A Season of Music, Art, and Momentum

Music for the People: Summer Music Series

Summer Music Series kicks off Friday, May 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. with Will Dooley & Friends at the Mentone Inn’s Linger Longer Pavilion. Parker Thomas returns for his second year to open for Dooley. Bring your camp chairs and settle in for music under the stars. Grab some loaded nachos and hot dogs from Amy’s Catering, with desserts by Granny D’s. The Summer Music Series is free and open to all, with a complimentary art activity for kids of all ages. Stop by the Little River Art Council tent to check out our new spring t-shirts and pick up a 2026 Events card.

A core value of the Little River Arts Council is creating opportunities for artists at every stage of their careers. At the 2024 Summer Music Series kickoff, Cynthia Stinson noticed a young Parker Thomas playing guitar and introduced him to Will Dooley. Parker joined the band for a few songs that evening, and in the time since has performed at Follow Your Art and Creative Spirit Market. He returns again this year as the opening act for Will Dooley & Friends.

The Big Art Pop-Up

Big Art Pop-Up returns Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Mentone Inn, behind the Linger Longer Pavilion and St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church. It’s a perfect morning to explore original work from the talented artists and makers who make this community so special.

Upcoming Concerts

Where: Linger Longer Pavilion at the Mentone Inn

When: Saturday, 6 to 9 p.m.

June 6 – The Black Sedan Band

July 11 – Dennis Parker & Friends: James Taylor Tribute

August 15 – NACC Mustang String Band & NACC Theatre

Spotlight: The Future Moon Lake Arts Collective

Progress continues at the site for Moon Lake Arts Collective, with the removal of the trailer that once housed Head Start and most recently the DeSoto Rescue Squad. Construction drawings are currently being finalized, and LRAC is actively interviewing contractors. Moon Lake Arts Collective (MLAC) is a new public-access art studio and creative hub designed for both residents and visitors. What began as a vision for a community clay studio with guild-style membership has expanded into a multi-use space that includes a flexible classroom and meeting studio, along with the Little River Art Gallery.

Located behind Moon Lake Library and across from the Shigley Amphitheater, MLAC will offer pottery and visual arts classes, open studio time for members, and “Make Your Own” experiences — hands-on art activities that allow visitors to create something meaningful during their time in Mentone. Designed to be welcoming for all skill levels, MLAC will provide opportunities for beginners, experienced artists, families, homeschool students, and visitors to explore creativity in an accessible, supportive environment. Through classes, workshops, and collaborative programming, the studio will serve as a gathering place where art, learning, and community come together.

Fundraising Update

Thanks to the incredible support of our community and funding partners, LRAC has raised over $220,000 toward the $400,000 goal for the Moon Lake Arts Collective. This includes a $100,000 gift from Dr. and Mrs. Charles Sennett, along with grant support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the Lyndhurst Foundation. Additional grant applications are pending, and local fundraising efforts continue, building strong momentum as the project moves closer to construction.

At its heart, Moon Lake Arts Collective reflects a simple belief: Art is for everyone. To learn more, get involved, or support the project, visit littleriverartscouncil.org.

Little River Art Gallery

Thursday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (and by appointment) at Moon Lake Campus

With over 50 member artists, there is always something new to see at Little River Art Gallery inside the historic Moon Lake School. May’s featured artist is deJoly LaBrier. Watch for the social media reveal of two new spring t-shirts, available at the gallery and at monthly concerts.

Make Your Mark on Mentone

May is the final month to view Jackie Cooper Morgan’s (Oxford, Alabama) Make Your Mark on Mentone chalk mural, featuring a whimsical groundhog. Victoria Wheeler of Blooming Potential (Rome, Georgia) will create the summer mural, on view June through August. Make Your Mark is located on the corner of Highway 117 and CR 89 and is made possible by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Little River Arts Council was founded in 2006. Our mission is to enrich the quality of life for people in Mentone and neighboring communities by raising funds for the arts, sponsoring events, providing educational opportunities, and strengthening cultural resources for the benefit of all businesses and citizens in the Mentone area.

If you would like to support our mission, consider becoming a member and/or volunteering by visiting our website: www.littleriverartscouncil.org.