Mobile Arts Council unveils newest “Arty”

Mobile Arts Council has unveiled the newest design, and artist behind it, for their annual Arty award.

Mixed media artist Chris Cumbie was commissioned to create the newest addition to the Arty lineup. The design features three welded metal arrows bundled together and pointing upward on a metal-wrapped wooden base.

Cumbie chose three arrows for a few reasons. According to Cumbie, “A bundle of arrows (three or more) signifies strength and unity, and crossed arrows are a symbol of friendship. In addition to the general interpretation of arrows (which include direction and reach), the three arrows represent strength, unity and friendship. I believe these qualities apply to not only the Mobile Arts Council and what you all do for our community, but also as traits that every artist needs to have to be successful in their endeavors. We are stronger together.”

MAC staff instructed Cumbie to create something that would represent the Mobile area–beyond that, he could let his creativity run wild. In creating his work of art, he reflected traits such as history, culture, and ecosystem.

“Not many people know that our Bankhead Tunnel was the first all-welded, continuous steel tunnel ever created and that was done right here in Mobile. Welding is not only a construction method, but an art form as well,” Cumbie said. “And the talent of local welders led to the creation of an Association of Ironworkers here in Mobile. These architectural ironworkers in our town have helped create many of our established buildings and passages in our area, including Government Plaza, the General W.K. Wilson Jr Bridge (aka – the Dolly Parton Bridge), Mobile National Maritime Museum and of course, the George Wallace Tunnel.”

The 11 recipients of Arty awards for 2018 include:

Lifetime Achievement: Excelsior Band
Art Educator – Hosea London
Art Soldier – Sherrick Sandy
Business – Mobile Public Library
Cultural Innovation – Central Arts Collective
Design – Mobile Fashion Week

Literary Artist – Kevin Lee
Organization – Mobile Chamber Music
Performing Artist, Individual – Enen Yu
Performing Artist, Organization – Power Lines Poetry
Visual Artist – Pinky/MM Bass

The 11 winners will be honored at The Artys on Thursday, March 28th at The Steeple on St. Francis starting at 5:30 p.m. This signature awards event will feature entertainment, food, a cash bar, and performances by Mobile Ballet, Sway Downtown, and Joe Jefferson Players. Tickets are $35 in advance and available online. They increase to $45 the day of the event.

The Artys is Mobile’s only arts award program that acknowledges the priceless contributions made to the arts and cultural community. For fourteen 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.

ABOUT MOBILE ARTS COUNCIL
Mobile Arts Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1955. Their mission is to enrich the quality of life in the Mobile area through increasing accessibility to the arts and promoting a vibrant cultural community. Projects of Mobile Arts Council focus on serving three components: community, education, and membership. For more info: www.mobilearts.org.

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July Organization Member of the Month

By Angela Montgomery • July 28, 2026

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Graphic for July Member of the Month Vanessa Quintana

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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.