Do you enjoy watching artists and artisans creating, painting, sewing and crafting? Do you like a wide variety of artistic styles? Do you enjoy seeing both whimsical AND serious works of art? Do you ever wish you could meet the artists and have conversations with them? Do you sometimes want to do those things at times other than at spring, fall and Christmas craft shows? Well then, I have just the place for you!
Located in a gigantic (think 171,000 square feet) former cotton mill at 2211 Seminole Drive in Huntsville, you can find floors and scores of art studios, and in many of them, the actual artists will be working as you stroll past. Photography, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, painting, stained glass, printmaking, woodworking — you name it, and I bet you’ll find it at Lowe Mill. Musicians even get in on the action with indoor and outdoor concerts from time to time. Just check the calendar on the website to find out what is happening on the days you plan to visit. Lessons and classes are provided for those who want to learn the creative processes for themselves.
I first heard about Lowe Mill when I admired the stained glass work of Julie Gill at an Art on the Square event in my hometown of Athens, AL. I ended up commissioning Julie to create pieces for some very high windows in our family room. She and her husband came out with their equipment and an EXTREMELY tall ladder to install them when they were completed. We were amazed at her talent and very pleased with the results.
A few weeks ago, Steve and I decided to explore Lowe Mill to see what else might be interesting. I particularly enjoyed meeting Denise Onwere and admiring her paintings that are focused on encouraging and empowering women. Here are some photos from that trip.
Denise Onwere
Be sure to take note of the hours when Lowe Mill is open to the public. Wednesday and Thursday from noon until 6:00 p.m., Friday from noon until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It was fairly quiet on Wednesday when we visited, but I bet it’s hoppin’ on Fridays and Saturdays. I guarantee you will see something you’ve never seen before. Admission is free. And, by the way, there is a small snack bar called “Happy Tummy” in case you want to grab a bite while you’ll browsing.
Wow- I need to visit this place!!