June Highlights & Happenings

Under the guidance of LRAC board member Kevin Chitwood, the very first Little River Arts Council Key Club Scholarship has been awarded to Joselyn Vega. This 0 scholarship, payable to the college of the recipient’s choice, is based on academics, community service, and character.

Scholarship winner Joselyn Vega. (Photo by Bill Miller Photography)

Chitwood shared, “It was an honor to represent LRAC at awards night at Fort Payne High School. The students in the Key Club have volunteered their time at various LRAC events over the years, and I think this scholarship is a great way to give back and show our appreciation.”

The LRAC Board of Directors is proud to launch this new tradition and remains committed to continuing — and growing — this meaningful scholarship in years to come.

First Friday Art Nights: Camp-Inspired Fun on June 6 from 4-7 p.m.

This First Friday celebration spans Mentone’s East to West Gateway along Highway 117, from Moon Lake Village to Log Cabin Village. This month’s theme is Summer Camp, and we invite campers past and present to don their favorite camp t-shirts and join the fun.

Groovy Goat and Sunflower Studio are jumping into the First Friday fun — swing by Log Cabin Village and see what these happy campers have in store. At the Mentone Arts Center, the Porch Pickers will be picking and grinning, while just across the street at Mason Park, author Debbie Happy Cohen will be reading from “Get Fairy Tales” under the gazebo. Bring your crayons and color along as Debbie shares her magical stories! A short stroll away, Rocky Top Pottery will welcome campers, and just over the river, Moon Lake Village will host a summer camp-style celebration featuring:

• Live music by Judy-Nicole Kirby
• Pop-Up Bakery by UK Master Chef Jason Palin at the Gallery by
  Andiamo Lodge
• June Art Activity: Wooden Nametag Decorating at the LRAC art tent (for kids of all ages!)
• Complimentary refreshments at the LRAC hospitality tent
• 3D printing at Other World Gifts

Pop-Up Vendors at Moon Lake Village will include:

• Blooming Potentials
• EclectArt Studios
• Vintage Sunflower
• Sheila Johnson Watercolors
• Absolutely Creations
• Pamela Atkins
• Irene Milsaps
• Denise White
• Lookout Mountain Goat Ranch Originals

The following Mentone shops and galleries will be celebrating First Friday:

• Log Cabin Village: Groovy Goat & Sunflower Studio
• Mentone Arts & Cultural Center
• Rocky Top Pottery
• Author & Storyteller Debbie Happy Cohen at the Mason Park Gazebo
• Cloudland Framing
• Coming Up Violets
• Faith & Mustard Seed
• Other World Gifts,
• The Gallery by Andiamo
• Little River Art Gallery

Summer Music Series Concert June 7

The 2025 Summer Music Series continues Saturday, June 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. behind the Linger Longer Pavilion at the Mentone Inn. Returning for their fifth year, the Black Sedan Band will bring the groove with high-energy hits from the 60s to today. If you haven’t danced to their set before, consider this your official invitation. We double Otis dare you not to get up and move!

St. Joseph’s will be serving chicken salad, pasta salad plates with dessert and tea for $15 as a fundraiser for Episcopal Relief & Development Fund.

As always, bring a chair, bring a friend, and enjoy dinner and music under the stars. This free event is made possible by a generous grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Here’s to fairy tales, s’mores, groove-thang shaking, and a summer full of Big Art and little moments that matter. It’s summer on the mountain, y’all. See you on the dance floor!