Introducing Moon Lake Arts Collective

You Can be Part of Making this Public Access Art Studio a Reality

Mentone’s arts scene is growing roots — and those roots just got a $20,000 boost! Thanks to a Creative Places Arts Facilities* seed grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the Little River Arts Council is excited to launch the Moon Lake Arts Collective, a new public-
access pottery and art studio coming to Moon Lake Campus. This project is about nurturing art from the ground up in the heart of Mentone.

Located on the site of the former greenhouse behind Moon Lake School, the studio will be a place where creativity meets community. This multi-use art space will feature a dedicated ceramics studio and a flexible classroom for a variety of workshops — painting, fused glass, woodworking, and more. The collective will offer pottery memberships, Make-Your-Own pottery activities, and classes led by local and visiting artists.

A guild-style membership model will offer access based on tier, including a volunteer-supported level to help those on tight budgets take part. To fulfill the LRAC motto, “We believe art is for everyone,” class scholarships for participants with financial need will be available — ensuring cost is never a barrier to creativity.

The flexible classroom will provide much-needed dedicated art space for use by area organizations, including LRAC, Mentone Arts & Cultural Center, Northeast Alabama Community College, and others.

While the ASCA grant helped us get started, we’re working to raise an additional $55,000+ to fully bring the studio to life. If this is something you’d like to help make happen, we’d love to talk with you. Donors will be permanently recognized on the interior Donor Wall, while those giving $2,500 or more will be honored on an exterior metal oak tree, with donor names cut into leaves carrying forward the oak symbolism from the historic Moon Lake School.

More information can be found on our website littleriverartscouncil.org under Moon Lake Arts Collective. Want to talk? Email Juli & Deedee at info@littleriverartscouncil.org.

*The Creative Places Arts Facilities program strengthens Alabama’s creative economy by providing grants for the construction, renovation, restoration, or enhancement of arts facilities across the state. Public funding, through special appropriation from the Alabama State Legislature, makes these grants possible and is essential for fostering arts, culture, and community growth.

First Friday – July 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Moon Lake Campus

Celebrate summer (and a little red, white, and blue) with family-friendly fun! This month’s art activity is clay star bowls, and we’ll have cool treats like s’mores and watermelon/lime licuado to keep things festive. Local galleries and shops will have extended hours, and we’ll be joined by a great lineup of pop-up artists, including: EclectArt Studios, Pamela Atkins, Irene Millsap, and Absolutely Creations. Come show your stars and stripes and support local art!

The Locals will be in concert Saturday, July 12 behind Mentone Inn.

Music for the People – July 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Mentone Inn

Mentone’s Summer Music Series rolls on with a favorite from Fort Payne — The Locals, a rock-and-roll cover band guaranteed to get your feet moving. And while you’re there, grab a plate of BBQ from St. Joseph’s on-the-Mountain. Proceeds support their community outreach programs. Bring your blanket or camp chairs and enjoy music under the stars on the grounds of the Mentone Inn behind the Linger Longer Pavilion.

The latest “Make Your Mark on Mentone” chalk mural by Caroline Moore

Make Your Mark on Mentone

This summer’s newest chalk mural has us ready to climb a tree and break into a happy dance! The latest Make Your Mark on Mentone mural celebrates the creativity of Valley Head School, with a whimsical design led by art teacher Caroline Moore and inspired by her talented students.

“It is such a blessing to be able to work for MERF, teaching kids the joy and wonder of art and celebrating their creative expression,” said Moore. “This mural is about encouraging kids to be outside, experience nature, and enjoy education.”

Next up in August: Blair and May Newman, a mother-daughter team creating their first chalk mural together. The Make Your Mark on Mentone mural display is on the grounds of the Mentone Inn. Every two months, a different artist creates a new mural with a Lookout Mountain theme.

Lisa Sulkosky is our Little River Art Gallery featured artist.

Featured Artist: Lisa Sulkosky

This month we shine a light on Lisa Sulkosky, a self-taught artist who has been painting for over 35 years. Working primarily in watercolor and acrylic, Lisa’s art reflects a deep love for nature and small-town life. Now happily retired in Mentone, she recently opened Sunflower Studio, a cozy space where visitors can enjoy and purchase her original artwork. Be sure to stop by and say hello! And come see her collection at Little River Art Gallery on the Moon Lake Campus. Open Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.