Little River Art Gallery Grand Opening, New Chalk Murals and Finster Fest

With another summer in the books, we breathe a sigh of relief and welcome fall with open arms and plenty of artistic expression!

Art Gallery Grand Opening, Annual Meeting, and Social

On Saturday, Sept. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m., we will host our annual meeting and social, as well as the opening of Little River Art Gallery at our new digs at Moon Lake Village, 5866 E. River Road. Meet our gallery artists and enjoy the company of our arts community while browsing the gallery and beautiful sculpture garden. No silent auction this year, but expect door prizes!

Chalk Murals

August chalk artist Caroline Moore with her mural depicting the Cherokee syllabary, Native American medicine wheel, and the natural wonders in Mentone.

August chalk artist Caroline Moore celebrated the Cherokee, depicting their syllabary, Native American medicine wheel, and the nature that surrounds Mentone. Her deep desire to connect us to the rich history, the respect and wisdom in nature was seen not only in her mural but additionally in her narrative that gave it context. She used this quote by Chief Luther Standing Bear: “Knowledge is inherent in all things. The world is a library, and its books are the stones, leaves, grass, brooks, and the birds and animals that share alike with us the storms and blessings of earth.”

September’s Make Your Mark on Mentone mural is by international chalk artist Jessi Queen.

She describes the inspiration for her work this way: “The pure and simplistic life of Mentone was exemplified in the acts of kindness, pleasantries, and service of their beloved ‘Flower Girl.’ Ruby O’Rear was the granddaughter of the town founder, the caretaker of her beautiful gardens, her family, and the folks of Mentone,” Queen says.

“By beautifying the community with flowers from her garden and care from her heart, she made an impact that will not be forgotten,” she continues. “Not only was she a prominent figure, but she symbolized the heart of Mentone, where people care for each other and stay connected to the land. My drawing includes significant flora to the area of Mentone, the Sallie Howard church (where she beautified and spent her final hours), and representations of Ruby from her life.”

This is the final mural for the Make Your Mark on Mentone grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts. What a fun and engaging project this has been! And since the installation is permanent, we are looking for more artists to make their marks! Interested? Contact us at info@littleriverartscouncil.org.

Member Artists Exhibit at Finster Fest

Once again, LRAC will have two tents at Finster Fest in Summerville, Georgia, September 21 and 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central (the event is in the Eastern time zone). It is an honor to be invited to exhibit at Paradise Gardens. If you haven’t been to Finster Fest, mark your calendar for great art, music, and artist talks.