Artist Member of the Month | Mobile Arts Council

Locally known as Mobile’s Mistress of Soul, Symone has been putting in the work and captivating audiences with her powerhouse vocals since launching her career in 2014. A Mobile Bay “On the Rise: Artist to Watch and Nappie Award winner, French has gained attention not only locally but nationally appearing on televised competitions such as American Idol and NBC’s The Voice. Alongside her band, The Touille Troupe, she has performed and the Joshua Tree Music Festival as well as recently opening for Grammy Award winning artist Macy Gray.

A Mobile native from the Midtown area, French is a captivating force, drawing audiences in with her magnetic stage presence, bold style, and genre-blending sound. Her musical foundation was shaped early by her parents, with influences ranging from Steely Dan and Hall & Oates to Donna Summer and Prince, elements many recognized during her recent performance and immersive light show at Braided River Brewing earlier this month. Encouraged to perform as early as first grade by her teacher, Mrs. Chiep, French was introduced to the stage through Playhouse on the Park. Though she didn’t fully overcome her stage fright until her twenties, Mrs. Chiep attending one of her performances marked a powerful full-circle moment in her artistic journey.

< Older Post Newer Post >

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.