A new chapter for one of Jackson’s oldest homes: The Virden Patton House

In the heart of downtown Jackson stands the Virden Patton House, one of the oldest homes in the city. A place layered with nearly two centuries of history, stories, and resilience. 

Now, this historic landmark is turning a new page, ushered in by its first Black owner, Garry Rudo Brown, whose vision for the house transcends bricks and mortar. It’s a vision of community, culture, and creative rebirth promising to redefine Jackson’s art scene and rekindle the spirit of a city rich with Black excellence.

“This location, right here in downtown Jackson on the main street, is a key piece of the puzzle,” says Brown. “The traffic count in front of the building alone makes it a prime spot for artists to get their work seen.” It’s not just the historic value of the house making this space important but its place at the crossroads of a city eager for cultural revival.

Brown’s vision is deeply rooted in the community – one honoring Black artists but welcoming creativity from all over the world. “My doors are wide open to any artist, regardless of race or background,” he explains. “We’re focusing on the Black artists here because Jackson is about 87% Black but this is a space for everyone.” This inclusivity breathes life into the house, transforming it from a relic of the past into a vibrant hub for artistic exchange and celebration.

The collection within the house reflects Brown’s wide ranging and decades long love affair with art. “I’ve been collecting art for about 50 years,” he states. “I have pieces from all over the world. Different races, different styles. Most of the art I’ve found through thrift stores and estate sales because people don’t always understand the value of the art they own.” For Brown, art is more than decoration, it’s a way to build wealth and preserve culture.

Renovating a historic home is no small feat and the process has been one of discovery for the new owner. “There were artifacts from World War II, the 30s, 40s, 50s, even the 1920s left in the house,” he recalls. “I gathered what I felt was important and worked with archives and history groups to preserve them.” These artifacts are not just reminders of the past but will be part of future tours, connecting visitors to the layered stories of Jackson’s history.

One of the hidden gems of this renovation lies in the house’s financial foundation. Mr. Brown sheds light on the vital tax credits tied to restoring historic properties, a powerful incentive for preservation and growth. “If you remodel a National Historic Landmark property, you get 45 cents back on every dollar spent, 20 cents from the state and 25 cents from the federal government,” he explains. “It’s a huge advantage for fixing up old houses and turning them into community assets.”

But beyond finances, the house’s revival symbolizes something greater – a reclaiming of space and narrative. “Owning this place means having the ability to uplift artists who don’t always get the spotlight they deserve,” Brown says with quiet pride. “There are Black galleries in Jackson, but none in such a prominent downtown location with this kind of traffic. This space will help propel local artists to the next level and bring global attention to Mississippi talent.”

Events at the house won’t just be about art shows but a spectrum of community functions. “I want to host scholarly community affairs, family gatherings, meetings, celebrations,” he shares. “The idea is to make it a hub that serves all parts of the community, where culture and connection flourish.”

The house has already begun to live up to its promise. Recent collaborations with Jackson State University and local musicians have started to knit together a network of artists and creatives who see the house as a new beacon in the city. Upcoming events honoring the African diaspora and Black history will bring diverse cultural experiences to the space, cementing its role as a bridge between past and present, local and global.

Brown’s passion for this project is quite noticeable but so is his humility. “I’m a computer scientist by training, not an artist,” he admits. “I’m learning as I go but the community has embraced this vision and that means everything.” His commitment to elevating Black voices, while welcoming all creators, sets the house apart as more than a gallery. It’s a movement.

In a city searching for spaces reflecting its heritage and hope, the Virden Patton House stands as a powerful symbol. With Brown’s leadership, it’s poised not only to preserve history but to inspire a new generation of artists, thinkers and dreamers. One of Jackson’s oldest houses, now proudly Black owned, is ready to become the city’s newest cultural heartbeat.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Patton-House-Gallery/61572699107907 or call (601) 506-6437.