Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment is one of my all-time favorite places in Huntsville. I worked there for several years as the Gallery Coordinator, and it’s a stop I recommend to visitors and locals alike.
Most of us know things like it’s the largest privately owned arts facility in the United States and that more than 200 artists and makers call it home, but read on to discover some things you may not know about Lowe Mill that you’re definitely going to want to check out on your next visit.
You can cuddle with cats
No really. Cattyshack is a non-profit, foster-based cat rescue that calls Lowe Mill home, and not only can you make appointments to play and cuddle cute cats and kittens-you can also get involved with fostering yourself and even adopt your very own new furry family member. You cuddle cute cats, and the reservation fee supports their mission. That’s a win-win in my book. They also have special events throughout the year like Book Club and Introverts’ Night Out.
You can be the artist
So many of the artists and makers at Lowe Mill offer classes and workshops, and it’s not just in things you would typically guess, like painting, pottery, or collage. Art is everywhere and takes so many forms. You can do things like make a custom lip oil at The Little Lab Co., create terrariums at Pure Joy Plants, and make candles at Embrace Candles. Want to take piano? Learn hip hop or the Argentine Tango? Felting, hand puppets, blacksmithing? Lowe Mill lets you become the artist.
You can snap pics in the only analog photo booth in Huntsville
There are less than 200 working analog photo booths, and one of them is right here in Huntsville on the first floor of Lowe Mill. Managed by Ashley of Vertical House, the photo booth just celebrated its 5th birthday of being at the Mill in June, and its retro charm is something I’ve always loved. Right inside doors 14 and 15 and close to Pofta Buna International, it’s such a fun stop for a date night pic, family memory, or the ultimate selfie.
You can grab a drink or bite to eat
Speaking of Pofta Buna International, you don’t have to go hungry when you’re exploring the Mill. The food and drink available truly allow you to spend the day here, and you’re sure to work up an appetite strolling the halls and getting hands-on.
Pofta Buna has delicious Mediterranean and Eastern European foods with a Romanian influence. Pizza more your speed? Veloce Pizza will hit the spot. Kar’s Char specializes in BBQ, and Chef Will is known for his vegetarian delights.
Pacific Pearl and Jac’s Barbeque help ensure nobody leaves hungry.
If you want to follow it up with a sweet treat, check out the Fizzy Flapper Ice Cream Parlor. You can also grab a coffee and treats at Dragon’s Forge, and don’t forget your jar for a tea from Piper & Leaf. Lowe Mill is even home to a meadery, Ravenwood Meadery, and a distillery, Iron’s One.
There are plenty of options for the whole family.
The art is ever-changing and everywhere
You’re always going to see or notice something new. Markets and events throughout the year, like the seasonal Saturday market, the Solstice Market, and Yule Y’all, bring in even more art with artists coming in for those occasions.
Installations pop up from time to time as well. Currently, the First Floor Connector is host to “Unexpected Harmony” by artists Susie Garrett and Taylor McLendon and will be on view through early September.
The seven galleries within the Mill change out with artists from all over the country, and often there are talks with the artists about their work. From the murals outside, and even those in the stairwells, to the exhibits in the galleries to various installations and studio swaps and additions, the art here is living-you’re never going to have the same experience twice, and there’s a certain magic to that.
Bonus tip? Check out Logan Tanner’s mural outside stairwell 3-all the plants and animals represented are native to Alabama.
