"Serendipity and Serenity" Exhibition featuring artists Dawn Whitelaw and Amy R. Peterson

We are pleased to announce, Serendipity and Serenity, featuring the art of Dawn Whitelaw and Amy R. Peterson in association with the Beverly McNeil Gallery of Birmingham, Alabama. “Serendipity and Serenity” are both themes that are at the heart of Amy R. Peterson’s late......More

We are pleased to announce, Serendipity and Serenity, featuring the art of Dawn Whitelaw and Amy R. Peterson in association with the Beverly McNeil Gallery of Birmingham, Alabama. “Serendipity and Serenity” are both themes that are at the heart of Amy R. Peterson’s latest paintings which depict places, moments, and faces of family life. These are among the most personal pieces of the artist’s oeuvre. Whether a child, a pet, or a glimpse of home, they are encounters of peace and joy amidst the challenges of family life. The calm amidst the chaos. Reminders to slow down and be present, or else miss all the magic! On the surface, it’s everyday life but when looked at with love, the everyday becomes transcendent. No body of work stands entirely alone because an artist’s work evolves over time. A few older pieces are included in this collection as they hint at the current evolution of the artist’s work. Dawn Whitelaw often paints in response to something unexpected that catches her eye. She is sensitive to the moment when the light, atmosphere or viewpoint displays the commonplace in an uncommon way. These moments of Serendipity could be as simple as yard flowers on the studio kitchen table, or an un attractive block building all aglow from the summer sun and surrounded by volunteer wildflowers. As for Serenity, she often finds it at the end of the day as the sun goes down with the promise of a new day coming. An artists’ reception with Live Painting Demo will be held on Thursday, October 9 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. During the reception, Dawn and Amy will simultaneously conduct informal demonstration paintings. Guests are welcome to observe their painting process and ask questions. Art pieces from this exhibit can be purchased directly through The Beverly McNeil Gallery website. Interested buyers may shop online or call the gallery at 205-328-1761.   Serendipity and Serenity will close on Sunday, November 2. ACA has special extended hours on Sun., Nov. 2 for the Dia de los Muertos Community Celebration in downtown Decatur. ACA will be open 12:00pm until 9:00pm for the community event. The show and the reception with live painting demo are free and open to the public. The Alabama Center for the Arts normal business hours are:  Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm and on Friday from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Alabama Center for the Arts – Visual Arts Building Main Gallery, 133 2nd Avenue NE, Decatur, AL, 35601, United States

Paintings by Char Baxter, MFA in Integrative Art candidate

Paintings by Char Baxter, MFA in Integrative Art candidate Exhibit on 2nd floor Walking Gallery, ACA Visual Arts bldg. NOTE:  ACA will be closed December 15, 2025 thru January 1, 2026 for winter break.  

Alabama Center for the Arts, 133 2nd Avenue NE, Decatur, AL, 35601, United States

CALL FOR ARTISTS: 2026 Festival of the Cranes Art Exhibition

CALL TO ARTISTS!We are excited to again call ACA/Calhoun/Athens State students, alumni artists, faculty, and staff to submit art for the annual juried Festival of the Cranes Art Exhibition.We encourage innovative and progressive works that utilize a diversity of art for......More

CALL TO ARTISTS!We are excited to again call ACA/Calhoun/Athens State students, alumni artists, faculty, and staff to submit art for the annual juried Festival of the Cranes Art Exhibition.We encourage innovative and progressive works that utilize a diversity of art forms and media that depict Whooping cranes, Sandhill cranes, birds, waterfowl, ducks, geese, raptors, eagles, falcons, owls, fish, deer, other wildlife, nature, etc.This event is in conjunction with the annual Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Festival of the Cranes to be held Friday through Sunday, January 9-11, 2026.Note: the ACA will have special weekend hours, 9am-4:30pm, on Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 10-11.Entry deadline: December 1st, 2025Hard copies of The Call to Artists are available in ACA’s Visual Arts building or you may email [email protected] with questions or to request a copy of the Call to Artists.

Alabama Center for the Arts, 133 2nd Avenue NE, Decatur, AL, 35601, United States

Calhoun Community College Pop Music Ensemble Concert

The Calhoun Community College Music Department is PROUD to present the CCC Popular Music Ensemble in concert on October 30th at 7pm in the ACA Recital Hall (Performing Arts bldg.)! Come join the music! Free and open to the public.

Alabama Center for the Arts – Recital Hall, 133 2nd Avenue NE, Decatur, AL, 35601, United States

Dia de los Muertos Youth Art Show (one day only)

Visit us to view and enjoy this one day Youth Art Show to see cultural art created by Decatur City Schools students! Hanging wall art will be on display in the Visual Arts building Walking Gallery. Ofrendas will be on display in the Performing Arts building lobby. Sunda......More

Visit us to view and enjoy this one day Youth Art Show to see cultural art created by Decatur City Schools students! Hanging wall art will be on display in the Visual Arts building Walking Gallery. Ofrendas will be on display in the Performing Arts building lobby. Sunday, November 2, 2025 12:00pm – 4:00pm Both exhibits are free and open to the public.  

Alabama Center for the Arts, 133 2nd Avenue NE, Decatur, AL, 35601, United States