A Gallery Was Born

It’s hard to believe a year has passed since we first stepped into the space that once housed the Moon Lake School office, later becoming Meg Justice’s studio, and envisioned it as the future home of Little River Art Gallery. On April 2, while discussing the possibilities, a few overzealous board members eagerly began removing ceiling tiles and wall trim — sealing our commitment to the project. Thankfully, it was a day after April Fools!

Little River Arts Council (LRAC) began as the Mentone Area Arts Council (MAAC) in 2006, but until last year, we never had a place to call our own.

Even though we didn’t open the gallery until the summer, April 2 feels like the day our little gallery was born. As we celebrate our first anniversary, we want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who has supported this little dream of ours. Here’s to many more years of art and community!

Featured Artist: Brande Arno

Brande’s art is both free-spirited and sophisticated. Her subjects, primarily animals, each carry a distinct personality — brought to life not only through her brushstrokes but also by the names she gives them. From bunnies and chickadees to bears and deer, her work has a way of elevating both the décor and the mood of any space.

The first time I saw Brande’s work, I was captivated. A few years ago, at Follow Your Art, I took home a straw-chewing bovine named Maxine. Maxine doesn’t mince words or mess around — she means business! But even now, I still find myself thinking about the playful little bunny that first caught my eye.

Gallery hours are Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. or by appointment.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Little River Art Gallery Volunteers!

We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers who help keep our gallery doors open: Helen Allen, Brande Arno, Bev Bates, David Cummings, Chris Davenport, Sharon Morris, Tiffany Parnell, Sandra Perry, Mary Ann Robbins, Denise Soares, and Barbara Umland. These wonderful individuals bring energy, enthusiasm, and a love for the arts to our community!

Want to be part of the fun? Join us at the gallery and contribute to the arts while meeting visitors and fellow art lovers. Sign up today at www.littleriverartscouncil.org/volunteer!

Make Your Mark on Mentone

Now on display: Lisa Michelle Phillips, featuring artwork of the Mentone Inn and the Make Your Mark Chalkboard!

Upcoming Artists:

NACC Spectrum Art Club (April 15 – May 31)

Valley Head School (June – July)

Lisa Sulkosky (October – November)

Brande Arno (December – January)

Want to Make Your Mark on Mentone? There’s still one opening for August 2025! This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work, promote yourself as an artist, or even highlight your organization. Visit our website and click the “Make Your Mark on Mentone” link to learn more and submit your application!

May on the Mountain

First Friday – May 2

Mark your calendars for the first-ever First Fridays, a monthly celebration of art, music, and community in Mentone! Beginning May 2 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., the shops at Moon Lake Village will come alive with pop-up artists showcasing their work; live music by Judy Nicole Kirby; refreshments; and interactive art activities for all ages.

Make the evening even more special by dining at Moon Lake Kitchen! The Mentone Arts Center is also joining the festivities, featuring the Porch Pickers performing live from 3 to 5 p.m.

Third Weekend in May: Big Art Pop-Up!

The festivities kick off on Friday, May 16, from 6 to 9 p.m., with live music by Will Dooley on the grounds of the Mentone Inn. Bring your camp chairs and blankets to settle in for an evening of downhome tunes from a beloved local artist.

Amy’s Catering will be onsite, offering delicious dining options during the concert. The celebration continues Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the Big Art Pop-Up art market at the same location. Browse and shop unique creations from talented local and regional artists — it’s a perfect way to support the arts while enjoying a beautiful day in Mentone!