Arts Council Gears Up for Fun First Fridays and New Works on Display

First Fridays in Mentone

The Little River Arts Council is excited to introduce First Fridays, a monthly celebration of art, music, and community in Mentone! Beginning May 2 and continuing through November 7, 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 to set the mood
• Delicious refreshments
• 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.. Additionally, all Mentone shops and galleries are encouraged to participate, making this a true community-wide event. Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating creativity and connection!

Make Your Mark on Mentone

Featuring: Northeast Alabama Community College Art Club

Starting March 19, students from the NACC Art Club will be Making Their Mark in Mentone! Stop by to witness these talented young artists at work. Located at the corner of Highway 89 and Highway 117, on the grounds of the Mentone Inn, this inspiring public art project invites artists and community members to express what Mentone means to them. Participants will create large-scale chalk murals reflecting their personal connection to this special place. To learn more about the Make Your Mark on Mentone project and explore past artists’ contributions, visit our website. Want to Make Your Mark on Mentone? Send us an email at
Info@littleriverartscouncil.org

Little River Art Gallery – Featured Artist: Brande Arno

Brande Arno

Website: www.brandearnofineart.com
Instagram: @brande.arno.fine.art
Facebook: @brande.arno
YouTube: @brandearnofineart

Meet Brande Arno, a Fort Payne-based artist whose passion for painting has grown and evolved over the years—much like tending a garden. She compares her creative journey to nurturing a studio garden, where strong, flourishing works emerge alongside the occasional “weeds” of weaker paintings. Brande candidly shares the struggles of learning to paint through trial and error, a journey that often led her to doubt her abilities. While books and studying other artists’ processes provided some guidance, it was through persistent practice and dedication that she developed her own unique style and technique. To read more about Brande’s artistic journey and explore her work, visit our Artist Registry at www.littleriverartscouncil.org under the “Painting/Drawing” section.

Join the Fun – Volunteer with Us!

Our volunteers are the heart of the Little River Arts Council. We rely on community support to bring events like First Fridays and Make Your Mark on Mentone to life; expand access to the arts; and keep the Little River Art Gallery at Moon Lake Village Campus open and thriving. There are many ways to get involved, from event assistance to behind-the-scenes support. If you’re passionate about the arts and community, we’d love to have you on board! Visit our volunteer page on our website to learn more: www.littleriver
artscouncil.org/volunteer.html.

Our Mission

The Little River Arts Council (LRAC) is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in Mentone and its neighboring communities by:

• Raising funds for the arts
• Sponsoring engaging events
• Providing educational opportunities
• Strengthening cultural resources

Our efforts benefit both local businesses and residents, creating a more vibrant, creative, and connected community. We rely on memberships, individual and corporate contributions, program revenues, and fundraising efforts to sustain our programs year-round. We are incredibly grateful to our donors, supporters, and volunteers, whose generosity and dedication make our mission possible.