As the spread of COVID-19 shuts down entertainment and gathering spaces, the Mobile Arts Council (MAC) has launched the MAC Virtual Gallery as of Thursday, March 19, 2020. Our gallery is open to the public Wednesdays - Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Masks and social distancing are required.
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 door to the Saenger Theatre). The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Any artists are eligible and may submit a proposal for consideration. Exhibitions are usually displayed from the first Monday of the month through the last Friday.
Now, those exhibitions can be viewed here online, in addition to unique arts and crafts created by MAC’s artist members that are available for purchase. The new MAC Virtual Gallery serves our mission by providing patrons the opportunity to support local artists of all mediums and skill levels from beyond the walls of the Gallery @ Room 1927. Be sure to visit monthly for new art pieces, tickets to MAC events, and so much more!
Your patronage of the arts grows Mobile’s collective cultural footprint in a number of ways. It allows MAC to continue hosting exhibitions and artist workshops, award grants to artists and arts organizations, and provide experiences that celebrate the historically heterogeneous culture that makes Mobile so vibrant!
Join us on the second Friday of each month during LoDa ArtWalk for our exhibition receptions. Meet the artists, see their work in person, and create a personal connection with what is on display.
The MAC Virtual Gallery is always open! Click here to view and purchase works from this month's exhibiting artists. Scroll below to view our past exhibitions or to read about what we have on display.
To sponsor an exhibition, please see our Sponsorship Information.
View our Virtual Gallery here!
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 1 include public and private schools Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, and Washington counties. Every student who receives a District Award will be recognized in the State Awards from the Alabama State Council on the Arts online. All entries, in person and virtual, must be submitted online. Private studios are not eligible to submit work. Entry categories include painting, drawing, mixed media, 3-D/craft, photography, printmaking, and computer images.
The Visual Arts Achievement Program provides opportunities for students in grades 6 through 12 to be recognized for their contributions to the visual arts at the local and state levels. The District 1 juried exhibition will hang from February 5th to February 26th, and will also be displayed on our Virtual Gallery online.. For those who want to physically participate, entries must be equipped to hang with a wire or sawtooth hanger and will be due on February 1st – 3rd at our Gallery at Room 1927 (6 S. Joachim St. between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). All entries will be due online by February 1st through the online application below:
Concurrently, Young at Art is for 5th grade students and below and not included in the juried competition. These entries must be equipped to hang (with a wire, sawtooth hanger, contact strips, or some other way that does not stick out of the top of the artwork). Unlike VAAP, this show is also open to private lesson teachers. Apply to showcase up to five pieces of elementary school artwork here:
For those who want to physically participate, entries must be equipped to hang with a wire or sawtooth hanger and will be due on February 1st – 3rd at our Gallery at Room 1927 (6 S. Joachim St. between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). If you need an alternate drop off time, or help with photographing and entering your submissions online, we will gladly do this for you at the gallery!
Contact Sydney Cramer at scramer@mobilearts.org or 251-432-9796 for more information. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday – Friday.
This month we will be featuring two exhibitions: Art For All and Nancy Goodman’s Quilts. These pieces will hang through the end of January in the Mobile Arts Council’s Gallery @ Room 1927. The gallery is open to the public Wednesday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Mobile Arts Council, The Central Arts Collective, Full Life Ahead Foundation, and L’Arche Mobile are pleased to announce Art for All, an inclusive arts education program for adults. The goal of the program is to bring people of all abilities together to express their creativity and develop their skills in a variety of arts media including acrylics, graphics, watercolors, and more. This January, 58 framed works from Art for All, all created by students with developmental disabilities over a number of years, will be featured in our gallery. 100% of proceeds from these art sales will go toward purchasing supplies for Art For All‘s classes, so stop by and purchase a special piece for your home while supporting a great cause! If you are interested in volunteering or making a financial donation towards this program, please contact Lucy Gafford at director@mobilearts.org.
Nancy Goodman makes art quilts – quilts meant for the wall, rather than the bed. While firmly grounded in the craft of quilting, Goodman’s quilt style is improvisational, made without patterns or templates. She creates her designs using vibrant colors and complicated piecing. A final layer of intricate quilting (stitching that holds all the layers together) fills every inch of the quilt. Goodman exhibits her quilts in national and international shows and has won many awards. She lives and works in Mobile, AL. Within the artist’s featured works, she has included a Peace and Freedom Series. According to Goodman, “All over the world people are struggling for peace and freedom. These quilts commemorate some of those struggles.”
The Mobile Arts Council recognizes that Black artists have been historically underrepresented in the Visual Arts field. During Black History Month this February, we would like to extend an invitation for any Mobile-based Black artists 18+ (no membership required) to be featured in MAC’s Gallery @ Room 1927 and/or in our Virtual Gallery online. This application deadline is set for 9 a.m. on Thursday, January 28th. (Featured painting by Soynika Edwards-Bush).
Qualifications
Artists must be Mobile-based Black artists 18 years or older, and are allowed to submit up to two pieces each. All works will be featured in our online gallery, and select pieces will be hung in MAC’s Gallery @ Room 1927. All works will be juried based on available gallery space, and at least one entry per artist will be featured in the physical exhibition. All artistic mediums will be accepted in this application, but dimensions should not exceed 4′ x 6′ in size. Submitted works must have not been previously featured in our gallery. If accepted, drop off of works for the physical exhibition will take place February 1st – 3rd between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 6 South Joachim Street. All 2D works must be equipped to hang with a wire or sawtooth hanger. MAC takes a 20% commission on all sales, and all accepted works must remain on display in the gallery for the entire month of February. MAC reserves the right to approve or deny any submissions.
PAST EXHIBITIONS
Dates: April 1-27, 2018
“5” is a juried exhibition of work by students at the area’s five colleges and universities, sponsored every other year by Mobile Arts Council (MAC). Entry was open to any student – not only students studying art – enrolled during any part of the 2017 -2018 academic year at Bishop State Community College, Coastal Alabama Community College, Spring Hill College, theUniversity of Mobile, or the The University of South Alabama.
From the 90 works submitted, Judge Wendy DesChene chose 60 pieces by 34 artists: 3 from Bishop State Community College, 10 from Coastal Alabama Community College, 6 from Spring Hill College, 3 from the University of Mobile, and 12 from the University of South Alabama.
The exhibition will hang in our galleries from Monday, April 2 through Friday, April 27, with a reception and awards ceremony during the LoDa ArtWalk on Friday, April 13 between 6 – 9 PM. Prizes (including cash and gift certificates) will be awarded the evening of the reception. Our gallery hours are 9 AM – 5 PM on weekdays, as well as weekends during SouthSounds Arts and Crafts Market and the Market in the Park hours.
We want to thank Ashland Gallery, the Mobile Art Association, and Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Mobile Historic District for sponsoring the 2018 exhibition.
Dates: March 1-31, 2018
Painting by Kristin Dunreath Harris
“Facets” is a new watercolor exhibition by Kristin Dunreath Harris. Kistin’s paintings are painstakingly detailed, capturing each faceted shape of every carefully drawn jewel – creating an illusion of reflection, depth, and a three-dimensional feel within her works. The transitions of soft and bold colors are pushed on a clay surface, bringing watercolor out from behind glass and allowing each piece to be closer to the eye of the viewer. Kristin is an illustrator and self taught watercolor artist based in Daphne, Alabama. With a BFA in Visual Arts from the University of South Alabama, her love for art transitioned her career to working full time on commissioned pieces out of her studio for clients all over the country. See Kristin’s works throughout the month of March during our gallery hours, between 9 AM – 5 PM on weekdays. Meet the artists on ArtWalk night, March 9, between 6 – 9 PM.
Dates: March 1-31, 2018
“Iguanians” by Joseph Smith
“HUMANIMAL” is a mixed-media exhibition of sculptures and paintings by Joseph Smith. His exhibition focuses on the relationship of humankind and animals, drawing parallels to the similarities in their characteristics. “Developing and expanding humankind is increasingly separating themselves from the animal world. Having spent many years rescuing injured wildlife, dogs from kill shelters and puppy mills, raising cattle and horses, and coming in close contact with many other species in what I call Animalia, I have been fortunate to have been able to notice that each and every animal I have ever touched has possessed its own distinct and unique personality apart from its species defined characteristics and instincts. My desire to acknowledge and learn more about personality as it related to species, I wondered about the possibilities of humans interacting to such a degree as to become a mindful part of the animal. Creating human figures with animal heads, more importantly minds, became further explored by forming human heads/minds on animal figures. If either of these were possible in the abstract sense and allowing the viewer to reflect on this concept, I believe a closer bond can be formed between humankind and the multitudes of animal species that have closely evolved together.” – Joseph Smith Smith resides in Lillian, Alabama by way of Oklahoma, California, Connecticut, and the South of France. He studied painting and sculpture at the California College of Art and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Art Center College of Design. An experienced stone and wood carver, welder, ceramicist and stone fabricator his sculptures, drawings and paintings have been shown in galleries in New York, Washington DC, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, California, Florida and New Mexico in the U.S. in Avignon, Les Baux de Provence, St. Remy de Provence, Remoulin and St. Sabastien in the South of France, Geneva and Zurich in Switzerland and Cologne, Germany. He has taught classes and workshops in sculpture techniques, drawing and painting. His works have been viewed in Art News, Art Forum, reviewed in The Washington Post and numerous local journals and newspapers in the U.S. as well as Southern France. He has won several awards for his work at juried exhibitions both here and in France. See Smith’s works throughout the month of March during our gallery hours, between 9 AM – 5 PM on weekdays. Meet the artists on ArtWalk night, March 9, between 6 – 9 PM.
Dates: March 1-31, 2018
“Curious” Miniature Painting
The Spanish Moss Miniature Art Show is a national competition and sale, presented by the Alabama Miniature Art Society. The show features drawings and paintings from some of the top artists working in miniatures today, with no artwork larger than 25 square inches (5x5inches). This is the 10 year anniversary of this exhibition! See these artists works throughout the month of March during our gallery hours, between 9 AM – 5 PM on weekdays. Meet the artists on ArtWalk night, March 9, between 6 – 9 PM.
Dates: March 1-31, 2018
Painting by Melissa Dumas Diegan
The back half of the Skinny Gallery is devoted to a joint exhibition by local artists Melissa and Richard Diegan. Melissa Diegan is a painter whose colorful, abstract works reflect her own sense of spirituality and love of intuitive process in art. Alongside her paintings are the expressive assemblage pieces of Richard Diegan II, who writes of his work, “A composition of found items are included in my work which include wood furniture, plumbing and electrical parts, musical instruments, car parts, circuit boards, tools, historic items […] In all art, the whole must be greater than the sum of the parts, but in assemblage the challenge is more difficult since the parts have their own identities and implications.” See the Diegan’s works throughout the month of March during our gallery hours, between 9 AM – 5 PM on weekdays. Meet the artists on ArtWalk night, March 9, between 6 – 9 PM.
Dates: January 1-31, 2018
Painting by Hunter Cobb
This January, the Small Room will feature “Downhome – A Portrait of the Small Southern Town”, a new painting series by artist Hunter Cobb. Cobb says that the small Southern town has played an iconic role in American Culture. From “To Kill a Mockingbird” to “The Andy Griffith Show”, Southern towns have been cast as both sinister and idyllic. As always, the truth is somewhere in between. Having been a visitor and resident of many small towns over several decades, Cobb noticed certain similarities and patterns. “This exhibit is my attempt to distill these attributes into a gestalt that is The Small Southern Town.” Cobb’s childhood involved living in various locations in the U.S. and the world, as his father was a member of the Air Force. He graduated high school in West Germany and attended the University of West Alabama. He moved to Mobile in 1992, and began a career in graphic design. Several years ago he opted for a second career in software development. He has been married to his wife and fellow artist for sixteen years. Cobb has been an artist in residence at Innova Arts, Cathedral Square Gallery, Gallery 450, and Galeria Ltons in St. Augustine, Florida. He is a member of the Mobile Arts Council, Alabama Miniature Art Society, and is Second Vice President of Watercolor and Graphic Art Society. According to Cobb, “I enjoy creating works that evoke an emotional response in viewers. Taking a moment in time and space and manipulating color and form conveys emotion, or I utilize symbolism to have an impact on the viewer. Artists should not be limited to a certain style or technique so my works draw on both inner and outer visions and can range from realistic to semi-abstract. These different methods allow me to convey different moods and ideas.”
Dates: January 1-31, 2018
Photo by EJ Wright
This January, the Skinny Gallery will feature photography from members of the Camera South Photography Club. Camera South is a local photography group which provides its members an opportunity to exchange ideas, develop new skills, and learn more about the art of photography. For additional information on the club, email info@camerasouth.org or visit their facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/camerasouth. The exhibition will be available to see from 9 – 5 on weekdays throughout the month of January. Meet the artists on ArtWalk night, January 12, from 6 – 9 PM.
Dates: January 1-31, 2018
Mixed-media work by Stewart Heath
In the Danielle Juzan gallery, local artist Stewart Heath will be showing a collection of paintings and mixed media works in her trademark colorful, ethereal style. Heath works in a contemporary abstract style with both figurative and non-representational subjects. A native of Georgia, Heath currently lives in Fairhope. She has been an artist for over 20 years and sees making art as a form of mediation, assigning it a place of spiritual importance in her life. Her paintings hang in private collections around the U.S. The exhibition will be available to see from 9 – 5 on weekdays throughout the month of January. Meet the artist on ArtWalk night, January 12, from 6 – 9 PM.
Dates: December 1-31, 2017
Painting by Satomi Atelier
This December, MAC’s Small Room features Plein Air watercolors and sketches by Satomi Atelier. Atelier was born in Hiroshima, Japan. After graduating from high school, she earned a B.A. in Japanese literature and obtained licenses teaching Japanese literature and calligraphy. As a mostly self-taught watercolor artist, Atelier embarked on professional art career in 2008 soon after she moved to America. She started exhibiting publicly through several art organizations located in the Gulf Coast. Over the years, her paintings have been juried into many exhibitions and have been displayed in several galleries. Atelier mostly works with transparent watercolor, and Plein Air painting (painting on site) is her specialized field. Through Plein Air, the artist would is mesmerized by a scene and then captures it in the moment by quickly painting it. According to Atelier, “Of course we can use the camera to do that now, but expressing something by sketching and painting are a more natural and precious experience to me.” Meet the artist during ArtWalk on Friday, December 8th. The exhibition will be available to see from 9 – 5 on weekdays throughout the month of December. We will be closed for the holidays from December 25th – January 1st.
Dates: December 1-31, 2017
Painting by Sahar Alford
The MAC Member’s Exhibition is open to all artist members of the Mobile Arts Council and will fill the Skinny Gallery this December. The show will feature paintings, sculptures, mixed-media works, and more by artists of all ages and experience levels. Participating artists include Ainsley McNeely, Ben Marsh, Benita McNider, Cat Pope, Catherine Helmsing, Cheryl Nicholls, Conroy Hudlow, conz8000, David Trimmier, Elise McClellan, Herb Willey, Janet Hinton, Jeff Johnston, Jennifer Grainger, June Reddix-Stennis, Karen Bullock, Kym Vanover, Leslie Baumhower, Lilly Cumbie, Lynda Touart, Michele Brinkman, Michelle Aline Pujols, Mika Robinson, Nancy Goodman, Nikki Shaw, Russ Adams, Ruth Robinson, Sahar Alford, Sarah Rutledge Fischer, Shawn Berdux, and Stewart Heath. Meet the artists during ArtWalk on Friday, December 8th. The exhibition will be available to see from 9 – 5 on weekdays throughout the month of December. We will be closed for the holidays from December 25th – January 1st.
The Artys is an annual awards program that celebrates the important contributions that individuals, groups, and businesses make to the Mobile cultural community. Finalists have been announced in the remaining nine award categories, with winners to be announced live at the event.
Artys attendees will enjoy a night of celebration, complete with food, drinks and entertainment in many forms. A jazz trio comprised of John Milham, Chris Spies, and Chris Severin will play, with performances by Mobile Opera and Joe Jefferson Players throughout the ceremony.
Photo Gallery
