The 10 Best Art Galleries In Mobile, Alabama

The Mobile Museum of Art was established in Langan Park and has been redeveloped multiple times over the years, moving into a new building in the summer of 2002. Since the last redevelopment the Museum of Mobile has been dedicated to the presentation of dynamic exhibitions to complement their permanent collection of American, European, African and Asian art. The collection includes a wide variety of mediums such as sculpture, paintings, prints, ceramics and glass. Museum exterior. Image Courtesy of Mobile Museum of Art and African exhibition in the Altmayer Gallery | Image Courtesy of the Mobile Museum of Art

Robertson Gallery can be found Downtown Mobile and has a reputation for being a welcoming and lively venue for contemporary art. The Gallery, which displays the work of award-winning contemporary artist Brad Robertson, has recently undergone redevelopment and is reopening in October 2014 with a brand new gallery and courtyard. Robertson is known for his high quality abstract landscapes created on both wood and canvas which feature a bold use of both colour and textures. The Gallery also showcases the work of regional artists and aims to encourage established and emerging figures. Robertson Gallery is a popular venue during Mobile’s monthly LoDA Artwalks, which is organised by the City of Mobile Neighborhood and Community Service and is now in its 8th year.

Blue Velvet Studio, owned by Karen Cassidy, represents a wide range of American artists including Cassidy herself, Rachel Brewer, Crandell Brock and John Chamblin. The gallery has a unique creative vision and is fast accumulating an eclectic range of artworks. Blue Velvet Studio also collaborates with other galleries such as the Artel Gallery in Pensacola for exhibitions. The Studio also holds open calls for artists to create works for projects such as the Art Grown Project, which saw artists invited to design embellished gowns for a fashion show based on the theme of Mythology.

Since its opening Portal Studio, founded by Zach DePolo, has been responsible for bringing exceptional contemporary artists to the area. After moving Portal Studios from its original home in Downtown Mobile, DePolo has been determined to pioneer a new art scene on St Louis St, an area better known for automotive businesses than contemporary art. The art collective, gallery and performance space is home to a number of resident and travelling artists. Portal Studio is known for both contemporary art and art parties featuring activities such as fire-spinning, body painting, live music and performance art. Portal Studio represents local talents such as Leland Clay, Jimmy Lee, Adam Taylor, Tim Dixon, Lillian McKinney, Taylor Knighten, Sound Carpenters, Portal ImprovNoise and Bakalava Bellydance.

Non-profit contemporary arts center Alabama Contemporary Arts Center (AC) was founded in 1999 and can be found in the heart of Mobile’s historic and artistic downtown area on Cathedral Square. The Center’s mission is to establish themselves as a driving force in Southeastern contemporary art and to redefine the role of contemporary arts organizations. Works on show at AC are designed to engage the Mobile community in cultural debates. Exhibitions also showcase a wide variety artistic approaches and media by work by local, national and international artists such as visual and performance artist Mario Ybarra Jr. and sound artist Kristín Pora Haraldsdottir.

The eclectic gallery and gifts co-op Art(ology) is run by eight local female artists: Ardith Goodwin, Marsha Sutton, Gail Rancier Wilson, Michelle Foreman Leech, Claire Noojin, Susan Wertelecki, Yevette Ward and Bryant Whelan. Founded in 2010 by Ardith Goodwin, Art(ology) can be found in Cathedral Square at the heart of Mobile’s vibrant arts district. Although officially a fine art gallery, Art(ology) also features a wide range of jewelry, mixed media artworks, hand-bound books and unique gifts and is the downtown distributor for Tyler Candles. In addition to exhibitions and regular participation in the Mobile Arts Alive Weekend, which is held annually on the second week in April, Art(ology) also runs a variety of art classes throughout the summer months.

Mobile Arts Council represents art in all its forms including dance, theatre, literature, music, media and the visual arts across all mediums. Represented visual artists include Gayle Alexander, John ‘Brent’ Amacker, Julie Andel and Tom Andrews. The Council itself has numerous functions and is a vital part of the arts community in Mobile, acting as its representative at events and community and national organisations. MAC boasts an extensive calendar of events featuring workshops, seminars and conferences for artists and arts organisations, professional arts training and workshops, exhibitions and the monthly ArtWalk. In addition to this the MAC hosts the annual The Greater Mobile Arts Awards which acknowledges individuals, groups and businesses who have made significant contributions to cultural life and the arts community.