October Brings Songwriters Series, Leaf Painting Class, and Arts Center Intern

Music on the Mountain Series

The Music on the Mountain Songwriters Series returns Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Music on the Mountain Songwriters Series featured artist, Ricky Randolph

We will kick off the night welcoming home our regular host, Craig Hendricks, who has been on the road touring for the past few months. Joining Craig will be Jon Kinsey. The two of them will perform original songs, and the audience is encouraged to ask questions and learn more about songwriting and what inspires the writer.

This opening round will pave the way for the night’s featured artist, Ricky Randolph. Ricky’s musical roots began in North Alabama at age 5 — the first time he picked up a set of drumsticks. He began playing for a living by age 12 and soon learned that he could work twice as much if he played guitar and sang in addition to being a drummer. His music eventually sent him on a journey around the country and around the world. For more than four decades, Ricky has played and toured with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Gregg Allman, Michael McDonald, Curtis Mayfield, and Col. Bruce Hampton. Ricky has been a session player in some of the most coveted studios in the music business and performed in some of the best-known venues in the world, including opening for Phish at Red Rocks.

Ricky has had numerous songs recorded in recent years, including: “Something” by The Band Perry; “Fill in the Bland” by Trent Tomlinson; “If I Was a Man” by Leah Justine and also by Lee Lewton; and “Always About a Woman” by Roger Adams.

The final 2024 songwriters series will be Tuesday, Dec. 3. The night will feature seasonal songs for the Christmas holidays. Organizers of the series are accepting non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the food pantry at St Joseph’s on-the-Mountain.

Redenta Soprano demonstrates techniques to students during her previous class at the arts center.

Grab the Last Spots for Fall Leaf Painting Class

We still have a couple of slots available for the Painting Fall Leaves in Watercolor Pencil class on Saturday, Oct. 26. This one-day workshop, taught by returning artist/instructor Redenta Soprano, runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuition is $100, and class is limited to 10 students. A small supply list will be emailed to registered students.

Class description: Using glorious autumn leaves as subject matter, explore the versatility of these wonderful pencils that can be employed as both a wet and dry medium. You will fall in love with their saturated colors, wide range of applications, and creative potential. Prior drawing experience is helpful but not necessary; just bring a willingness to experiment and have some fun!

About the instructor: Redenta Soprano is an artist as well as a gardener and has degrees in both natural sciences and art. For over 30 years, she has taught various techniques of botanical illustration at different venues, including the New York Botanical Garden, Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, and the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina.

Meet our new social media intern, Kendall Golden

Welcome to Our Social Media Intern

We want to welcome our new social media intern, Kendall Golden, to the Mentone Arts Center. She is from Dothan and is a sophomore at the University of South Alabama. Last summer, Kendall worked at Camp DeSoto as a counselor, where she became connected to the arts center. Kendall says she is very grateful for this opportunity, and she is eager to work with the center and help spotlight our amazing artists.

For more information on any of the events at the arts center, please see contact Randy Grider (the executive director of the nonprofit Mentone Arts and Cultural Center) by email at mentoneartscenter@gmail.com or by phone at 256-674-3366.