James Taylor Tribute, Blooming Beauty, and Mentone Summer Dreams

Music for the People: Summer Music Series

The Little River Arts Council’s Summer Music Series continues Saturday, July 11, from 6–9 p.m. at the Mentone Inn’s Linger Longer Pavilion with Dennis Parker and Friends: A James Taylor Tribute. If songs like “Fire and Rain,” “Carolina in My Mind,” and “You’ve Got a Friend” bring back memories, this is a concert you won’t want to miss. Grammy winner Dennis Parker is a gifted singer-songwriter and musician whose warm vocals and heartfelt performances capture the spirit of James Taylor’s timeless music. Throughout his career, Dennis has performed with legendary artists, including Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Joe Diffie, and Lee Ann Womack.

Bring a camp chair, bring a friend, and settle in for an evening of great music under the stars.

St. Joseph’s will be serving BBQ dinner plates with dessert and tea as a fundraiser benefiting the food pantry. As always, the concert is free and open to everyone. Be sure to stop by the LRAC tent for a complimentary art activity for kids of all ages, check out our new t-shirts, and pick up a 2026 events card. The Summer Music Series is made possible through support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and LRAC members.

Upcoming Concert

August 15 — NACC Theatre & The Locals, 6-9 p.m. behind Mentone Inn

Moon Lake Arts Collective: Imagining Possibilities

While much of the planning for the Moon Lake Arts Collective happens behind the scenes, exciting work continues as we explore how this future community arts space can best serve residents and visitors alike. Recently, LRAC board member Deedee Morrison has been touring a variety of public and private arts facilities, gathering ideas about studio layout, programming, accessibility, memberships, workshops, and day-to-day operations. Each visit helps us better understand what works, what doesn’t, and how we can create a welcoming space uniquely suited to Mentone.

As we look ahead, I find myself imagining what a summer vacation in Mentone might include once the arts collective becomes a reality. Perhaps you arrive for a weekend getaway and sign up for a “Make Your Own” pottery experience. Maybe it’s a girls’ trip, and your group spends an afternoon laughing around a clay table, creating bowls, ornaments, or mugs to take home as reminders of your time together. Families might enjoy a hands-on art activity between hiking, shopping, and dining. Wedding parties could gather before the big day to create keepsakes together. Anniversary couples might spend an afternoon learning something entirely new.

For those wanting a deeper experience, imagine one-day workshops in painting, pottery, jewelry, or fiber arts. Visitors staying a week could enroll in an introductory wheel-throwing class, learning to center clay, shape a vessel, and discover the quiet satisfaction that comes from creating something with their own hands. Anyone who has worked with clay knows the feeling. The cool earthiness of the mud. The challenge of centering. The moment a lump of clay begins to respond beneath your fingertips. The conversations that naturally happen while hands are busy and creativity takes over.

Art has a way of slowing us down, connecting us to one another, and creating memories that last long after a vacation ends. That’s the experience we’re working toward: a place where residents and visitors of all ages can explore creativity, learn new skills, meet new people, and leave with both artwork and memories in hand.

Little River Art Gallery

Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (and by appointment)
Moon Lake Campus, 5866 E. River Rd.

The gallery is powered 100% by volunteer enthusiasm! In fact, without our volunteers, there simply wouldn’t be a gallery. We invite you to spend a little time surrounded by art, meeting interesting people, welcoming visitors, and giving back to the creative community we all love. No art experience required — just a friendly smile and a little time to share. Interested? Click the Volunteer! tab at littleriverartscouncil.org.

With more than 50 member artists, there is always something new to discover at Little River Art Gallery, located inside the historic Moon Lake School building. In addition to one-of-a-kind artwork, the gallery is the only place to find Make Your Mark on Mentone notecards and LRAC t- shirts in a variety of colors.

“Make Your Mark on Mentone” a Mother-Daughter Creation

The latest mural is officially up! Created by Torie Wheeler of Blooming Potentials and her daughter Tess, this colorful chalk mural has vibrant summer energy. Torie is known for her stunning paper flower creations, and now she’s transformed our chalk wall into a bold geometric photo backdrop for your summer selfie.

“Make Your Mark on Mentone” is located on the grounds of the Mentone Inn at the corner of Highway 117 and County Road 89 and is made possible through support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and our members.

Be Part of the Creativity

Founded in 2006, Little River Arts Council is a member-supported nonprofit built on the belief that Art Is for Everyone. Through community events, workshops, public art, music, and creative opportunities, LRAC works to create meaningful art experiences throughout Mentone and neighboring communities. If you believe in the power of art to connect, inspire, and strengthen communities, we invite you to become a member and be part of the creativity.

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