Posts by Jessica Jones
February Organization Member of the Month Mobile Carnival Museum
Congratulations to our Organization Member of the Month, The Mobile Carnival Museum! The Mobile Carnival Museum is one of only a handful of museums in the world dedicated to the international cultural phenomenon of Carnival. They focus on how Carnival, with Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, as its height, is celebrated here in Mobile. Well known…
Read MoreFebruary Artist Member of the Month
Congratulations to our February Artist Member of the Month, Timothy Jones! Timothy Jones is a Daphne-based portrait and fine art photographer whose work explores place, perspective, and human presence. Rooted in the Gulf Coast, his photography reflects a deep appreciation for architecture, landscape, and the quiet character of familiar environments. His images of Washington, DC…
Read MoreAnthotype Members’ Workshop at Spring Hill College Murphy Fine Arts Building
Join Mobile Arts Council for an Anthotype Photography Workshop led by Wayne McNeil at Springhill College in their Murphy Fine Art Building on March 14, 2026 from 9am to 1pm. This will be a hands on immersive wrokshop exploring Anthotype photography. This style photography is a historic, non-toxic image-making process that merges art, science, and…
Read MoreJanuary Organization Member of the Month
Congratulations to our January Organization Member of the Month New Hand Signs! New Hand Signs is locally owned and operated serving the Gulf Coast and beyond, working as far out as Chicago and Arizona. In a world of cookie-cutter one size fits all design, they are committed to standing apart and providing high-quality, one-of-a-kind signage…
Read MoreJanuary Artist Member of the Month
Congratulations to our January 2026 Artist Member of the Month, Symone French! Locally known as Mobile’s Mistress of Soul, Symone has been putting in the work and captivating audiences with her powerhouse vocals since launching her career in 2014. A Mobile Bay “On the Rise: Artist to Watch and Nappie Award winner, French has gained…
Read MoreMobile Arts Council Members’ Show at Cottonwood Center for the Arts COS
Call for Artists: “Spirit of the South: works by Mobile Arts Council Members”– A Gulf Coast Exhibition in Colorado Springs Mobile Arts Council, in collaboration with Cottonwood Center for the Arts in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is thrilled to invite our Artist Members to participate in a special exhibition for August 2026. This exclusive, juried opportunity will feature…
Read MoreDecember Organization Member of the Month
Congratulations to our December Organization Member of the Month Urban Emporium! Urban Emporium is a nonprofit retail incubator home to more than thirty local retailers, all under one roof at 260 Dauphin Street. Dedicated to supporting small businesses, Urban Emporium provides an accessible and welcoming space for entrepreneurs to share high-quality, locally made products with…
Read MoreDecember Artist Member of the Month
Congratulations to our December Artist Member of the Month, Janet Shirley Nodar! Although she retired from journalism in late 2025, Janet Nodar will always be a writer. She says, “Ask me what I do, and I’ll give you a list of activities. Ask me what I am and there’s only one answer: I’m a writer.”…
Read MoreThe 21st Artys Awards Nominations are open
The Mobile Arts Council is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 21st Annual Artys Awards! This annual award ceremony is the only one of its kind in Mobile and recognizes the incredible talent within our local creative community, celebrating the achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations who have made a…
Read MoreCity of Mobile’s Poet Laureate 2026-2027
The Mobile Arts Council (MAC), in partnership with the City of Mobile and the Alabama State Council on the Arts, is proud to announce the appointment of Alex Lofton, known throughout the community as “Huggy Bear da Poet,” as Mobile’s 2026–2027 Poet Laureate. The Poet Laureate program celebrates the power of poetry to uplift, connect,…
Read MoreNovember Organization Member of the Month
Congratulations to our November Organization Member of the Month Ogden Museum of Southern Art! We loved visiting the museum last month and are excited to continue strengthening relationships with fellow arts organizations as we work together to connect and uplift creative communities across the Gulf Coast. Located in the Warehouse Arts District of downtown New…
Read MoreNovember Artist Member of the Month De’Anthony Dulaney
Congratulations to our November Artist Member of the Month DeAnthony Dulaney! De’Anthony is a dedicated artist and community leader whose creative vision has shaped the local arts and cultural scene for more than a decade. With a deep passion for youth empowerment, he has worked tirelessly through nonprofit partnerships to bring arts education and mentorship…
Read MoreMembers’ Mini MAC Gallery Open for Applications
The Mobile Arts Council is excited to offer a brand-new member benefit: the Members’ Mini MAC Gallery, giving our Artist Members the chance to transform our Joachim Street windows into their very own mini exhibition space! This opportunity allows members to showcase 2D, 3D, or even audio/video work in a highly visible, public-facing display. Each…
Read MoreMobile Arts Council Announces Call for Applications for Mobile’s 2026–2028 Poet Laureate
The Mobile Arts Council (MAC), in partnership with the City of Mobile and the Alabama State Council on the Arts, invites local poets to apply for the role of Mobile’s 2026–2028 Poet Laureate. The Poet Laureate will serve as an ambassador for poetry in Mobile, using the power of words to engage, inspire, and advocate…
Read MoreSculpting Tradition: A Mardi Gras Moon Pie Workshop
The Mobile Arts Council and Amp Up Arts are proud to announce a unique professional development opportunity sponsored by Alabama Folklife Association for local art educators: Sculpting Tradition: A Mardi Gras MoonPie Workshop, taking place on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Led by master float builder Steve Mussell and a team of professional artists with over…
Read MoreSeptember 2025: The Edge of Abundance and Lunch Lines
The Mobile Arts Council (MAC) is proud to present two inspiring exhibitions this September: Lunch Lines by Anne Brooks and The Edge of Abundance by Janie Johnson and Kathy Martin. Lunch Lines – Anne BrooksFor nearly six years, while working downtown, artist Anne Brooks took time during her lunch breaks to explore the city with…
Read MoreAugust Artist Member of the Month
Congratulations to our Artist Member of the Month Lynn Henderson Oldshue! She is both locally and nationally recognized for her remarkable storytelling skills, playing an essential role in our community by sharing stories that might otherwise go unheard. While she’s most comfortable listening and writing to bring others’ voices to the page—and prefers not to…
Read More2025 Members’ Show Awards
The Mobile Arts Council (MAC) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Members’ Show, during our Members Appreciation Night celebration on August 8th at the Gallery @ Room 1927. More than 1,000 visitors poured through the doors to experience an evening of art, music, and community. This year’s exhibition was juried by esteemed…
Read MoreMembers Appreciation Night
Join Mobile Arts Council for a very special evening dedicated to the amazing artists, supporters, and creative minds that make up our MAC Membership! Our 4th Annual Members’ Appreciation Night will take place during the August ArtWalk and promises an unforgettable celebration. Enjoy the musical delights of the legendary Excelsior Band, savor delicious catering by…
Read MoreJuly Organization Member of the Month
Congratulations to our July Organization Member of the Month Ashland Gallery. Proudly celebrating 30 years of serving the Midtown Mobile community. Long before it became a beloved art space, the building was home to Ashland Service Station—a full-service gas station and garage. When the transformation into a gallery and custom framing business began, the neighborhood…
Read MoreJuly Artist Member of the Month
Congratulations to our July Artist Member of the Month Cade Thornton! Cade or as you may know him at ArtWalk Cottage Art by Cade, is a self-taught artist with roots in a small town just outside of Dothan, Alabama. By day, he works as an electrician but by night, he transforms into a dedicated and…
Read MoreMembers’ Brunch
Thank you for being a member! Join the Mobile Arts Council on Saturday, July 12, 2025, for a special Members’ Appreciation Brunch, sponsored by Sam’s Club! Enjoy a relaxing morning with refreshments, community, and your chance to cast a vote for this year’s Members’ Choice Award winner. As a bonus, Sam’s Club is offering exclusive…
Read MoreCall for Artists: Mobile Arts Council Artist in Residency Program
Call for Artists: Veterans Residency Partnership with Vets Recover The Mobile Arts Council (MAC) is proud to partner with Vets Recover to offer a special residency opportunity for our members. This six-month rotating exhibition will provide artists the chance to display their work in a public space that supports the healing and recovery of veterans.…
Read MoreJune Artist Member of the Month
Congratulations to our Artist Member of the Month for June 2025, Harley, a self-taught multimedia artist whose evocative work spans painting, drawing, taxidermy, and sculpture. Working under the name Hollow Art by Harley, their art explores the delicate tension between life and death, often drawing inspiration, and materials, from the natural world itself. Harley’s signature…
Read MoreJune Organization Member of the Month
Congratulations to our Organization Member of the Month Prism United! Six years ago, a dedicated group of community leaders and volunteers in Mobile, Alabama, came together with a shared vision: to create a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ teens. What began as a simple peer support group soon revealed deeper, systemic challenges facing LGBTQ+…
Read MoreMay Organization Member of the Month
Congratulations to our May Organization Member of the Month Bellingrath Gardens & Home! Bellingrath Gardens and Home is a 65-acre historic estate and public garden nestled along Fowl River near Mobile, Alabama. Created by Coca-Cola bottler Walter Bellingrath and his wife, Bessie, the property began as a private retreat and later opened to the public…
Read MoreMay Artist Member of the Month
Congratulations to our May Artist Member of the Month Oneida Moss! A talented jewelry designer and metalsmith artist, Oneida is the creative force behind NeatsUniques, a distinctive jewelry brand based right here in Mobile. If you have wandered through downtown during ArtWalk, chances are you’ve encountered Oneida’s warm presence and striking displays. Her handcrafted pieces,…
Read MoreApril Organization Member of the Month
Congratulations to April’s Organization of the Month the Mystic Order of the Jazz Obsessed (MOJO)! Founded on September 10, 2001, in the heart of the city known as “The Mother of the Mystics,” MOJO began as a bold vision by jazz enthusiast Kevin Lee. Armed with a poster of Miles Davis, a stylized saxophone, and…
Read MoreApril Artist Member of the Month
Congratulations to our April Artist Member of the Month Kathy Martin! Kathy is a gifted local artist whose work spans a variety of mediums, often inspired by the beauty and intricacy of the natural world. She curated last month’s exhibition, “Friends in High Places,” selecting a group of local artists to create works inspired by…
Read MoreRelease Party- We Did It First Anthology of Mobile’s Poets
Do you have an affinity for poetry? A love for the literary? Join us as we celebrate the incredible voices of our community! April 17th, 5:30 PM at Mobile Arts Council Gallery @ Room 1927 We’re thrilled to announce the release of We Did It First! An anthology featuring over 50 talented literary artists from…
Read MoreMarch Organization Member Of the Month
Congratulations to the History Museum of Mobile our Organization Member of the Month! With over 117,000 artifacts, this incredible institution is dedicated to preserving, safeguarding, and sharing Mobile’s rich and diverse history. From engaging exhibits and hands-on experiences to immersive storytelling, the museum brings the past to life in ways that educate, inspire, and connect…
Read MoreMarch Artist Member of the Month
Congratulations to Clara Brunk, our March Artist Member of the Month! Originally from New Mexico, she moved to Mobile in 1980 for a teaching job and was quickly captivated by the Southern charm and moss-draped oaks. Her love for art started young, learning from her mother, who explored many creative mediums. Though oil painting first…
Read MoreMembers Poetry Workshop
Join us at MAC’s Gallery @ Room 1927 on May 3rd from 12 PM – 2 PM for an immersive poetry workshop led by our inaugural Poet Laureate, Charlotte Pence! Whether you’re an aspiring poet or a seasoned writer, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of poetry and visual art. Don’t…
Read MoreFebruary Organization Member of the Month
Congratulations to our February Organization member of the month Samuel Edward Theater Company! Samuel Edward Theater Company (S.E.T.) is a nonprofit organization that is a true gem in the heart of Mobile, Alabama. The theater company is named in honor of Japonica Brown’s late father, Samuel Edward Westry, a man whose resilience and wisdom continue…
Read MoreMarch exhibition, “Friends in High Places,” curated by Kathy Martin and Gail Bramer
The Mobile Arts Council is pleased to announce the opening reception for the group exhibition “Friends in High Places” on March 14th, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The event will be held MAC’s community gallery @ Room 1927, located at 6 South Joachim St, Mobile, AL. This exhibition, catalogued by Kathy Martin and Gail Bramer, brings…
Read MoreMobile Arts Council Accepting Entries for May 2025 Photography Exhibition
The Mobile Arts Council is excited to announce that they are currently accepting entries for their May 2025 Photography Exhibition, “Tell Us Your Story”, in celebration of National Photography Month. This is an excellent opportunity for photographers to showcase their unique perspectives and share the stories that shape their creative vision. This opportunity is open…
Read MoreFebruary Artist Member of the Month
Congratulations to our February Artist Member of the Month Huggy Bear da Poet! Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Huggy Bear da Poet has graced stages across the country, from L.A. and Atlanta to New York and DC. He’s opened for legends like Nikki Giovanni, Jill Scott, Fantasia, and Rickey Smiley, and has become a…
Read MoreVisual Arts Achievement Program & Young at Art Awards Ceremony
You’re invited to the Region 1 Awards Ceremony for the Visual Arts Achievement Program (VAAP) & Young at Art! Join us on February 23, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Mobile Arts Council Gallery, located at Room 1927, 6 South Joachim St., Mobile, AL 36602. This special event will honor talented students…
Read MoreJanuary Organization Member of the Month
Congratulations to our January Organization Member of the Month: United States Sports Academy! Founded in 1972 by Dr. Thomas P. Rosandich, the United States Sports Academy (USSA) is the only accredited free-standing sports university in the U.S. With a mission to advance sports through education, research, and service, USSA has become a global leader in…
Read MoreJanuary Artist Member of the Month
Congratulations to our January Artist Member of the Month Laura Ledbetter! Laura, a native of Mobile and proud mother of two, Jameson and Sarah Blake, has been immersed in the world of art and welding from a young age. She learned to weld in her father Frank Ledbetter’s shop when she was just twelve years…
Read MoreMobile Arts Council Presents “Catt Prints” a retrospective for Catt Sirten & Jerry Roldan; a Retrospective
On Friday, January 10, the Mobile community will gather during LoDa ArtWalk to honor two influential Mobile artists, Catt Sirten, and Jerry Roldan, at The MAC Gallery @ Room 1927 from 6pm-9pm. Catt passed away on August 6, 2023, leaving a lasting impact on the Gulf Coast region through his 40-year radio career. Known for…
Read MoreDecember Organization Member of the Month
Congratulations to our December Organization of the Month, The Frenchmen! On Jackson Street between Saint Francis and Dauphin you will find the newest arts organization in our great city. Inspired by the vibrant spirit of New Orleans’ Frenchmen Street, The Frenchmen is a dynamic art collective and gallery that brings together a diverse array of…
Read MoreDecember Artist Member of the Month
Congratulations to our December Artist Member of the Month, Annieo Klaas! Annieo Klaas- Paintings, an oil painter with a keen eye for overlooked beauty, is December’s Artist of the Month. Originally from Dakar, Senegal, Annieo’s creative journey led her to Seattle, Washington, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Cornish College of the…
Read MoreBoard Member Spotlight
We are excited to shine the spotlight on Katie Vogtner, a passionate and dedicated member of our Arts Council board. A proud Mobilian, Katie has been an active board member for the past three years and has served as our secretary for the last two. She is often found at our gallery during Art Walk,…
Read MoreAccepting anthology cover art submissions
Calling all local artists! The Mobile Arts Council is now accepting submissions for the cover art of “We Did It First: Poems from Poets of Mobile, Alabama” — an anthology celebrating the voices of 48 talented poets, curated by Mobile’s inaugural Poet Laureate, Charlotte Pence. This is your chance to design the cover for this…
Read MoreThe 20th Artys Awards Nominations are open
Nominations Open for the 20th Annual ArtysThe Mobile Arts Council is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 20th Annual Artys Awards! This annual award ceremony is the only one of its kind in Mobile and recognizes the incredible talent within our local creative community, celebrating the achievements and contributions of individuals…
Read MoreMember’s Downtown Photo Walk
Photo Walk Workshop Join us for a fun and informative Photo Walk through downtown Mobile with professional photographer, Dan Domenzain! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this event is perfect for anyone wanting to learn the essentials of lighting and create stunning bokeh effects in their photos. Dan will guide…
Read MoreNovember Organization Member of the Month
Congratulations to our November Organization of the Month The Blind Mule! Tucked away at the corner of Claiborne and St. Michael Street with its distinctive red brick exterior and the iconic black mule mural on the side, this charming spot has become a local favorite for delicious food, craft drinks, and an inviting atmosphere. Whether…
Read MoreNovember Artist Member of the Month
Congratulations to our November Artist Member of the Month, Ben Kaiser! Born and raised in Alabama, he graduated from the University of Montevallo in 2016. There, Ben received a Bachelor of Fine Art in both Painting and Sculpture. His work is primarily figural, and nature related, often possessing a realistically rendered subject, with a surrealistic…
Read MoreBoard Member Spotlight
We are proud to shine light on board member Charlie Kelly! Meet Charlie, a passionate advocate for the arts and a dedicated member of the Arts Council of Mobile (MAC) Board. Born and raised between the vibrant cities of New Orleans and Mobile, Charlie’s artistic journey began early. He graduated from the Alabama School of…
Read MoreOctober Organization of the Month
Congratulations to our October Organization Member of the Month the Mobile Medical Museum! Nestled on the grounds of USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital, this incredible museum houses one of the largest collections of medical artifacts in the Southeast, showcasing history from the 16th century to today, representing major historical developments in many different fields of…
Read MoreOctober Artist Member of the Month
Congratulations to our October Artist Member of the Month, Ransom Phelps! Hear about Ransom’s inspirations, accomplishments and more from the artist himself. “I was born, raised and educated in Andalusia, AL, graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School in 1966 where Mr. C.C. Baker was the principal. My fascination with photography was the result of…
Read MoreBoard Member Spotlight
Celebrating Leadership in Our Community! We are thrilled to spotlight Shonnda Smith, the newly appointed Executive Director of Public Works! As the driving force behind the smooth operational delivery of initiatives across Parks and Recreation, Public Services, Events, and more, Shonnda is dedicated to creating a Mobile we can all be proud to call home.…
Read MoreSeptember Organization Member of the Month
Congratulations to our September Organization Member of the month Sophiella Gallery! Sophiella Gallery (pron. Sophie-Ella) is a fine art gallery located in downtown Mobile, AL. Gallery owner and photographer Kim Kelly established the gallery five years ago, with the objective of bringing the region’s contemporary fine art and collectors together. “Sophiella Gallery enjoys making a…
Read MoreSeptember Artist Member of the Month
Congratulations to our September Artist Member of the month Marnée Wiley ! Marnée Wiley is a professional artist and educator based in Mobile, Alabama. Using acrylics and mixed media, she crafts bold paintings inspired by nature and the human experience, focusing on themes of motherhood, spiritual enlightenment, and unusual creatures. Her work features bright palettes…
Read MoreAugust Organization Member of the Month
Congratulations to our August Organization Member of the month, Mobile Botanical Gardens! Mobile Botanical Gardens mission is to provide experiences that help visitors of all ages appreciate and benefit from our unique Gulf Coast environment. The Gardens serve as a living classroom for residents and visitors alike. By providing a sense of place, we endeavor…
Read MoreAugust Artist Member of the Month
Congratulations to our August Artist Member of the month, Mayssam Iskandar! Born in Lebanon in 1988, Mayssam moved to Germany in 2006 to study art and digital graphic design. Since relocating to the U.S. in 2015, she has continued to develop her art, teaching private lessons, hosting paint parties, and participating in art shows. Mayssam…
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