Arts

Craft tokens, messy dating shows and angel numbers! Sapphic Craftin' is celebrating two years of bringing queer, sober and creative spaces to Mobile. In this episode of Quick-Fire Quips, co-founders Saige and Audrey talk about building chosen family in the South and what they hope to see for the future of the local LGBTQ+ community. Plus, the best analog hobbies—from felt embroidery to sewing— and a shared love for Black Cat Vegan Bakery pastries.

As they age out of the public school system, art programs for adults on the autism spectrum begin to disappear. To break the barriers created by age, Studio by the Tracks in Birmingham has been providing free resources and materials for autistic adults for over 30 years. The non-profit aims to combat misconceptions about adults with autism by providing their artists with a source of income through art.

Alabama is working to increase arts education availability in the state’s public schools through grants from groups including the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the Alabama Arts Alliance. Motorists can even buy license tags for their cars with a portion of the purchase going to school arts programs. Despite these avenues of funding, Alabama’s music educators still face challenges.

There’s a creative movement growing in Tuscaloosa—and it’s led by women. Janet Vieira, founder of Sawdust & Splinters Makerspace, and Tiffany Amirkhanian of Druid City Makerspace are building spaces where everyone—from beginners to pros—can explore their creativity, learn hands-on skills and feel empowered.

Step into the peculiar world of Butch Anthony, a self-taught artist and maker of oddities, as he sits down with Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors. In this episode, the mastermind behind Alabama's one-of-a-kind Museum of Wonder dives into the stories behind his "bone quilts," garfish curiosities and his famous Drive-Thru Museum in Seale. He also shares his passion for deviled eggs (even if they never make it to the potluck) and his continuing search for a feather from the elusive, possibly not-extinct Ivory-billed woodpecker.

The 24th annual Auburn CityFest returns to Kiesel Park on Saturday, April 26. The free, family-friendly festival is Auburn’s largest outdoor event. This years celebration will feature circus performers, acrobatics and balancing acts.

Artists are being invited to showcase their talent in Auburn. Registration is currently open for the Inaugural Juried Ceramics Exhibition at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Applications close on Feb. 14.

The 2025 Winter PaperWorks exhibition is now open in Auburn and will run until Feb. 21 at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. The showcase features two-dimensional and three-dimensional works created by student, professional and amateur artists.

The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center invites the public to the Fall Invitational: AU Connection Reception on Sept. 19. The event is free and will showcase an eclectic collection of 23 works by 12 artists associated with Auburn University.

The lineups and schedules for two stages at the 53rd Kentuck Festival of the Arts is being announced. The event will have its Tuscaloosa debut on Oct. 19 and 20 at Snow Hinton Park.