By Kevin Lee Associate Editor

A little, sorta’ new

Seems like we’ve been here before but never quite like this.

Lo and behold the Nappies have transmogrified yet again so that among the new categories available this year were some arts-oriented areas. The results of our annual poll were foreseeable in some fashion although I wouldn’t go so far as to burden them with the “predictable” tag that can often paint an out come as “boring.”

Best Local Artist

1. Devlin Wilson

2. Sarah Haas/Eugenia Foster (tie)

-Wilson’s Post-Impressionistic work is ubiquitous, found in venues and personal collections around town. His portraits of historical landmarks, settings and vignettes bear an esoteric feel that captures archetypal Mobile in full flower. Along with Foster, Wilson’s work has also graced the cover of Lagniappe.

Personally, I would be reluctant to tap any artist as “best” although I certainly have favorites. Names I would have liked to see crop up more in the ballots? Casey Downing, Bruce Larsen, Rachel Wright, Mateo, Tony Wright, JoAnn Cox, Brad Robertson, Zach DePolo, Lori Rasmussen, Pinky/MM Bass.

Best Gallery

1. Cathedral Square

2. Ashland Gallery

-Cathedral Square certainly has a variety of styles and talent levels under its roof with the sizable amount of artists that belong to this collective.

Ashland has a good track record and local reputation that is hard to beat.

I wish I had seen Chesser Gallery on here more, although their spirit far exceeds the modest amount of exhibit space they have in their nook on Dauphin Street. With the limitations that brings, it’s not surprising more sizable rosters edged them out in the tally.

Other spaces that bear mention:

Skinny Gallery at the Mobile Arts Council office always has interesting work and their space is thoroughly enjoyable and well utilized. Its sense of grace in exhibition is refreshing.

Gallery 54 on Upham Street never seems to get much acclaim but they have good work, most noticeably stuff from the aforementioned Ms. Cox.

The Eastern Shore has more than its share of good spots with Summit Gallery, Lyons Share and most notably Patina Gallery leading the pack.

Best Museum

1. Mobile Museum of Art

2. Museum of Mobile

-I can’t argue with this result. Since the arrival of Tommy McPherson, the museum in Langan Park has offered a tantalizing array of exhibits that have pushed boundaries for a space that was formerly whispered as having a tepid approach. Complementing ane impressive renovation, shows like the Tullman exhibit in 2006 and the recent Gen X exhibt have become the standard and we are all the richer for it.

The Museum of Mobile is a wonder. It is highly unusual for a town of this size to boast a history museum of this quality, but not many places have the back story Mobile possesses.

Anyone who recalls its previous incarnation in the building that now houses the Carnival Museum can be nothing but delighted at what was done in the old seat of local power on Royal Street. While a visit to the Museum of Mobile used to be like a rummage through Grandpa’s attic, it now is a first-class experience with thought-provoking exhibits and an unfolding storyline that leads visitors through the Port City’s three centuries with style and care.

The Exploreum also gets a nod from Artifice as they have upped the ante with world-class exhibits over the past few years. It’s not too many places on the Gulf Coast that boast Dead Sea Scrolls, mummies and Pompeii artifacts within a five-year span.

I wish Space 301 would have made an appearance in here but the fact the central facility was closed for the past year and that some can’t seem to decide whether it’s a gallery or museum contribute to the low ranking. I have a feeling after the public takes in the incredible renovation recently unveiled, it will rank much higher in next year’s voting.

Theatre Group

1. Joe Jefferson Players

2. Mobile Theatre Guild/Theatre 98

-I can’t say that I would necessarily argue with these results, but once again, I would have problem ranking the companies as their approaches are so different.

Joe Jefferson Players have a storied tradition in Mobile as the oldest continuing company in the state and their Carlen Street playhouse has seen scores of community theater projects through the years. Their approach to putting fannies in seats is with ensemble affairs, large casts that can call upon friends and family to support the production.

The smaller Mobile Theatre Guild on Lafayette Street believes in ensuring thorough quality with a limited cast. They typically have a more non-traditional and adult selection of works as a result and a smaller house.

Theatre 98 sticks with a similar philosophy and has experienced success, too.

Overall, it would be hard to ballyhoo one group over another. They all meet various needs at different times and bring life to what has been characterized-rightly or wrongly-as Mobile’s weakest area of artistic endeavor.

Kevin Lee is Lagniappe associate editor. Contact him at klee@lagniappemobile.com.

Archives