September: PleinAirSouth & 2024 Throwdown Artists
This September MAC features two new exhibitions: “On the Waterfront” by PleinAirSouth and works by our 2024 Throwdown Artists. This month’s exhibition series is sponsored by The Mobile Airport Authority.
On the Waterfront: The Mobile Bay area is rich with a diversity of water resources, which provide much inspiration for our local artists. The PleinAirSouth artists have spent the past year or so painting scenes of Mobile Bay, Dog River, the Gulf of Mexico beaches, marshes, lakes, ponds, recreation areas, and commercial marinas and port areas. These waterfront areas are celebrated in the plein air studies and studio paintings inspired by their plein air experiences.
PleinAirSouth is an informal group of local artists that like to paint outside in the “plein air” tradition. The group meets once a week to paint together at numerous locations in and around Mobile Bay and the adjacent Gulf coastal areas. Our artists work in various different mediums, including watercolor, oil, acrylic and pastel. Many paintings are completed in a couple of hours; and may serve as a study for a future studio painting or stand alone as a completed painting. The challenge of painting from life is to capture the light, colors, and shadows for a fresh look at the subject when the lighting and weather conditions are constantly changing. Artists learn much from the experience – they must work quickly, applying and honing their skills using portable equipment and limited materials. Local artists interested in painting with the group are encouraged to follow the PleinAirSouth Facebook page.
2024 Throwdown Artists: The Battle of the Art Educators is on! Competitors—seasoned teachers and passionate creators—vie for the coveted Throwdown belt. Last year’s champion, Brian Tan, stands as the one to beat. But who will rise to the challenge? Let’s meet this year’s lineup: Soynika Edwards-Bush, Zak Todd, Christy LeGros, and Katie Thompson. These artists will have 90 minutes to create an original piece of art while utilizing items from a mystery box. At the end of the evening, these one-of-a-kind works will be auctioned off, and the artist with the highest bid will take home the title of 2024 Throwdown champion.
In its 12th year, The Throwdown is the Mobile Arts Council’s (MAC’s) largest annual fundraiser. Whether you are an arts enthusiast or just enjoy a great time, this event has it all!
The Throwdown consists of a live art competition between five of Mobile’s finest local artists, an all-inclusive silent auction, live music, cold spirits, and delicious food.
This year’s event will take place on Thursday, September 26th, from 6 until 9 p.m. at The Temple Downtown.
These exhibitions will hang in MAC’s Gallery @Room 1927 from September 5th through September 28th. **The gallery will be closed September 21st, 2024 for a private event.**