The Rocket City turns STEM into STEAM with a wealth of ways to explore the arts and get hands-on.
Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment is one that springs to mind for many people as it’s the largest privately owned arts facility in the United States, featuring more than 150 working studios, seven galleries, and 300 artists and makers. Rotating gallery exhibits feature artists from across the world, and artist talks with those artists is a great way to learn more. Lowe Mill artists also offer classes and workshops on everything from pottery to piano to blacksmithing to painting to dance classes and even custom lip gloss. Wandering the Mill and chatting with artists in their studios while they work is a great way to spend an afternoon.
The Huntsville Museum of Art features so many opportunities to enjoy the arts and was home to my first artistic endeavors, taking classes there as a young child, while it was still located in the Von Braun Center. Today, the world-class facility anchors Big Spring Park and offers both rotating exhibits as well as a robust permanent collection. The Museum Academy offers a wealth of options for the budding artist of all ages.
One of our favorite ways to explore Huntsville is through our ever-growing collection of murals. Take a drive through town and seek them out yourself or use Downtown Huntsville’s Secret Art Trail as a starting point. Make sure to pop out to MidCity and check out their offerings too. Cruise down Governors Drive on your way there to take in some of our favorites.
If you’re interested in getting a little messy, pottery lessons can be tons of fun, and both The Vessel, newly relocated to Lincoln Mill, and Sullivan Street Pottery offer loads of creative options.
Other crafty options include creating your own terrarium or even your own body products or sparkling books. Cope Plant Shoppe offers loads of fun events as well as their Terrarium Creation Station and Mojana Soaps, with their brand new expansion, will soon be offering workshops. If spending an afternoon crafting with friends is your idea of a good time, Sunshine Studio has some options that are perfect for even a beginner. Their book, Bedazzling Class, regularly sells out.
If you’re looking to add to your art collection, in addition to shopping with artists at Lowe Mill, you’re in luck with numerous local festivals and galleries to choose from.
Panoply and the Monte Sano Art Festival are must attends for me every year, and I never leave empty-handed. Both feature artists from across the nation, and there’s always something new to discover.
Also up on Monte Sano, The Little Green Store and Gallery is a treasure trove year-round and features a new artist each month.
Another gallery in town, The Curated Gallery, is a contemporary gallery with the goal of uplifting emerging artists and is an artist-led community. Follow along on Facebook for more on their exhibits, including their upcoming Joy Without Consent in honor of Black History Month.
One of Huntsville’s largest works of art has taken root at Huntsville Botanical Garden. Mama Zelda is a wonder created by the world-renowned artist Thomas Dambo, and we highly recommend paying her a visit.
Is taking in the performing arts more your thing? Huntsville definitely has you covered. Broadway Theatre League brings touring shows of the highest quality, while Theatre Huntsville showcases local actors. Have children who want in on the act? Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre provides performances geared towards the younger set and hosts classes. If ballet is your thing, Huntsville is also home to a professional company, Huntsville Ballet. Many of us grew up seeing their performances of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker.”
With Huntsville’s growth and out-of-this-world creativity, it would be impossible to fit everything into one post, but really, the biggest question is: what are you going to explore first?
