Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment is one of Huntsville’s most interesting spaces—a historic textile mill turned creative hub that’s now home to more than 200 working artists, makers, and small businesses. The largest privately owned arts space in the U.S., it’s the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon wandering open studios, taking classes, and picking up one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re into ceramics, drawing, photography, dance, or something totally unexpected, there’s an artist here creating it. Here are a few of the local talents at Lowe Mill whose studios are worth a visit.
Calvin Hubbard, Studio 1068
You can see the Southwest influence in the warm and earthy colors and motifs of Calvin Hubbard’s ceramics. The owner of Turtle Pottery, Calvin has roots in Texas and his work often features symbols of nature, wildlife, history, and culture. He offers regular walk-in pottery classes at Studio 1068, where you can learn to work with clay and craft a unique piece to take home.
Josephine Glass, Studio 2008
Performance artist Josephine Glass runs the Saturn Jive Dance Space in Studio 2008, where movement teachers lead classes in yoga, tango, hip hop, capoeira, and more! A multi-discipline dancer, Josephine studied kinesthetic cognition in grad school and has practiced ballet, gymnastics, swing dance, ballroom, and several martial arts through the years.
The studio offers a full slate of dance and cultural movement classes throughout the week.
Brent Hobbs, Studio 326
The owner of Cut a Rug Tufting Studio, Brent Hobbs, is a textile artist who hosts classes in his space. A creative with experience in graphic design, Brent teaches small group and private workshops where participants design a rug and learn to use a handheld tufting gun to craft their project. Brent also makes and sells custom pieces in his studio.
(photo credit: Sparkle Studio)
Amy Shelton and Nharah Clark, Studio 103
With a focus on textiles and fiber arts, Nharah Clark and Amy Shelton’s Sparkle Studio is a vestige of the cotton and weaving legacy of Lowe Mill.
The studio’s name speaks to their mission to “help everyone get back in touch with their inner spark of creativity,” Amy said. The duo are the epitome of artist energy, using their space for whatever creative endeavors inspire them and opening the doors for guests to use their equipment and tools.
“Our first priority has always been creating community and providing all fiber artists and crafters a safe space to gather,” Amy said.
Amy learned to crochet as a kid in the 1970s, adding knitting, macrame, felting, and more through the years, and opening the Lowe Mill studio in 2017. Nharah joined the next year and later added her line Peculiar Preserves to the mix. The duo also host classes, workshops, and “Witchy Wednesday” gatherings.
Willette Tate, Studio 309
Mixed-media artist Willette Tate creates paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more at her studio in Lowe Mill. Her work uses vibrant colors and childlike motifs to display often heavy themes in afrocentrism, inner strength, and community. You might find her working with anything from textiles to paper mache.
Gabe and Sara Ledesmas, Studio 121
Wife and husband team Sara and Gabe Ledesmas use their creative spirits to craft candles for their company, Embrace Candles. Sara handles the aromatherapy side, blending craft scents (think citrus and basil or barnwood and cashmere), while Gabe deals in experience design, branding, and social engagement.
The duo offers make-your-own candle workshops at their Lowe Mill studio, where you can mix fragrances and pour wax to craft a custom piece.
Marc Steenbergh, Studio 1017
The hands holding the hammer, blacksmith Marc Steenbergh turns metal into art at his Lowe Mill studio. Warrior Forge Blacksmith has its own little building outside of the north hall, where visitors can watch the Army veteran owner crafting everything from small decorations and household items to furniture pieces. He also offers blacksmithing classes and forging experiences that you can book online.
Forest Wilson, Studio WT 1
Culinary artist Forest Wilson cooks up vegetarian cuisine at Chef Will the Palate near the water tower at Lowe Mill. Combining local ingredients with international flavors, Chef Will offers catering and a menu that includes goodies like portabella burgers, veggie stir fry, pizza, and blackened tofu.
