In high school physics classes, Sahar Alford was fascinated by the bending and bouncing of photons. She began to notice reflection and refraction everywhere and it leaked into her artwork.
The young artist created a series of paintings from her obsession. “Splash” is a series of oils in realistic style examining various objects and their interactions with various liquids like water, milk and oil. It will be on display by the Mobile Arts Council in Room 1927 (6 S. Joachim St.) through Nov. 28.
It’s joined by “God’s World As I See It,” a collection of nature photography by artist Paul Gray and the Mississippi Art Colony’s Fall Traveling Show, juried by guest artist Stan Kurth.
Gallery hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays. Entrance is free.
For more information, call 251-432-9796 or go to mobilearts.org.
Grants deadline draws close
The South is home to a wealth of traditional art forms, some indigenous, some adopted and adapted. Whether Afro-Cuban percussion, Catawba pottery, Zydeco music, Indian Bharatanatyam dance, Anglo-American quilting, Peruvian retablos, African-American gospel music, Chinese zheng, Cherokee storytelling or Minorcan net making, they all reside in our region.
The Traditional Arts Touring Grant Program from South Arts aims to increase public awareness and appreciation of these forms by funding projects that bring a traditional artist/ensemble and a scholar/folklorist for multi-day residencies in Southern communities.
Funding is open to a variety of organizations, including community cultural organizations, schools/colleges/universities, libraries, museums and more. Priority consideration is given to support new applicants and underserved communities.
Minimum request is $500 and maximum is $1,000. To find out more about these grants before the Dec. 8 deadline, contact Teresa Hollingsworth at 404-874-7244, ext. 14, or email thollingsworth@southarts.org.
Museum holiday sponsorships open
The Mobile Museum of Art (MMoA) (4850 Museum Drive) is providing an opportunity for patrons to spruce up the showplace, promote a business or honor a loved one all while assisting educational efforts in one action. All it takes is sponsoring a Christmas tree for their holiday display.
For the month of December, MMoA is creating a walk-through display, with a light show and Christmas trees in their Regional Gallery. The area just to the left of the main entrance will be unveiled during their Dec. 5 Holiday Night Market. The Mobile Symphony String Academy will perform.
The Night Market features artisanal items, from beer and kitchenware to jewelry and soap. The unique gift-buying experience helps local entrepreneurs.
Tree sponsorship is $250 and includes a placard with sponsor information and any dedication desired.
To sponsor a tree, fill out a web form on the support page at mobilemuseumofart.org.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access. During the month of December, give (or get) a one year subscription with TWO months FREE.