January Exhibitions: “Carnival” by Bill Woolley & “Thrown Art” by Steve Joynt

William Matthew Woolley, known to his friends as “Bill,” was born and reared in Memphis, Tennessee. Bill started his art career after high school, when he was awarded a scholarship to the Memphis Academy of Art. Bill has maintained his activity within the visual arts world by taking classes at VIA Community Center, being a member of the Mobile Arts Council– Carnival is his second exhibition with the organization, and, most recently, designing the window display in honor of Eugene Walter’s 100 ^th birthday. Pieces from his first show with MAC are now in the permanent collection at the Louisiana Mardi Gras Museum in New Orleans. Bill’s ability to combine reality and fantasy is unique, with glimpses of wonderful humor as well. Carnival explores the wonderous and colorful world of puppets, ballet, court jesters, and more! His watercolor paintings offer a glimpse into Bill’s beautifully artistic mind, and his puppet creations, made in partnership with fellow artist, Lynne Weeks, bring about a sense of jollity with their unusual proportions and wonderfully humorous headdresses.

Like so many artists, Steve Joynt showed from an early age that there was art in him. When he was old enough, he took art lessons from an old lady who had a bunch of easels in her basement. Pastels, charcoal, watercolor, oil, he learned them all. By college, however, Steve set his sights on journalism – specifically newspapers – and creating art became something he did once in a great while. In all of that time, Steve felt he’d never actually found his artist’s voice, his style, if you will. All of that changed about 20 years ago, when he got the idea to take a partial mannequin he still had from his college days, paint it black, and glue Mardi Gras beads all over it. That’s how Thrown Art was born and how Steve came to actually think of himself as an artist for the first time in more than 25 years.

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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.