Summer Camp Round-Up

Summer Camp Round-Up Graphic

Summer break is just around the corner! Students can find creative and educational enrichment in the camps listed below. Sign up for a class with one of the Mobile Arts Council’s Member Organizations today! Click on anything in blue for more information. At Bellingrath Gardens, they offer 4 Nature Nauts Summer STEM Camps. Their hands-on activities foster critical…

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Mobile Arts Council Introduces a Partnership with Spring Hill College

The Mobile Arts Council and Spring Hill College announce a new partnership designed to expand access to arts programming for students and the greater Mobile community. Built on a shared commitment to service, the collaboration will bring a series of artist residencies, hands-on workshops, and exhibitions hosted on the Spring Hill College campus, connecting students…

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February Organization Member of the Month Mobile Carnival Museum

Graphic for February Organization 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…

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Anthotype Members’ Workshop at Spring Hill College Murphy Fine Arts Building

graphic for Anthotype Workshop with Waayne McNeal 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…

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March: At the Water’s Edge & Homage to the Trees of De Tonti presented by the National Endowment for the Arts

As hints of spring begin to appear, the Mobile Arts Council (MAC) joyfully sharestwo exhibits reminding us of nature’s growth. Cherie Peters’ exhibit, At the Water’s Edge, evokes an earthy aesthetic with her mixed-mediacompositions integrating found objects onto wood, paper, or plexiglass. Using ancient encaustictechniques, she creates modern textured compositions. Cherie showcases her work in…

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“FIVE” Biennial College Art Competition

The Mobile Arts Council (MAC) is delighted to sponsor the biennial Five show, a juried art competition including work from the five area colleges and universities – Bishop State Community College, Coastal Alabama Community College, Spring Hill College, University of Mobile, and University of South Alabama. Three monetary prizes will be awarded. Open to all…

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February: Greater Mobile Student Show

Greater Mobile Student Show

Mobile, AL — Although the Visual Arts Achievement Program and Young at Art have been discontinued statewide, Mobile Arts Council, in partnership with Amp Up Arts, is proud to continue its commitment to arts education and student recognition through the Greater Mobile Student Show, on view throughout February 2026. With over 100 entries, this exhibition…

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January Organization Member of the Month

January 2026 Organization Member of the Month New Hand Signs

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…

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January Artist Member of the Month

Member of the Month graphic for Symone French January 2026

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…

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December Organization Member of the Month

Organization Member of the Month December Urban Emporium

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…

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December Artist Member of the Month

Artist Member of the Month December Janet Nodar

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.”…

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Greater Mobile Student Show

Greater Mobile Student Show February 2026 graphic

We are excited to share some important updates with you regarding our annual student exhibition. Beginning this year, the Visual Arts Achievement Program (VAAP) will now be known as the Greater Mobile Student Art Show, presented by Amp Up Arts. While the spirit and structure of the program remain strong, this refreshed name reflects our commitment to elevating…

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January 2026: Britney Norman, Tiersha Faith Laird, and Savanna Asmus

MAC January 2026 exhibition Brittany Norman "Groundwork" Savannah Asmus "Liminal Spaces" and Tiersha Faith Laird "Sacred Forms"

The Mobile Arts Council is proud to announce its upcoming exhibitions for January 2026, featuring three artists whose works exemplify the beauty of nature and human figures. Groundwork is inspired by nature, urban environments, and the complexities of human experience, and invites viewers to engage through personal interpretation and emotional connection.Light, color, and motion interact…

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City of Mobile’s Poet Laureate 2026-2027

graphic for 2026-2027 Poet Laureate Huggy Bear da Poet, ALex Jerome Lofton the second

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,…

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November Organization Member of the Month

November Organization of the month Ogden Museum of Southern Art

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…

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November & December 2025: Derek Norman & Ty Tover

The Mobile Arts Council is proud to announce its upcoming exhibitions for November and December 2025, featuring two distinctive artists whose works, though rooted in very different experiences, come together in a shared celebration of creativity, resilience, and expression.  Drawing Conclusions showcases both new and seasoned works by Derek Norman, an internationally recognized botanical artist,…

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JAWS Youth 2026: Applications Open!

JAWS Youth is a Jazz Art Writers South Festival (JAWS Fest) community arts education & celebration program for students under the age of 18. The JAWS Youth program is brought together in Partnership with Alabama Art Education Association (AAEA), Mobile Arts Council (MAC), Amp Up Arts, the University of South Alabama Libraries Art Galleries and…

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Sculpting Tradition: A Mardi Gras Moon Pie Workshop

Graphic for Scultping Tradition- float prop workshop with Steve Mussell

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…

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September 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…

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August Organization Member of the Month

Member of month graphic

More than professional photographers, they are master storytellers. With every click of the shutter, Pickett Media Group captures moments that may last only seconds but become treasures for a lifetime. “The story is most important to us.” Whether through photographs or film, their work transports you back in time, letting you relive the joy, love,…

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August Artist Member of the Month

Artist Member of the Month August Lynn Henderson Oldshue

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…

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2025 Members’ Show Awards

members' show award graphic

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…

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July Artist Member of the Month

Member of the month graphic

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…

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July & August: 2025 Annual MAC Members’ Show

The 2025 Annual MAC Members’ Show features 64 artists in a variety of artistic mediums and styles representative of our area. Unlike our typical month-long exhibitions, this show will be featured in our gallery throughout the months of July and August! We will announce the awards, sponsored by the Dempsey & Litchfield Fund, on August…

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June Artist Member of the Month

graphic for Artist Member of the Month June 2025

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…

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June Organization Member of the Month

Member of the month graphic

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+…

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June: “STARPRINTS” by Valerie George & Micah Mermilliod

George & Mermilliod are artists from Mobile, AL, who work in various media. They find connection in shared conceptual interests and a love of experimental photographic processes.  STARPRINTS is an exhibition of photograms and lumen prints that explore themes of transformation and transcendence, utilizing organic materials of the body and the earth. Valerie George (she/her)…

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May: “National Photography Month” & “Navigating the Broken Road”

The National Photography Month open call group show instructed artists to “tell us your story,” and showcases the depth and diversity of photographic storytelling. The exhibit invites viewers into the personal and creative narratives of photographers from across the region. Each piece offers a unique perspective and visual voice, showcasing the many ways photography is…

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April Organization Member of the Month

Graphic for Mobile Arts Council Organization Member of the Month April 2025 Mystic Order of the Jazz Obsessed

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…

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April 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…

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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Selects Local Artists

Congratulations to Frank Ledbetter, Rachel Wright, Brian Argo, Hannah Georgina Legg, Christopher R. Murray, Elsa Payton, and Margaret Richey for being selected to create artwork for the new U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District building! We are so proud to be assisting with this project, coordinating with artists and the Corps of Engineers to…

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April: “H20” & “The Essence of Ink”

The H2O Exhibit by Faye Earnest and Tom Telhiard is an abstraction of aerial views of water:  Above the Water, Ocean Layers, and Seventy-One Percent.  As the exploration continued, the view became closer and closer to the Earth. Faye Earnest enjoys bold color with exotic textures.  From her first landscapes to her examinations of geological…

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Release 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…

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March Organization Member Of the Month

Organization member of the month march 2025

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…

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March Artist Member of the Month

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…

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February 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…

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March: Friends in High Places

Friends in High Places Graphic

The Mobile Arts Council is pleased to host Friends in High Places: Curated by Kathy Martin and Gail Bramer. Friends in High Places is an exploration of the ethereal beauty of flight and the profound connection between humans and birds. Through the lenses of painting, sculpture, and mixed media, the participating artists capture the essence…

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Mobile Arts Council Accepting Entries for May 2025 Photography Exhibition

photography month art museum open call graphic

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…

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February Artist Member of the Month

February Artist member of the Month Huggy Bear da Poet

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…

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February: Visual Arts Achievement Program & Young at Art

The Mobile Arts Council is pleased to host the 2025 District 1 Visual Arts Achievement Program and Young at Art! 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…

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January 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…

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JAWSfest YOUTH: STUDENT ART NEEDED

Have you heard of JAWS fest? The Jazz-Art-Writers-South Festival is a two-month long celebration of music, art, and culture at the University of South Alabama. Hosted by the South Alabama University Libraries department, this festival brings jazz concerts, art galleries, and more to the South Alabama and Mobile communities. The first JAWS Festival was hosted…

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January 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…

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December 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…

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December 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…

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Board 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,…

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Accepting 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…

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The 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…

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2025 Visual Arts Achievement Program & Young at Art

painting

The Mobile Arts Council is now accepting entries for the 2025 District 1 Visual Arts Achievement Program and Young at Art! 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…

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Member’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…

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November 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…

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November Artist Member of the Month

Artist member of the month graphic- Ben Kaiser

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…

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Amp Up Arts Mural Completed at George Hall Elementary School

Look at what these young artists have achieved at Hall Elementary School! Led by muralist, Hannah Georgina Legg, students worked hard to complete this beautiful work of art on the first floor of their school. The mural is titled, “Rooted in Community”, perfectly demonstrating the value of the relationships formed between the school and its…

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Board 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…

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MAC Holiday Fundraiser

Mobile Arts Council is selling holiday card sets featuring a digital design by our own Kathleen Kirk Stoves! With the card’s design, Kathleen chose to spotlight our beloved Mardi Gras history while celebrating the holiday season. Every dollar raised by the sale of these cards goes directly to our mission to enrich the quality of…

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November & December: GLIMPSES by Jerry Bousard and Art For All

GLIMPSES is inspired by the fragility of innocence in all children. A precious quality that in fleeting moments of time often reflect who we really are. Jerry Bousard is a self-taught artist, and started pencil drawing as a young child. He always had a love of portraits. As an adult, he put it down for over…

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October 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…

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2024-25 Mobile Arts Guide

Mobile Arts Council is proud to announce our 2024-25 Mobile Arts Guide! This guide is representative of our mission to enrich the quality of life in the Mobile area through increasing accessibility to the arts and promoting a vibrant cultural community. Through the pages of this guide, you will find a wealth of arts events…

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Board 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.…

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September 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…

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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…

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Mark your calendar for our 12th Annual Throwdown!

The Throwdown at The Temple Downtown

Please join us at the coolest art competition in town, the 12th Annual Throwdown! The Mobile Arts Council’s grandest annual affair, aptly named “The Throwdown,” paints the town with creativity and purpose. For over a dozen years, local artists have eagerly embraced this unique live art competition. Five contenders—each fueled by passion and creativity—take their places. Armed…

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August Organization Member of the Month

Graphic for 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…

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August Artist Member of the Month

Graphic for Mobile Arts Council artist member of the month for August 2024 Mayssam Iskandar

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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MAC welcomes new staff member!

jessica jones graphic new staff member

Please join us in welcoming our newest staff member, Community Engagement Coordinator, Jessica Jones! Jessica is joining us from Colorado Springs where she served as the Events & Marketing Director at Cottonwood Center for the Arts. Jones brings with her six years of nonprofit arts experience, and a distinct passion for the arts in the…

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July Organization Member of the Month

organization member of the month graphic

Congratulations to our July Organization Member of the Month, Dauphin Island Heritage and Arts Council! Dauphin Island Heritage and Arts Council, Inc. (DIHAC) is a federal 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization formed in 2013 serving South Mobile County.  DIHAC’s mission is to provide educational opportunities in the arts, and to increase public awareness of the rich…

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3rd Annual Members’ Appreciation Night!

members' appreciation night graphic

Please join us for a very special evening of celebrating our MAC Members! Our 3rd Annual Members’ Appreciation Night will be held in conjunction with August ArtWalk on Friday, August 9th from 6-9 p.m. Hear the sounds of the legendary Excelsior Band, sip on libations by Braided River Brewing Company, and enjoy catering by Greer’s…

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July Artist Member of the Month

mobile arts council artist member of the month graphic

Congratulations to our July Artist Member of the Month, John Halliday! Growing up on the Gulf Coast, John has always been fascinated with the wildlife and scenic beauty that life on the water provides. His love of art and being creative started at a very young age, but it was not until later in life…

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2024 Annual MAC Members’ Show

Mobile Arts - ANNUAL MAC MEMBERS' SHOW JULY & AUG 2024 Painting of a woman, flowers, man holding baby, abstract art, and a paint brush

The 2024 Annual MAC Members’ Show features 63 artists in a variety of artistic mediums and styles representative of our area. Unlike our typical month-long exhibitions, this show will be featured in our gallery throughout the months of July and August! We will announce the awards, sponsored by the Dempsey & Litchfield Fund, on August…

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2024-25 Arts Guide Info Needed!

MOBILE arts, COUNCIL WE WANTTO SHARE WHAT YOU'RE DOING! It is time to create our 2024-25 Arts Guides! Send us your information on upcoming performances and events so that we can spread the word around the state! Contact kat@mobilearts.org with any questions! Must be a MAC Member to be included in the Guide Sign says : "Welcome to Sweet Home Alabama"

It’s that time of year again! We need your help getting the word out about our vibrant arts community! Submit information below about important performance dates or events that your organization has scheduled for 2024-25. If events aren’t your thing but you’d like to share a bit about your organization with the public, we encourage…

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June: Figures of Imagination & Ethereal

MOBILE arts, COUNCIL Figures of Imagination By Eric Achenbach Ethereal By Lucy Gafford, Benjamin Kaiser, & Vanessa Quintana June 2024 - art figures on side

Stop by MAC’s Gallery @ Room 1927 to shop in our gallery gift shop and to see our newest exhibitions, Figures of Imagination by Eric Achenbach & Ethereal by Lucy Gafford, Benjamin Kaiser, and Vanessa Quintana. Figures of Imagination deals with the naked identity of humanity through the expression of surrealism and imaginative rendering of…

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May Artist Member of the Month

mobile arts council graphic

Congratulations to our May Artist Member of the Month, Marshall OHern! If you’ve ever walked through our ArtWalk vendor market area on Dauphin Street, you’ve likely met the ray of sunshine that is Marshall OHern. He has been a vendor with us for many years, bringing his talent and joyful nature to the people. Mobile…

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Amp Up Arts Networking Event with Mobile Arts Council

networking event graphic

July 18th | Gallery @ Room 1927 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, Al 36602 (Next to the Saenger Theatre) Artists, Arts Organizations, Teachers and Administrators welcome! Learn about Mobile Arts Council’s Education Partnership with Amp Up Arts! Keep the arts alive at your school! Artists and Arts Organizations are encouraged…

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May Organization Member of the Month

mobile art association graphic

Congratulations to our May Organization Member of the Month, Mobile Art Association! Mobile Art Association (MAA) is the ideal organization for amateur and professional artists.It has a long history of supporting, educating, and providing opportunities for members to show their work. The organization was first organized in 1943 by Edmund DeCelle, William Broughton Bush, and…

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May: Ginger Woechan & Mobile Art Association

annual spring show graphic

Stop by MAC’s Gallery @ Room 1927 to shop in our gallery gift shop and to see our newest exhibitions, Light by The Ginger Woechan Experience & Mobile Art Association’s Annual Spring Show. The inspiration for Light is a combination of the artist’s journey out of the darkness. This includes things, memories, and daydreams that…

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Call for Artists – 2024 MAC Members’ Show

accepting applications now graphic

The Mobile Arts Council (MAC) will feature works by our Artist Members for the months of July and August 2024. Artwork can be 2D or 3D, as well as audio/video. Artists may submit up to two pieces of work that are no larger than 3’x6′ in area total (combined). Artists with more than one entry…

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Call for Artists – MAC Accepting 2025 & 2026 Exhibition Proposals Now!

call for artists graphic

MAC is accepting solo and group exhibition proposals for its 2025 & 2026 exhibition series. If you are a local artist, part of a local art group, or know someone who would be interested, please see the exhibition proposal form here. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis, and slots are filled on a first-come,…

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April: FIVE

the five show graphic

Stop by MAC’s Gallery @ Room 1927 to shop in our gallery gift shop and to see our newest exhibition, the FIVE Show. The April exhibition series is sponsored by the Mobile International Airport and will be featured in the MAC Gallery through April 30th, 2024. “Five” is a biennial juried exhibition of work by…

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March Organization Member of the Month

the loyola art show graphic

Congratulations to our March Organization Member of the Month, The Loyola Art Show! The Loyola Art Show is setting sights on bringing the finest art shopping experience to the heart of the Gulf Coast, August 22-24, 2024 in Mobile, Alabama.  They look forward to hosting this inaugural juried art show in our coastal city at the gorgeous Crown…

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Free Arts Education Workshop | April 13th

arts education workshop graphic

Are you interested in teaching visual or performance arts classes through Mobile Arts Council’s partnership with Amp Up Arts? Are you an artist wanting to sharpen your teaching skills and liven up your lesson plans? Join us for a FREE workshop at the Community Foundation of South Alabama, April 13th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.…

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February Organization Member of the Month

organization member of the month graphic

Congratulations to our February Organization Member of the Month, Mobile Museum of Art! Since its founding in 1963 as a public/private entity then known as the “Mobile Art Gallery,” the art museum has evolved into the only accredited art museum in south Alabama, with a collection of over 6,400 artworks comprised of painting, sculpture, decorative…

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February: 2024 Visual Arts Achievement Program & Young at Art

painting

The Mobile Arts Council is pleased to host the 2024 District 1 Visual Arts Achievement Program and Young at Art! 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…

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February Artist Member of the Month

artist member of the month graphic

Congratulations to February’s Artist Member of the Month, Missy Patrick! Missy Patrick is well known in our community for being an extraordinary oil painter. Her pieces are a harmonious expression of brushwork, light and color. The rich surfaces of her work occasionally depict cityscapes but more frequently it’s the natural landscape that moves from her…

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Call for Summer Camp Info!

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Although we’re in the thick of the Mardi Gras season, we’re not sleeping on Summer being just around the corner! Now is the time that parents and young artists are thinking about their summer plans, and we’re here to help! Every year we compile a detailed list of children’s summer camps offered by our fantastic…

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January Organization Member of the Month

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Congratulations to our January Organization Member of the Month, Alabama Contemporary Art Center! The mission of Alabama Contemporary is to support cultural production, provide space for courageous conversations that shape identity, and seed growth in the greater creative economy. They support living artists, and through their educational, public and curatorial programs advocate for human dignity…

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January Artist Member of the Month

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Congratulations to our January Artist Member of the Month, Sarah Rutledge Fischer! Sarah is a self-taught artist who works mostly with acrylics. She enjoys painting outdoor murals like the utility box she recently finished for Mobile Arts Council, but she typically paints on canvas or paper. Sarah says she “begins with backgrounds created en masse…

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Let’s get Squirrely!

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The Mystic Squirrels of Bienville are gearing up for another year of nuttiness! Come and join the fun! If you’re looking for a fun way to contribute to the mission of Mobile Arts Council, look no further! The Mystic SOB’s are a Mardi Gras marching group that will process at the “tail” end of the…

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What’s new with Amp Up Arts?

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Mobile Arts Council’s education outreach partnership with Amp Up Arts is growing everyday thanks to our vibrant arts community. We are lucky to be connected with countless professional individuals and organizations with an interest in providing arts education to local schools. Our visual arts and dance classes at Chastang-Fournier K-8 School have been up and…

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2024 Visual Arts Achievement Program & Young at Art

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The Mobile Arts Council is now accepting entries for the 2024 District 1 Visual Arts Achievement Program and Young at Art! 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…

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December Artist Member of the Month

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Congratulations to our December Artist Member of the Month, Harlan Toole Schwall! See Harlan’s work displayed within December’s exhibition, “Coastal Clay”, curated by Phillip Counselman, at our gallery. You can also visit her studio at the Central Arts Collective on 1260 Dauphin Street. Harlan received her B.F.A. in Painting and Sculpture from Appalachian State University…

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November Artist Member of the Month

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Congratulations to our November Artist Member of the Month, Zak Todd! Zak is a local artist who has experience in teaching at Alabama Contemporary Art Center and through Mobile Arts Council’s education outreach program, Amp Up Arts. He is currently teaching visual arts classes through this program at Chastang-Fournier School. We are thrilled to have…

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November Organization Member of the Month

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Congratulations to our November Organization Member of the Month, Watercolor & Graphic Arts Society of Mobile! The Watercolor & Graphic Arts Society of Mobile is one of the oldest arts organizations in the state of Alabama. It began on June 5, 1948, as simply “Watercolor Society of Mobile” as an outgrowth of the Bayou Painters…

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Give the Gift of the Arts! Be part of our Guide!

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Mobile Arts Council is in the process of gathering information to share in our second annual Arts Gift Guide! We at MAC make it our business to support our Members and promote the work they do. Why not support the Arts in Mobile this holiday season by giving a unique, handmade gift to your friends…

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October Artist Member of the Month

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Congratulations to our October Artist Member of the Month, Louis Tooker! Louis is a local architect working for the City of Mobile. His drawings look a bit different during his free time, with his focus turning mostly to the organic lines and structure of the human form. Louis speaks of his work, saying “For much…

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October 2023: American Society of Botanical Artists, Louise Estes, & Henry Evans

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This October, MAC features 3 new exhibitions: Square in Mobile? You Must Be Kidding! from the American Society of Botanical Artists, Homage to Louise Estes, and Homage to Henry Evans. These exhibitions feature botanical art in various mediums from local, national, and international artists. The American Society of Botanical Artists provides a thriving, interactive community…

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We’re Celebrating National Arts in Education Week!

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Mobile Arts Council believes that arts education is essential to the fundamental development of every student in Alabama. We are pleased to be a Collaborative Site for Amp Up Arts, the first statewide initiative for arts education in public schools. This partnership would not be possible without the Alabama State Council on the Arts. Since…

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August Artist Member of the Month

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Congratulations to our August Artist Member of the Month, Micah Mermilliod! Micah Mermilliod (he/him) creates work that often incorporates elements of collage, both in the mediums used and the ideas at play.  He is most interested in adaptive changes that humans make, especially in an environment that is rapidly changing due to catalysts such as…

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August Organization Member of the Month

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Congratulations to our August Organization Member of the Month, Mobile Symphony Orchestra! The Mobile Symphony Orchestra (MSO) enhances lives by achieving the highest standards in live symphonic music and music education. They accomplish their mission through their vision: by creating an environment that allows for the presentation of the finest quality music; attracting and hiring exemplary…

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2023 Annual MAC Members’ Show

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The 2023 Annual MAC Members’ Show features 69 artists in a variety of artistic mediums and styles representative of our area. Unlike our typical month-long exhibitions, this show will be featured in our gallery throughout the months of August and September! We will announce the awards, sponsored by the Dempsey & Litchfield Fund, on August…

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11th Annual Throwdown Mystery Item Surprise

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The Throwdown, Presented by Hackbarth Deliveries, is the Mobile Arts Council’s largest annual fundraising event. Proceeds go towards supporting our mission: to enrich the quality of life in the greater Mobile area through increasing accessibility to the arts and promoting a vibrant cultural community. For the past eleven years, local artists have sought out to…

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Mobile Arts Council’s 2nd Annual Members’ Appreciation Night

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Let’s celebrate our wonderful Mobile Arts Council family in style with music from the award winning Excelsior Band, delicious food from Greer’s, and libations from Braided River Brewing Co. This year’s event will be in conjunction with August’s ArtWalk and our Annual Members’ Show displayed in our gallery. The event is open to the public with food and…

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June Artist Member of the Month

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Congratulations to our June Artist Member of the Month, Savannah Mercer! Savannah, formerly known as MAC intern extraordinaire, is a visual artist working in many mediums. These include painting, drawing, graphic design, 3D work, photography, set design, SFX makeup, and more! She has recently started working as a multimedia production artist with local sign painter…

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FREE for MAC Members: Performance Arts Panel Discussion & Headshots

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Join us for a FREE Member Event at Mobile Arts Council’s Gallery on July 22nd, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. We are excited to hear from professionals in our local performing arts community, gaining some insight and tips & tricks on what it takes to thrive in this area of the arts. Our panelists…

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The Throwdown

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The Throwdown is the Mobile Arts Council’s largest annual fundraising event. Proceeds go towards supporting our mission: to enrich the quality of life in the greater Mobile area through increasing accessibility to the arts and promoting a vibrant cultural community. View photos and details from previous Throwdown events on our main page here! For the…

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June Exhibitions: Juneteenth: A Celebration of Black Artists & PRIDE

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Stop by MAC’s Gallery @ Room 1927 from June 6th until June 30th to see the Juneteenth: A Celebration of Black Artists and PRIDE exhibitions, featuring Mobile-area Black and LGTBQ+ artists and allies! Gallery hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Tuesdays – Fridays and 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays. We will…

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May Artist Member of the Month

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Congratulations to our May Artist Member of the Month, Dan Domenzain! Born in El Paso, TX and raised in Chihuahua Mexico, Dan now lives in Mobile, and can be found photographing any number of major Mobile events like ArtWalk, Mardi Gras parades, and more. Dan finds passion in experiencing and celebrating what makes us human –…

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Free Arts Education Workshop | May 23rd & 24th

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Are you interested in teaching visual or performance arts classes through Mobile Arts Council’s new partnership with Amp Up Arts? Are you an artist wanting to sharpen your teaching skills and liven up your lesson plans? Join us for a FREE two-day workshop at the Community Foundation of South Alabama, May 23rd-24th, from 9 a.m.…

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2023 Summer Camp Roundup

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Summer is just around the corner, and our Summer Camp Roundup is here to help your little ones find creative and educational enrichment over the break. Sign up for a class with one of these organizations today! Your child is bound to gain skills in creative problem solving, public speaking, and more! View this year’s…

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May Exhibitions: National Photography Month Exhibition

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Stop by MAC’s Gallery @ Room 1927 from May 6th until May 30th to see our National Photography Month community exhibition, featuring 30+ area photographers! Subject matter and mediums range from studio portraits and landscape photography to silver gelatin prints and cyanotypes. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Tuesdays – Fridays and…

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Teaching Artists Needed!

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Are you interested in teaching with Mobile Arts Council this summer? We are now partnered with Amp Up Arts, the first statewide initiative for arts education, and we need teaching artists! Our first available opportunities will be in the months of June and July this summer. Specific dates and times are to be determined. If…

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April Artist Member of the Month

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Congratulations to our April Artist Member of the Month, Renee Wallace! Living the art life is a dream come true for Renee.  Being on the Gulf Coast and witnessing the unique and beautiful coastal area inspires Renee’s art in almost every medium.  Sketching and painting were her first loves.  She uses soft graphite to sketch…

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April Exhibitions: A Ménage à Trois & Not Without Water

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This April, MAC’s Gallery @ Room 1927 will feature two exhibitions: “A Ménage à Trois” by Frank “Chip” Mayes and “Not Without Water” by Pier Hardin. Frank “Chip” Mayes began painting in 1960 and is a painter of Oils, Acrylics, and Designers Gouache. He enrolled in college as an art major. Being one of the…

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Chickasabogue Park – Conference Center Window Design Contest

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The Mobile Arts Council is searching for an artist to create a design to be laminated inside the windows of the new Chickasabogue Conference Center entrance. The chosen winner will receive $5,000. Submissions are due by the end of day on May 31st, 2023. Eligibility: • Artist must be 18 years of age or older and must reside…

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Kites Over Mobile: Sketch Day

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Mobile Arts Council is celebrating Mobile Parks and Recreation’s Kites Over Mobile with a Sketch Day! Join us on the SECOND DAY of this weekend event from 12 noon to 5 pm. We encourage you to bring your drawing materials along as we will have minimal drawing materials available. Bring the whole family to this…

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Arts Education Workshop 4/18/23

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Amp Up Arts and Mobile Arts Council invite you to a FREE full-day workshop on growing arts education in Mobile and surrounding areas. We will begin with action steps for implementing teaching artist residencies and arts programming in schools through in-school instruction, after-school programs, and community events. In the afternoon, we will review available grants…

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March Artist Member of the Month

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Congratulations to our March Artist Member of the month, Nancy Goodman! Nancy was born in New England, moved to Colorado as a teenager and then to California for college. She made her first quilt for her firstborn about 45 years ago. A few years later she moved to New Mexico and finally to Alabama. Along…

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March Exhibitions: Not Without Water & Blue Mind

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This March, MAC’s Gallery @ Room 1927 will feature two exhibitions: “Not Without Water” by Pier Hardin and “Blue Mind” curated by Kathy Martin Not Without Water depicts the environments that could not exist without water. Surreal and abstract forests, bog plants, cypress knees, swamps, mythical caves, carp, lily pads, insects, and frogs—water is their…

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February Artist Member of the Month

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Congratulations to our February Artist Member of the Month, Muffinjaw Designs! Muffinjaw Designs is a group of local artist that joined together while studying glass at The University of South Alabama in 2016. The group is comprised of Freddie Blache, Caroline Gratton, Gage Nobles, and Tres Johns. Muffinjaw Designs creates handmade, functional, and decorative glass…

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February Exhibitions: Visual Arts Achievement Program & Young at Art

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This February, MAC’s Gallery @ Room 1927 will feature two exhibitions: The District 1 Visual Arts Achievement Program and Young at Art. 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. View the statewide…

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January Exhibitions: “Body of Work” & “Friends and Figures”

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This January, MAC’s Gallery @ Room 1927 will feature two exhibitions: “Body of Work” by Louis Tooker and “Friends and Figures” curated by Jessica Maples. For the past twenty-five years, Louis Tooker has joined with fellow artists to draw from live models, many of those sketches making up Body of Work. He finds figurative studies…

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December Member of the Month: Central Arts Collective

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Established in 2017 to fill the need for affordable studio spaces for local artists, Central Arts Collective is a group of about 20 individual working artists who strive to craft community through service and arts cultivation in Mobile. Each artist occupies a studio space within the same building of Central Presbyterian Church located at 1260…

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November Exhibitions: Ty Tover & Lynne Weeks

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This November and December, MAC’s Gallery @ Room 1927 will feature two exhibitions: “I am Light” by Ty Tover and “All About the Dress” by Lynne Weeks. These exhibitions will hang from November 3rd through December 21st, 2022. Read more about these exhibitions below! Tyrome “Ty” Tover – TOSH TOVAR | Art Therapy Paintings –…

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October Exhibitions: L.A. Stevens, Art of Engineers, & WGAS

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This October, MAC’s Gallery @ Room 1927 will feature three exhibitions: the Watercolor & Graphic Art Society’s “Annual Fall Show”, “Confusion” by L.A. Stevens, and “Airbus Art of Engineers.” These exhibitions will hang from October 5th through October 30th, 2022. Read more about these exhibitions below! As a non-profit organization, the object of the Watercolor…

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Azalea City Art Quilters & 2022 Throwdown Artists

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This September, the Mobile Arts Council’s Gallery @ Room 1927 is hosting two new exhibitions. Viewpoints by the Azalea City Art Quilters features works from over 10 different art quilt collections completed by the group since 2020. The 2022 Throwdown Artists features works from this year’s 10th Annual Throwdown competitors – Mayssam Iskandar, John Halliday,…

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Drawing Night with Mobile Arts Council

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Join us for an evening of gothic architecture and natural beauty in partnership with Spring Hill College and Mobile Urban Sketchers. Bring your sketchbook and pencils. Participation is free! This Drawing Night will be held at 4000 Dauphin St. from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m on July 21st. Contact Kat Stoves at kat@mobilearts.org with any…

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Members Appreciation Night

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On August 30th, the Mobile Arts Council is honoring our Members with an evening filled with music, creativity, and celebration. This event will also act as a closing reception for our fabulous Annual MAC Members’ Show. We will have delicious food provided by Cafe 219 & Greer’s Markets, a group painting that all in attendance…

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2022 MAC Members’ Show

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The 2022 Annual MAC Members’ Show features 53+ artists in a variety of artistic mediums and styles representative of our area. Unlike our typical month-long exhibitions, this show will be featured in our gallery throughout the months of July and August!   We will announce the awards, sponsored by the Dempsey & Litchfield Fund, on…

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Roxann Dyess – “Miniature’s & More” Silent Auction Items

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All auction items have the current and minimum bid information listed in the photo caption. Bidding ends on June 30th at 2 p.m. If you are outbid, we will call/text you to see if you would like to increase your bid for the item. The Miniatures See images of the available miniatures below. To bid…

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Celebrating Eugene Walter

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Eugene Ferdinand Walter, Jr. (November 30, 1921 – March 29, 1998) was an American screenwriter, poet, short-story author, actor, puppeteer, gourmet chef, cryptographer, translator, editor, costume designer and well-known raconteur. Walter was labeled “Mobile’s Renaissance Man” because of his diverse activities in many areas of the arts. In later life, he maintained a connection with Mobile…

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Spring Fling Paint Party

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Join us at the Saenger Theatre’s Gallery @ Room 1927 for our first ever Spring Fling Paint Party! This fundraising event will provide attendees with the opportunity to paint their own 9″x12″ masterpiece with assistance from professional artists. Choose from a variety of iconic Bay-Area images, enjoy flowing libations and heavy appetizers, and raise money…

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United Way Pledge Mural

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Early September 2021, the Mobile Arts Council’s staff, along with a group of community volunteers and artists, painted a mural designed by Ginger Woechan on behalf of United Way of Southwest Alabama. This mural represents the different pillars of their organization, and served to bring color and liveliness to the side of their office space…

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Welcome to Mobile Mural

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The Welcome to Mobile mural was painted at 714 Dauphin Street (facing Scott Street) on Saturday, October 2, 2021. Sarah Beth Bexley, designer of the Mural, invited the community to come out and be part of creating this new photo spot in downtown Mobile. Much to her delight, nearly one thousand people stopped by the mural to…

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‘Souls of Mobile’ Mural

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Mobile has a new mural! ‘Souls of Mobile’ by Ginger Woechan is on the Jackson Street wall of Haley’s Bar downtown. The mural depicts a colorful street scene, including individuals from the community nominated because of the good they do for the city. The mural unveiling party took place on Sunday, December 8, from 2…

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Education Is Not A Crime

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Sahar Alford recently completed the window installation of her work, “My Endless Dreams,” a project she created through a collaboration with the Mobile Arts Council and female residents at SYC. The project is part of an international movement, Education Is Not A Crime, aimed at raising awareness of human rights issues in Iran. Alford is…

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