With a background in music, dance, visual arts, and poetry, performance artist Ottie James embarked on a mission in 2014 to unveil the stories of hidden creative giants within Alabama. In “Red Sanctuary”, James highlights historical events and organizations that have impacted life in Mobile County and the surrounding Gulf Coast. Through each stroke and note, James paints stories that inspire creativity and connection.
From an early age artist Kyle Miller was predisposed to over analyzation. Growing up, he recognized his ethnic ambiguity and non-traditional family unit prevented him full acceptance into any particular social group; exclusions which were further exacerbated by a lengthy coming to terms with his atypical queer identity. In “Empathy Without Bias,” Kyle creates a series of immersive ceramic installations that allow people to empathize with each other without the biases that come with external appearances or first meet judgements.
Kimberly McWhorter, an artist with an academic foundation that includes an MFA specializing in Printmaking and Book Arts, takes to the streets to ignite joy and creativity while fostering meaningful connections with her project, the “Dream Hype Type Trike.” The vibrantly painted tricycle pedals through the streets to bring the power of printmaking directly to the people, wherever it goes. Think of it as a rolling gallery of artistic opportunity, spreading joy and engaging curious minds wherever it stops.
In “(Our) Museum,” Mobile based artist Terri Foster extends her exploration of history and memory by using re-contextualized objects, photography, installation, embroidery, and writing, to create a fresh historical narrative rooted in personal imagery and artifacts. The project aims to prompt reflection on the significance of everyday items and experiences, challenging conventional approaches to cultural artifacts and societal priorities.
As a chef for nearly 27 years, artist Roscoe Hall found solace and inspiration in art as a means of coping with life’s challenges. “Not No More,” encompasses valuable lessons in agriculture, documenting the paths taken, and exploring cultivation practices through art. This project specifically focuses on tracing the journey of seeds throughout the Black Belt region of Alabama through the development of color pigments, the creation of a recipe booklet/cookbook, and execution of a mural that shares the compelling story of the significance of land ownership and financial literacy within this community.
Kami Watson is an award winning, second-generation fiber and textile artist who currently resides in Huntsville, AL. Believing art education and creation opportunities should be accessible to everyone, Watson partnered with the North Huntsville Public Library to create a series of monthly, free 3-hour workshops to promote traditional and contemporary fiber arts that encourage creativity and foster community engagement.
In “From Captivity to Liberation” Mobile, AL based artist June Reddix-Stennis explores the profound legacy of kidnapped and stolen Black bodies, tracing their journey from Africa to Mobile. Through socially engaged artworks, workshops, and public space exhibitions, the project delves into the complex impact of this historical injustice, highlighting the stolen labor of enslaved individuals on cotton plantations, the exploitation of Yoruba African indigo dyeing, and the divisive role of “Negro Cloth.”
Jasper Lee, an artist hailing from central Alabama, specializes in creating videos, installations, and music. His work explores themes such as alchemy, experimental ethnography, and contemporary approaches to ritual. Sweet Wreath Speaks! is a free radio festival that broadcasts sounds and seeds for both people and pollinators. This one-day radio art installation in Birmingham’s Railroad Park featured listening experiences, collaborative crafts, and the distribution of free wildflower seeds.
Gloria Whitehead, a mixed media artist hailing from Atlanta, GA, and currently residing in York, AL draws inspiration from her upbringing, where she observed her mother’s prowess in painting and sewing. In this project, Whitehead hosted free ten-week workshops in which participants delved into the art of sustainability by crafting pieces using donated materials. Participants showcased their work in an exhibition dedicated to Earth Day and other sustainable themes in Spring 2024.
In “Quilted House,” artist Garland Farwell draws inspiration from traditional quilting in crafting art from reclaimed wood and scrap metal sourced from dilapidated houses in west Alabama. Central to this artistic endeavor is research into the individuals and families who once occupied these abandoned spaces. Garland aims to locate their descendants, and unravel their stories.
