alice, as she was referred to by friends and admirers, was a self-taught idyllic folk artist who began painting at age 65 to maintain her sanity while caring for her Alzheimer’s – afflicted mother. When she moved to Bay St Louis, it was common for tourists to visit her little Blue House just to hear her stories. The goal of the film “Hello, I’m Alice Moseley” was to teach and retain Mississippi’s rich heritage of folk art and storytelling.
This educational art project began with a contest that engaged all students of Hancock High School and Bay High School. Students were selected through their answer to the question, “What one question would you ask Alice?” Six students were selected to talk to Alice in her home and ask their question. A film was produced of the student’s interviews, “A Talk with Alice Moseley.” Portions of the interviews were edited into the educational video called “Hello, I’m Alice Moseley.” Copies of both films were distributed to high schools, colleges, and public libraries throughout Mississippi.
The stories and testimonies on this video share a character-building message for the youth of today, and shall serve as an inspiration to senior citizens, faculty, students, and all who see it.
Alice Moseley was quoted as saying “I am very proud of this project, not only because of my art, but because I consider teaching to be my true success in life.” Alice passed away one week after attending Disability Connection’s premier showing of her film at the Bay St Louis Little Theater. The films were produced by Chris Snyder of Ocean Springs.
On July 9, 2004, Miss Alice passed away at the age of 94. Approximately 200 people attended the memorial service under the big oak tree on the lawn of the train depot. You can view the film, “Hello, I’m Alice Moseley,” on her website and in the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum in the Bay St Louis Train Depot which is free to visit.