3 new ways arts in Decatur are growing + how to get involved

Works in progress at The Art Loft in Decatur, Alabama. — Works in progress at The Art Loft in Decatur, a new artists’ working studio on Second Avenue. (Photo courtesy of The Art Loft)

The world of arts in Decatur has been growing since the Alabama Center for the Arts’ first building opened in 2012 downtown.

While the college keeps expanding, the arts scene is growing beyond it. Here are a few of the latest things to see and do:

1. Group Live Draws + Exhibits at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center

Installation for the Juxtaposition exhibit featuring Duncan McDaniel and Pat Snow at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center, a focal point for arts in Decatur, Alabama. — The current exhibit at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center is “Juxtaposition,” featuring works by Duncan McDaniel and Pat Snow. (Photo courtesy of Carnegie Visual Arts Center)

On the last Thursday of every month, the Carnegie Visual Arts Center hosts a free Group Live Draw session with a still life or model to sketch in 20 minutes or so. Bring your paper and any dry drawing medium of choice.

Besides brushing up (sketching up?) on your skills, this is an excellent time to take in the center’s latest exhibits, which rotate every six weeks. The current exhibit, “Juxtaposition,” showcases colorful and lively work by Birmingham artist Pat Snow and Nashville artist Duncan McDaniel.

Another cool thing about the Carnegie Visual Arts Center? Admission to the galleries is free. (Donations are encouraged.) Follow the center’s socials to be the first to know about classes, workshops and programming.

Where: 207 Church St NE, Decatur, AL 35601
When: Group Live Draws are on the last Thursday of each month. Check Carnegie’s socials for times. The Carnegie Visual Arts Center’s regular hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10AM-5PM; Saturday, 10AM-2PM
Info: Facebook

2. The Art Loft Decatur

The door entrance to The Art Loft, a new artists' studio space in downtown Decatur, Alabama. — The Art Loft in Decatur is a new artists’ studio on Second Avenue. (Photos courtesy of The Art Loft)

A view looking out onto Second Avenue skies from The Art Loft, a new artists' studio space in downtown Decatur, Alabama. — The Art Loft in Decatur is a new artists’ studio on Second Avenue. (Photos courtesy of The Art Loft)

The Art Loft, a new artists’ studio quietly opened in downtown Decatur this past August and held its grand opening in early October. Seven established local artists now inhabit this upstairs working space on Second Avenue, above Josie’s, directly across from the Princess Theatre and adjacent to the ACA Performing Arts building.

The Art Loft’s growing calendar of events often coincides with special events downtown. One opportunity to stop in is this Thursday, Nov. 14 from 5PM-8:30PM during Downtown Decatur’s Christmas Open House.

In Huntsville, The Art Loft resident artists’ work may be seen at the Huntsville International Airport as part of the Carnegie + HSV Artway: Art in Motion exhibit, which opened with a reception on Tuesday.

Where: 111 2nd Ave NE, Decatur, AL 35601
When: “Hours by chance or appointment” for now. See the info link below for the latest news on special events.
Info: Facebook

3. Maker’s Market at Shops 2nd Avenue

Exterior facade of Shops on 2nd Avenue in Decatur, Alabama, which is contributing to arts in Decatur with a new maker's market. — Shops on 2nd Avenue in Decatur has a new Maker’s Market for the holiday season. (Photo courtesy of Shops on 2nd Avenue)

Downtown’s Shops on 2nd Avenue launched a new Maker’s Market for this year’s holiday season—another must-shop during Thursday’s downtown Christmas Open House. The upstairs shops are an established collection that is already a go-to year-round for finding unusual home decor, fashion + kitchen goodies.

Now through Dec. 31, the Shops is hosting a special section dedicated to local crafters + makers—including some bakers. You’ll find offerings from 17 local artisans who create everything from whimsical paintings, door hangers + wreaths to goat’s milk soap, wonderfully scented candles + handbags to delicious fried pies.

Where: 219 2nd Ave SE C, Decatur, AL 35601
When: Monday-Friday, 10AM-5PM; Saturday, 11AM-4PM
Info: Facebook

For more ideas on exploring the arts in Decatur and throughout the Huntsville area, follow Hville Blast on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletter.