Posts by lgafford
Art Walk
Come celebrate LODA ArtWalk in Downtown Mobile from 6 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month! Join us at Cathedral Square and the Kids Zone for special monthly activations. Cathedral Square and Kids Zone activations are made possible by City of Mobile Parks & Recreation. Don’t miss out on photo ops and a…
Read More“FIVE” Biennial College Art Competition
“FIVE” is a juried exhibition of work by students at the area’s five colleges and universities, sponsored every other year by the Mobile Arts Council (MAC). The 2022 exhibition will be displayed in the MAC’s Gallery @ Room 1927 (6 South Joachim Street) from April 5th through 30th, with a reception and awards presentation during…
Read MoreView additional past LoDa ArtWalk albums here!
Read More17th Annual Award Unveiled
THE ARTYS // About the Award & Artist Mobile Arts Council has unveiled the newest design, and artist behind it, for their annual Arty award. Mixed media artist Mary Elizabeth Kimbrough was commissioned to create the newest addition to the Arty lineup. The colorful design features painting and collage, and incorporates flora and fauna of…
Read MoreThrowdown Artists Wanted!
Now in its 10th year, The Throwdown is the Mobile Arts Council’s (MAC’s) largest annual fundraiser. The Throwdown consists of a live art competition between some of Mobile’s finest local artists, an all-inclusive silent auction, live music, and more. Each year, five artists are chosen to be our official Throwdown competitors (one being the previous year’s…
Read MoreJuly Exhibitions: VibRaNtaKe, A Creative Coming of Age Show, & Coastal Creations
A Creative Coming of Age Show Malaya Bengel is a local painter and illustrator, and has been working in the arts for the past five years. Her work focuses on mixed mediums, self-expression, and intersectional identities and experiences across marginalized groups. A Creative Coming of Age Show is her first ever solo exhibition, and serves…
Read MoreMobile Music Summit
The Mobile Music Summit will feature three speakers representative of different aspects of the music industry! Stan Foster (Professional Musician, Rollin’ in the Hay), Marq Dean (Entertainment Business, Recruitment & Sales), and Wendy Day (Founder of Rap Coalition) will share their experiences and helpful tips relating to Music Business throughout the day. This informational workshop…
Read MoreJune Exhibitions: Entomology and Funky for Mobile
The Mobile Arts Council Gallery will be hosting two exhibitions this June. These shows will hang in our Gallery @ Room 1927 from June 4th through June 30th, 2021. See them in person throughout the month or on LoDa ArtWalk night, Friday June 11th! A date for the closing reception honoring these artists will be…
Read MoreMay Parade Squirrel Soiree
The City of Mobile has organized a special parade to be held next Friday, May 21st at 6:30 p.m. on Modified Route A. Before the parade begins, please consider joining us for the Mystic SOB’s May Parade Squirrel Soiree on from 4 to 6 p.m. at the gallery – including an open bar, appetizers, and…
Read MoreMay Exhibitions: Quarantine Diaries, Exploring Photograms, and Boys & Girls Club Competition
In conjunction with National Photography Month, the Mobile Arts Council Gallery will be hosting three photography exhibitions this May. These exhibitions will hang in the Mobile Arts Council Gallery from May 5th through May 28th, 2021. See it in person throughout the month or on LoDa ArtWalk night, Friday May 14th! A date for the…
Read MoreFESTIVAL OF QUILTS 2023
“Back to Traditions’’ Sponsored by Azalea City Quilters’ Guild Over 350 quilts with dazzling designs and mastered techniques on display. Featuring Art Quilts, Demonstrations, Opportunity Quilt, Vendors, Unique Boutique, Country Store, Quilts of Valor presentations, Sit and Sew for Charity Quilts and much more. Friday, May 12 & Saturday May 13, 2023 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission…
Read MoreApril Exhibitions: “The Folk Art of Abe Partridge” & “L’inizio”
The Mobile Arts Council will be hosting two exhibitions this April – “L’inizio” and “The Folk Art of Abe Partridge.” L’inizio: Works by Freddie Blache, Tres Johns, and Gage Nobles Freddie Blache was born and raised in Mobile Alabama. He began working with glass in the fall of 2013 at the University of South Alabama.…
Read More2021 Visual Arts Achievement Program & Young at Art
The Mobile Arts Council is now accepting entries for the 2021 District 1 Visual Arts Achievement Program and Young at Art! For the first time, this year’s program will take place virtually AND in person – teachers and students are not required to participate in person to be eligible to compete. Those eligible for District…
Read MoreA Celebration of Black Artists
The Mobile Arts Council recognizes that Black artists have been historically underrepresented in the Visual Arts field. During Black History Month this February, we extended an invitation for any Mobile-based Black artists 18+ (no MAC membership required) to be featured in MAC’s Gallery @ Room 1927 and/or in our Virtual Gallery online. Featured painting by Soynika…
Read MorePoetry Out Loud: Alabama Region 1 Results
This year, the Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest has gone virtual – and our competition took place this December via Zoom. We extend our gratitude to this year’s esteemed judges, including Roslyn Spencer, Jason McKenzie, Jennifer Jasgur, and Jessica Vickery! Unlike the typical program – featuring a day full of live student recitations –…
Read More17th Annual Artys Nominations Open
The Artys is Mobile’s only arts award program that acknowledges the priceless contributions made through all realms of our arts and cultural community. For seventeen years, Mobile Arts Council has presented these awards to recognize the creative achievements of individuals, organizations, and businesses. Each year members of the community submit nominations, which are then narrowed…
Read More#GivingMobileArt
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Help us by #GivingMobileArt for #GivingTuesday! Any contribution you make will make…
Read MoreBienville Oaks: Artists Wanted for Fallen Trees
Apply online through the application to be eligible for a piece of wood from the fallen Bienville oaks. The information provided will be used to determine the artistic merit of those interested and help us determine how to divide the salvageable wood from Bienville Square. This application will close after Tuesday, December 1st, and we…
Read MoreOctober Exhibitions: “Annual MAC Members’ Show” and “9th Annual Throwdown – Silent Auction”
The Gallery in Room 1927 is open to the public Wednesday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our October exhibitions, including our “Annual MAC Members’ Show” and “9th Annual Throwdown Silent Auction,” will hang from October 1st to October 29th. View the complete exhibitions in our Virtual Gallery online here! The 2020 Members’…
Read MoreMusical Performer Database
Are you an area musician looking for performance opportunities? We’re here to help! MAC is putting together a musical performer database to share with the City of Mobile Special Events Department, local venues, restaurants, and individuals looking to book Mobile-area musicians. Possible gigs include playing LODA Artwalk and Market in the Park, the virtual MOB Music Fest in July, outdoor…
Read MoreDonate to MAC’s GoFundMe!
We want to thank all of those that have donated and continue to give to the Downtown Mobile Alliance‘s #DowntownStrong small business fund! Although we have already met our goal of $1,000 in donations to qualify, we still need to recoup $22,000 from canceled events and fundraisers this year. Since making this video, we are excited to announce…
Read MoreBenita Hatfield McNider
Benita Hatfield McNider specializes in animals and portraiture in oils. If you are interested in seeing more of her artwork, or in commissioning a piece, email her at hatfieldartmcnider@gmail.com Artist Statement: Creative awareness is a powerful force! It can usher us out of despair, into a state of grace, transform sadness into laughter, or carry us…
Read MoreMAC’s New Virtual Gallery!
As the spread of COVID-19 shuts down entertainment and gathering spaces, the Mobile Arts Council (MAC) has temporarily closed the gallery to the public and has launched the MAC Virtual Gallery as of Thursday, March 19, 2020. Each month, our community gallery features new exhibitions of original works created by local and regional artists in our Gallery @ Room 1927, located at 6 South Joachim Street (next…
Read MoreTaco Takedown 2020 Postponed
Due to current information regarding the potential spreading of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), and to circumstances beyond our control, Taco Takedown 2020 will be postponed to a later date this year (TBD). The health and safety of the community, guests, event patrons, volunteers, and staff are our top priority. Thank you for your support and for understanding our…
Read MoreNovember Exhibitions: Paul Gray, Sahar Alford, and Mississippi Art Colony
Open November 5th to the 28th, Gallery Room 1927 will feature the exhibitions of Paul Gray, Sahar Alford, and the Mississippi Art Colony Traveling Show. Paul Gray shares a collection of his nature photography, titled “God’s World as I See It.” Paul enjoys a variety of subjects: landscapes, cityscapes, seascapes, architecture, children, still life, nature,…
Read MoreSeptember Exhibitions: Alma Hoffmann, Conz8000, & Throwdown Artists
This September, see works by the five artist competitors in this year’s Throwdown, a collection of paintings by designer Alma Hoffmann, and the “DON’T Campaign” by local graphic artist Conz8000. Are you ready for The Throwdown? On September 20th, five local artists will compete to create works of art in just 90 minutes, which will…
Read MoreAnnual MAC Members’ Exhibition
This August, see our annual MAC Members’ Exhibition, which is open to all of our Artist Members and represents the range of talents and interests among those who support the Mobile Arts Council. The 2019 show will feature paintings, sculptures, mixed-media works, and much more by artists of all ages and experience levels. With the range of medium and technique…
Read MoreJuly Exhibitions: Alabama Plein Air Artists, Emily Sommer, & PleinAirSouth
Head over to 6 South Joachim Street to see the Mobile Arts Council’s new satellite gallery location, known as the Saenger Theatre’s Room 1927. MAC’s July artists are lovers of local nature and Alabama scenery. Come see a watercolor collection with a message of preservation by Emily Sommer; a traveling Alabama 200 exhibition featuring educational…
Read MoreMarket in the Park is Back!
Each year, the Mobile Arts Council and the City of Mobile Special Events Department work together to produce Market in the Park. Each week, the market features live musical performances, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts produced by local artisans, and locally grown produce, seafood, cheese and eggs, honeys, flowers and plants, baked goods, pasta, and more.…
Read MoreMay Exhibitions: Cat Pope, Nancy Milford, & Sarah Rutledge Fischer
Dates: May 3rd – 30th, 2019 This May at MAC, see a collection of colorful narrative paintings from Cat Pope, a series of striking portraits by Sarah Rutledge Fischer, and an exhibit of Gulf Coast nature in oils and acrylics by Nancy Milford. Mobile painter Cat Pope uses her brush to tell a story on every…
Read MoreApril Exhibitions: CameraSouth, Kathleen Kirk Stoves, and Jerry Fair
Dates: April 3rd – 29th, 2019 This April, see the artistic side of wood-burning by Kathleen Kirk Stoves, find your favorite local hangout among Jerry Fair’s watercolors, and see through the lens of the photographers of Camera South. MAC’s exhibitions will hang from April 3rd – 29th, with a special reception from 5 to 9…
Read MoreMarch Exhibitions: R. Warren Goler, Ian Glass, and Central ArtSanctuary
Dates: March 1st – 28th, 2019 This March, the Mobile Arts Council will feature works from the Central Arts Collective, Ian Glass, and R. Warren Goler. The Central Arts Collective (also known as the Central ArtSanctuary), is an exhibition and performance space in midtown Mobile that currently hosts 15 artists-in-residence. Of these artists, our exhibition showcases…
Read MoreMobile Student Advances to National Poetry Out Loud Competition
We’re thrilled to announce that Garrett Whalen, from Baker High School, won 1st place at the Alabama State Finals of Poetry Out Loud! Garrett will receive a cash prize of $200, an additional $400 towards his school’s library, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. to compete in the National Finals on behalf of Alabama. Keyshawn…
Read MoreVisual Arts Achievement Program & Young at Art
Dates: February 5th – 22nd, 2019 This February, the Mobile Arts Council will showcase works from the Visual Arts Achievement Program (VAAP) throughout our galleries. VAAP provides local and state recognition for student achievement in the visual arts. As an arts in education program of the Alabama State Council on the Arts, it awards students…
Read MoreJanuary Exhibitions: Women Veterans Project, Jeremy Wolff, & Nature’s Masterpiece
Dates: January 4th – 30th, 2019 This January, MAC’s galleries will feature the “Women Veterans Project,” a collection of portrait photography and stories by Pam Kuhn, in the Skinny Gallery; a new photography series by Jeremy A. Wolff in the Danielle Juzan Gallery; and “Nature’s Masterpiece,” an exhibition of butterfly paintings by Joanna Myers, in the…
Read MoreDecember Exhibitions: Botanical Art, Ben Shamback, and Herb Willey
Dates: December 4th – 21st, 2018 This December at MAC, see an assortment of flora recreated by Mobile’s botanical artists; take a trip down the Gulf Coast with watercolorist Herb Willey; and enjoy a collecton of landscapes in oils by Ben Shamback. The Mobile Botanical Gardens is a unique treasure, home to one of the last remaining stands…
Read MoreHoliday Market & Christmas Kids Day
Join us on December 8th for the annual Holiday Market and Christmas Kids Day! Come to Mobile Civic Center for locally made arts and crafts, tasty treats, Holiday music, pictures with Santa, performances, and much more! The Holiday Market in the Park will last from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Finish your holiday shopping with one or…
Read More“The Voices of Strong Women” and “The Art Group”
Dates: November 6th – 30th, 2018 This November at MAC, see “The Voices of Strong Women” by local photographer Karen Bullock and an exhibition of works by local painting collective “The Art Group.” The story behind “The Voices of Strong Women” began with Karen Bullock’s photo of dancers from Vigor High School performing in a…
Read More“My Endless Dreams” Installation Unveiling
Date: October 12th, 2018 “My Endless Dreams” is a street-art project based on Sahar K Alford‘s personal experience of growing up as a member of a minority religious group in Iran. Because of her religion, she was denied the right to pursue a higher education. This project is part of #EducationIsNotACrime and the “Changing the World, One Wall…
Read MoreAinsley McNeely, Dawson Morgan, and the Watercolor and Graphic Arts Society
Dates: October 4th – 30th, 2018 This October, see the Watercolor & Graphic Arts Society of Mobile‘s Fall Exhibition; a new series of paintings by Ainsley McNeely; and “Splash,” featuring ceramic sculptures and wall hangings by Dawson Dunn Morgan. In addition to our fabulous exhibitions, MAC staff will be dressed in costume for Spooky Walk, our Halloween edition…
Read MoreAnnual MAC Member’s Exhibition
Dates: August 3-30, 2018 This August, the Mobile Arts Council will feature works by our Artist Members! Featured works include quilts, photography, illustrations, prints, ceramics, sculptures, paintings, and more by over 50 MAC artists. Participating artists include Ainsley McNeely, Alma Hoffmann, Barbara Rettig, Benita McNider, Bertice McPherson, Catherine Helmsing, Cheryl Nicholls, Elise McClellan, Frank…
Read MoreJuly Exhibitions at MAC
Dates: July 5-31, 2018 This July, MAC will feature prints depicting the seven deadly sins by Sarah Dittman in the Small Room; “Rise like the lotus from muddy waters” – a mixed media exhibition of sculptures, paintings, and prints by Shawn Berdux, in the Danielle Juzan Gallery; and artwork created by students of the Optimist Boys & Girls Club in the…
Read MoreJune 2018 Exhibitions
Dates: June 4-29, 2018 Drawing by Melissa Tubbs and painting by Adam Underwood This June, the Mobile Arts Council is hosting three unique exhibitions: ART from the HEART, an acrylic and mixed-media exhibition by self-taught artist James J. Austin; “Abstracts from the Air” by Adam Underwood; and Melissa Tubbs’ “Celebration & Preservation” – an Alabama 200 traveling exhibition featuring…
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