17th Annual Award Unveiled

Mary Elizabeth Kimbrough, last year’s Artys winner for Visual Artist, is a native Alabamian currently living and working in Mobile. A graduate of Auburn University and the University of Illinois, Kimbrough has done post graduate work at Penland School in North Carolina, Loyola University in New Orleans, IDSVA in Portland, Maine, and Brown University. Known throughout the southeast for her colorful ceramics and textured two-dimensional work, Kimbrough has work in many public and private collections in the United States, in Japan, in Bahrain, and in Cyprus. Her interests lie in using texture, gesture, and color in an open, spontaneous way. Subject matter comes from all aspects of Kimbrough’s life. Currently represented by Sophiella Gallery in Mobile, and Hall-Barnett Gallery in New Orleans, her images have also been used in commercial illustrations, advertising campaigns, and licensed by manufacturers.

MAC staff instructed Kimbrough to create something that would represent the Mobile area–beyond that, she could let her creativity run wild. In making her work of art, her main inspiration was what the Artys celebrates: the arts!

“My inspiration is simply the ARTS! The Arts are a method of communicating the human experience, and in making these awards I want to let each winner know how much joy they put out into this community. The arts are the icing on the cake of life, and I am celebrating that. The winners have been chosen because they do the big things, they inspire and delight.“

The Artys is Mobile’s only arts award program that acknowledges the priceless contributions made to the arts and cultural community across all realms of the arts. For seventeen years, Mobile Arts Council has presented these awards to recognize the creative achievements of individuals, organizations, and businesses. Each year members of the community submit nominations, which are then narrowed down to a winner in each category by a panel of arts professionals. The winner of each category is honored at the awards event and presented with the Arty, a limited edition work of art created by a different local artist each year.

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July Organization Member of the Month

By Angela Montgomery • July 28, 2026

Congratulations to our July Organization Member of the Month Innovation Portal

Graphic for July Member of the Month Vanessa Quintana

July Artist Member of the Month

By Angela Montgomery • July 28, 2026

Congratulations to Vanessa Quintana, our Mobile Arts Council July Artist Member of the Month!

June: Jubilee and Proud & Free

By Angela Montgomery • June 30, 2026

The Mobile Arts Council (MAC) is proud to announce two insightful community exhibits hanging in their gallery through June 27 with an opening reception during Artwalk on June 12. The Jubilee exhibition showcases Black artists and the richness of creative voices within our community during this Juneteenth celebration month. MAC is honored to have local Black artists share their stories through art in this special exhibit highlighting the cultural identity and diverse perspectives that shape the tapestry of our region’s creative community. Erica Wells is the sponsor of Jubilee . She is a dedicated community leader and advocate who is passionate about serving others and creating opportunities for growth and success. Through her professional work and volunteer efforts, she actively supports education, youth development, leadership initiatives, and community engagement throughout the Gulf Coast region. Erica is committed to empowering students, supporting educators, and building meaningful partnerships that strengthen communities. Her leadership is guided by a desire to make a lasting impact and to inspire others to serve with purpose, integrity, and compassion. As a part of Pride Month, the Proud & Free exhibition spotlights voices, experiences, and viewpoints of LGBTQ+ creatives in our community. This show provides a platform for queer artists to present their work, tell their stories, and connect with a broader audience through powerful artistic expression. The Proud & Free exhibit is sponsored by Dr. Kristin Rager, the Chief of Adolescent Medicine at the University of South Alabama, and Mobile’s only board-certified specialist in adolescent and young adult health. Dr. Rager serves as the Medical Director for AIDS Alabama South and is passionate about ending the HIV epidemic through education, treatment and prevention. Both exhibits can be enjoyed in the Mobile Arts Council Art Gallery, Room 1927 at 6 South Joachim Street in downtown Mobile. Gallery hours are 11 till 5 on Tuesday through Friday and 11 till 2 on Saturday. The opening reception for these exhibits will be held from 6 to 9pm on June 12 during Artwalk. Everyone is welcome and admission to the gallery is always free.