Mississippi School of the Arts officials are gearing up for anexciting Saturday as the campus hosts an open house for communitycitizens and prospective students.

“We’re expecting a big turnout,” said Jennifer Jackson, MSAdirector of development and public relations.

The day will begin at 10 a.m. with the Whitworth campus open tovisitors. Jackson said the Student Life Center, the Helen FurlowScruggs Y-Hut, Johnson Institute and Lampton Auditorium will beopen to the public in the morning.

School representatives will be stationed at various locationsaround the campus to discuss school and building-related functions,Jackson said. However, there will not be any formal presentation orguided tours for visitors.

“They can come and go at their own pace,” Jackson said.

Jackson said it will be easier for visitors if they park at theStudent Life Center and begin their tours there. Community openhouse activities will conclude at noon.

In the afternoon, beginning at 2 o’clock, will be an open housefor prospective students and their families. Jackson asked thatonly potential students and families attend the afternoonactivities.

The afternoon session will include a formal presentation andtours of the MSA and Brookhaven High School campuses. It willconclude with a question and answer session.

“It’s geared more toward potential students,” Jackson said.

Jackson said school officials are expecting about 180prospective students for Saturday’s event. The school has receivedover 500 inquiries from students interested in attending.

The application deadline for the 2004-05 school year is Jan.30.

On Saturday at the Student Life Center, the MSA Foundation willbe selling limited edition prints of Lampton Auditorium by WyattWaters. The print run is limited to 400 and will sell for $105each.

“They’re going fast,” Jackson said.

Also, long- and short-sleeve T-shirts and tote bags featuringthe MSA logo will be for sale Saturday.

“We’ll also be taking orders for the limited edition LamptonAuditorium in the Ole Brook Village collector’s series,” Jacksonsaid.

The auditorium is the first in a series similar to the popularChristmas snow village miniature series. Lampton Auditoriumminiatures, which will sell for $50 each, are limited to 500 andwill be available in November.

“We’ll be doing a different historic building each year,”Jackson said.

Jackson stressed that Saturday’s event is not the school’s grandopening. She said that will be in March, with state officials andseveral Mississippi celebrities expected to attend.