10/05/2026
The Art House, a project of the non-profit Ocean Springs Art Association, will soon open its doors in Ruddiman Cottage, providing a retail space for local artists to sell their work. St. John's is excited to welcome this talented group to our campus. Ruddiman Cottage is at 801 Porter, directly across Rayburn Avenue from the church.
Ruddiman Cottage has been getting a 'glow up' over the past several months in anticipation of its new use. Contractors have installed new HVAC equipment as well as plumbing and lighting fixtures. New flooring and interior paint are coming soon. On the exterior, our contractors are painting, creating a new front porch, installing new doors, and building an ADA-compliant ramp.
St. John's volunteer Building and Grounds Crew helped kick-off the renovations with some judicious demolition and de-cluttering. They opened up several doorways and got rid of a disused closet space. Thank you Ben, Tom, Ned and colleagues! Judy Guice has served as the project manager and has spent countless hours lining up contractors, studying plans, and finding the money to pay for everything. Dennis Cowart drew up the architectural plans and Christine Walck is our design and acquisitions expert. Thank you Judy, Dennis, and Christine. Thank you also to Lee Armstrong, the Junior Warden, for her wisdom, advice, and permission!
The Vestry expects The Art House to bring energy, vitality, and newcomers to our community. We are very enthusiastic about this new partnership.
