Arts Council Plans Member Social, Art Gallery Opening, and More

Social and Grand Opening

The Little River Arts Council membership social and grand opening of Little River Art Gallery is Saturday, Oct. 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Due to questionable weather, the September event was postponed. Help us celebrate the artists in our little gallery, enjoy connecting with the community, savor delicious food — and maybe win a door prize!

Little Gallery, Big Art

Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A few surprises await you in this special space. Representing member artists from the area, we’ll feature unique pieces not found anywhere else on the mountain, such as Elliott McElrath’s masks, Andrew & Jellique Frazier’s copper art and jewelry, and Doug and Betty Perkins’ walking sticks, brooms & copper roses, to name a few. Rather than a silent auction this year, we hope you will support our gallery artists!

ARTalk

ARTalk is Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Moon Lake Public Library. Lively conversations happen at ARTalk. Every third Tuesday of the month, Mikel Yeakle leads discussions based on who shows up and what art they bring to share. A friendly community has developed around this delightful monthly show and tell.

Mentone Public Art Mementos

If you enjoyed the Make Your Mark on Mentone chalk murals, you will be delighted to learn that the mural designs are now notecards! The cards are 5×7 and, with a frame, make a perfect addition to your home or cabin. Another unique Mentone momento: 6-inch-tall wooden replicas of “Firmly Planted, Forward Moving,” the oak leaf sculpture by Deedee Morrison that was recently installed at the entrance to Moon Lake Village.

Fun Volunteer Opportunity

Volunteer gallery sitters are needed for three-hour shifts, Thursday through Saturday. The time flies! If you are interested, click the VOLUNTEER link on our website.

LRAC To Assist During Fall Festival

The gallery will be open during the Mentone Fall Festival, and LRAC will have a tent outside assisting vendors.

Order Your T-Shirts

Did you miss the first round of pre-orders for the new Little Town Big Art t-shirts? Round two is in full swing! Pre-order your shirts at www.littleriverartscouncil.org/merchandise.

The 8th Annual Creative Spirit Market

This year’s Creative Spirit Market is scheduled for November 9 and 10 at DeSoto State Park across from the Country Store. Hosted by the park and the arts council, with funding from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, this is an open-air showcase, with artist demonstrations, locally and regionally created fine and folk art, premium hand-crafted goods, live acoustic music, and a free interactive art area where market goers can make their own art.

LRAC Artists at 2024 Finster Fest

It is a great honor that Finster Fest invites LRAC artists to showcase their work at this nationally recognized two-day art festival in nearby Summerville, Georgia. This year, 10 member artists represented LRAC at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden: Kevin Chitwood, Meg Justice, Amy Bluekat, Kevin Watson, Frank Kenney, Elliott McElrath, Jan & Mike Sherwood, Lacy Hope Dobbs, Kelly Farley, and Mikel Yeakle. Though the festival took place in September, be sure to visit Paradise Garden any time of the year! More information at www.paradisegardenfoundation.org.