Art Gallery

By Kevin Lee Associate Editor

Key to downtown Mobile’s resurgence as “Ground Zero” for the arts scene, has the been the emergence of a trio of spots that seem to have caught on with the “in set.” The block of Dauphin Street facing Cathedral Square is where most of this energy resides. Don’t miss the closing days of the exhibits currently in place at these galleries.

The Mobile Arts Council office (318 Dauphin St.) features three photography exhibits through Dec. 1. One, “The Alabama Book Project,” is a collaboration between 15 Alabama photographers and Amos Kennedy, Jr., a journeyman letterpress printer and bookbuilder. The exhibit uses some interesting Alabama artifacts in the context of the show and participant Stephen Savage was appropriately elusive in his explanation of their inclusion.

Also on display is “Streets of Silence: Mobile,” from photographer David Lay, a portfolio of a silent downtown in the wee hours. To most Mobilians, the shots may seem alien but for those of us who have orbited downtown for close to two decades now, the photos feel comforting and familiar.

Cynthia Rush’s “After Meals: A Visual Diary of the Moment Before Clean-Up,” is still in place as well. The collection captures the remnants of moments shared over repast and the lingering emotions therein.

Further down the block, Chesser Gallery (306 Dauphin St.) continues with an exhibit of Mobilian Joan White-Spunner’s popular neo-Impressionist work. The exhibit ends on Sat., Nov. 25. The space will also play host to a new event called Fourth Friday at The Chesser, which will kick off the fourth Friday of every month at 8 p.m.. The spirits within this small, unique gallery are unique and warm so any excuse to stop by is always welcome.

On the east side of the block, Off.Dauph ArtSpace continues their “Male Form Show,” a rather bold look at the body that found good reception in the tasteful and chic new gallery. Gallery owner Tim Ellzey let it slip that his partner, local artist Mateo, recently sold a pair of works to a Chicago collector-in conjunction with Mateo’s last show at Chesser-and the door may be open to exhibit some work from the Windy City.

Admission to all venues is free.

Bustin’ a move and a gut to boot

The average American girth continues to widen and nowhere is that more evident than in the South, where the four basic food groups are sugar, flour, salt and grease. So what time would be better to combine a little artistic flair with cardiovascular regimen than right before the pound-packing holiday season?

To that end, Alabama Contemporary Dance can help you not only avoid the extra inches but get some practice before the Carnival season ball schedule heats up. Dance lessons are available to fit a variety of tastes and schedules.

For those wanting to stay up on more contemporary steps, instructor Marcus Bonham teaches Hip-Hop lessons to interested parties every Wednesday at 7 p.m..

Salsa classes from instructor Omar Farid begin every Thursday at 7 p.m..

Modern dance company class for those at the intermediate level are available on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m..

Ballet technique is imparted by instructor Stella Hyland on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.. This and the preceding classes are $10 each.

ACD Director Candice Christakos leads lunchtime classes focusing on principles from yoga, dance and physical therapy that are designed to balance the body and promote greater range of motion. A single class is $5.

For further info, call 251-432-6706.

In an effort to bring arts into the public eye on a regular basis, artists of varying stripes and experience levels are invited to show up in Cathedral Square on the fourth Saturday morning of each month from 9 a.m. until noon. The attempt to coalesce the arts community is not only noble but brave considering the renown fickle weather of the Port City.

Aside from participants, aficionados are also welcome. For further info, call 432-9796.

A little Latin spice with the Creole

The Mystic Order of the Jazz Obsessed continues its monthly performance/education series with a salute to Latin flutist Nestor Torres on Mon., Nov. 27 at 6:30 p.m.. The Jazz Jambalaya series calls the Gulf City Lodge (601 State St.-across from Dunbar Performing Arts School) home and the historic environs have served MOJO well.

The series features a combination of biographical information and musical offerings and this version looks to be as interesting as any. Torres has a compelling life story fraught with tragedy and triumph, the music will be provided courtesy of local flutist and 2006 Mobile Arts Council Award winner Dr. Joseph Mitchell and the developer of the event is Arts Alive! Organizer David Calametti.

Entrance is $5 for MOJO members, $8 for the general public and a jambalaya dinner is included. A cash bar is available. Call 459-2298 for info.

Way out west

West Mobile’s Satori Coffee House welcomes back improvised percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani on Thurs., Dec. 9. Nakatani’s unusual and open approach to music is baffling to some and enlightening to others, but certainly intriguing to most. The Osaka native currently resides in New York where he is a leader in the improvised music scene and is the recipient of an individual artist grant from the New York, Bronx Arts Council. If you want to get an intimate look at an avant-garde talent that has mesmerized audiences around the globe, get to Satori early as the cozy environs normally fill quickly. For more information, phone 343-6677.

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

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