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Council District SIX
Arlington West End, Five Points South, Glen Iris, Mason City, North Titusville, Oakwood Place, South Titusville, West End Manor, Woodland Park
District Six Councilor
Councilor Crystal N. Smitherman, Esq.
Councilor Crystal N. Smitherman, Esq. is Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, and a member of the Arts & Culture and Planning & Zoning Committees.
Contact Me
Biography
The Birmingham City Council appointed Councilor Crystal N. Smitherman to the vacant District 6 seat on January 2, 2019.
In 2019, Smitherman earned her Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of Alabama School of Law and graduated from Hampton University with honors in 2015. She has worked extensively as a Legal Intern for several law firms in the City of Birmingham and served as an Outreach Education Contractor for Girls Inc. Councilor Smitherman was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in the fall of 2019. She currently practices with her father at Smitherman Law Office, LLC.
Coming from a strong lineage of public servants, Councilor Smitherman has always looked up to her father, State Senator Roger Smitherman and mother, Judge Carole Smitherman for guidance on how to serve the public. Smitherman brings her own brand of leadership to District 6. As she states “My family has lived in Titusville for generations. Growing up, my siblings and I remember when West End and Titusville were vibrant communities. We would go to Leonard’s Bar BQ and Burger Hut to get my favorite pork chop dinner. We would go to Robert’s Cuisine for Sunday dinner. Entrepreneurs with locally-owned businesses served the community to include barbershops, car and shoe repair shops, and local meat markets. Growing up you never had to leave inner-city Birmingham, unless you were going out of town for services. There was hardly any crime. We would ride our bikes to the grocery store in the Heritage Town Center without fear of harm coming to us. We would dribble our basketballs from our house to the park and play pick-up games until the streetlights came on.
Now when we walk out the door, we hear gunshots, trash is constantly present on the streets, abandoned and fragile houses are on every corner. Open prostitution continues to plague certain streets. The same problems that existed under former City Councilors; my mother and Sheila Tyson still exists today, but it is time to break the cycle and find workable solutions to these problems.
District 6 will concentrate on three immediate areas of relief for the citizens: the 3 E’s; “Environment, Education and Economy”.
District 6 plans are to continue to improve neighborhoods for good, productive citizens by removing dilapidated houses, overgrown lots, reducing crime, increasing affordable housing, and renovating public housing. Working hard, being prepared and creating meaningful partnerships will be the cornerstone of this administration.
I will work hard to make the Council, especially the community and my mother proud of my commitment to District 6. Representing the millennial generation is a task that I do not take lightly. There has to be a closing of the gap between the young and older generations. As young adults, we have to stand on the shoulders of those with more wisdom and experience who came before us. We are all one city, no matter the age.
LEARN MORE ABOUT COUNCILOR CRYSTAL SMITHERMAN’S ROLE WITH THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES.
District Contact Info
For District Schools
LETICIA WATKINS, BOARD MEMBER, DISTRICT 6
SCHOOLS:
EPIC Elementary
Hemphill Elementary
Washington K-8
Ramsay High
WebsiteCommittee Links
District Related Events
Current Month
Birmingham 365 Events
Magic Camp 2025
05-26-2025
08-08-2025
Presented by UAB's Alys Stephens Center at Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Jun 30 @ 12:00 am
Tue, Jul 01 @ 12:00 am
Wed, Jul 02 @ 12:00 am
Thu, Jul 03 @ 12:00 am Fri, Jul 04 @ 12:00 am Mon, Jul 07 @ 12:00 am Tue, Jul 08 @ 12:00 am Wed, Jul 09 @ 12:00 am Thu, Jul 10 @ 12:00 am Fri, Jul 11 @ 12:00 am Mon, Jul 14 @ 12:00 am Tue, Jul 15 @ 12:00 am Wed, Jul 16 @ 12:00 am Thu, Jul 17 @ 12:00 am Fri, Jul 18 @ 12:00 am Mon, Jul 21 @ 12:00 am Tue, Jul 22 @ 12:00 am Wed, Jul 23 @ 12:00 am Thu, Jul 24 @ 12:00 am Fri, Jul 25 @ 12:00 am Mon, Jul 28 @ 12:00 am Tue, Jul 29 @ 12:00 am Wed, Jul 30 @ 12:00 am Thu, Jul 31 @ 12:00 am Fri, Aug 01 @ 12:00 am Mon, Aug 04 @ 12:00 am Tue, Aug 05 @ 12:00 am Wed, Aug 06 @ 12:00 am Thu, Aug 07 @ 12:00 am Fri, Aug 08 @ 12:00 am - less dates and times
✨🎩 Calling all young magicians! 🎩✨
For the 6th year, UAB Arts in Medicine & the Department of Occupational Therapy are bringing the magic back with Every Day Magic Camp! 🎭
This FREE camp, designed for children with disabilities...
[more+]✨🎩 Calling all young magicians! 🎩✨
For the 6th year, UAB Arts in Medicine & the Department of Occupational Therapy are bringing the magic back with Every Day Magic Camp! 🎭
This FREE camp, designed for children with disabilities (ages 9-18), is led by illusionist Kevin Spencer and the Hocus Focus program. Campers will learn 2-3 magic tricks each week, building confidence, motor skills, and c#everydaymagic
🔮 Virtual Camp 1: May 26 - June 27
🔮 Virtual Camp 2: July 7 - August 1
🔮 In-Person Camp: July 11 - August 8 (at UAB)
Each camp ends with a magical performance for friends and family! ✨
📩 Spots are limited! Email artsinmedicine@uab.edu to register today!
#MagicCamp #6YearsOfMagic #InclusiveArts#UABArtsInMedicine #HocusFocus #EveryDayMagic
[less-]Tags: Camps, Elementary, Family + Camps, For Teens, Great for Families, Health + Wellness, Pre-Teens, Summer Camps, Art + Stage
Homewood Community Art Show
06-01-2025
06-30-2025
Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Jun 30 @ 12:00 am
June 1-30
Why should only kids get art shows? Local artists of any medium: Bring your piece to the Adult/Teen desk during the month of June, and we'll showcase it in the Ellenburg Art Gallery during the month of July. Artists and art collectors...
[more+]June 1-30
Why should only kids get art shows? Local artists of any medium: Bring your piece to the Adult/Teen desk during the month of June, and we'll showcase it in the Ellenburg Art Gallery during the month of July. Artists and art collectors can join us on Saturday, July 26, for a reception. Please make sure all pieces submitted are PG-13. 3-D art, fabric arts, paintings, and everything else is welcome! Check out our website for the application form at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
[less-]Tags: Libraries, Visual Arts, Art + Stage
Homewood Theatre Summer Camps
06-02-2025
08-02-2025
Presented by Homewood Theatre at Homewood Theatre, Homewood
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Jun 30 @ 9:00 am
Tue, Jul 01 @ 9:00 am
Wed, Jul 02 @ 9:00 am
Thu, Jul 03 @ 9:00 am Fri, Jul 04 @ 9:00 am Mon, Jul 07 @ 9:00 am Tue, Jul 08 @ 9:00 am Wed, Jul 09 @ 9:00 am Thu, Jul 10 @ 9:00 am Fri, Jul 11 @ 9:00 am Mon, Jul 14 @ 9:00 am Tue, Jul 15 @ 9:00 am Wed, Jul 16 @ 9:00 am Thu, Jul 17 @ 9:00 am Fri, Jul 18 @ 9:00 am Mon, Jul 21 @ 9:00 am Tue, Jul 22 @ 9:00 am Wed, Jul 23 @ 9:00 am Thu, Jul 24 @ 9:00 am Fri, Jul 25 @ 9:00 am Mon, Jul 28 @ 9:00 am Tue, Jul 29 @ 9:00 am Wed, Jul 30 @ 9:00 am Thu, Jul 31 @ 9:00 am Fri, Aug 01 @ 9:00 am - less dates and times
Improv Camp 3rd-5th Grade, Improv Camp 6th-12th Grade, Harry Potter Camp, Disney Mini Camp, Musical Theatre Bootcamp, and Mini Production Camp!
There is something for everyone this summer at Homewood Theatre!
Improv Camp 3rd-5th Grade, Improv Camp 6th-12th Grade, Harry Potter Camp, Disney Mini Camp, Musical Theatre Bootcamp, and Mini Production Camp!
There is something for everyone this summer at Homewood Theatre!
[less-]Tags: Broadway, Camps, Classes + Workshop, Comedy, Elementary, Family + Camps, For Teens, Music, Pre-K, Pre-Teens, Summer Camps, Theatre, Art + Stage
Story Drama with Homewood Theatre
06-30-2025
06-30-2025
Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Jun 30 @ 3:30 pm
(Rising K-Grade 5) Join us for a story time like no other! We will read one of our favorite children\'s books with pre, during, and post drama activities to act our story out and use our imagination. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
(Rising K-Grade 5) Join us for a story time like no other! We will read one of our favorite children\'s books with pre, during, and post drama activities to act our story out and use our imagination. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
[less-]Tags: Family + Camps, Libraries, Elementary
Wicked Good Sing-Along
06-30-2025
06-30-2025
Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Jun 30 @ 6:00 pm
(13+) Theaters didn't let you sing in their showing of Wicked? Don't worry, we don't mind! Let loose your witchy vocals at this sing-along showing of the Wicked movie. Leave with some wicked-cute swag at the end of the film. Show up in your most...
[more+](13+) Theaters didn't let you sing in their showing of Wicked? Don't worry, we don't mind! Let loose your witchy vocals at this sing-along showing of the Wicked movie. Leave with some wicked-cute swag at the end of the film. Show up in your most bewitching pink or green outfit! This is a free event. Register online at www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
[less-]Tags: Libraries, Books + Film
"The Rainbow Thief” by The Story Ship
07-01-2025
07-01-2025
Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates:
Tue, Jul 01 @ 9:30 am
Tue, Jul 01 @ 11:00 am
(All Ages) Join us every Tuesday morning for a special program. Are you ready for a summer filled with magic, mystery, and vibrant colors? The Story Ship is excited to announce its captivating new show, “The Rainbow Thief.” This enchanting...
[more+](All Ages) Join us every Tuesday morning for a special program. Are you ready for a summer filled with magic, mystery, and vibrant colors? The Story Ship is excited to announce its captivating new show, “The Rainbow Thief.” This enchanting performance is a perfect fit for libraries’ summer reading theme “Color My World.” This show will keep audiences eagerly involved as they help unravel the mystery of the missing colors.
[less-]
Tags: Family + Camps, Great for Families, Libraries, Pre-K, Elementary
Alabama Triennial 2025: Currents
06-06-2025
08-16-2025
Presented by Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts (AEIVA) at Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts (AEIVA) at UAB, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates:
Tue, Jul 01 @ 12:00 pm
Wed, Jul 02 @ 12:00 pm
Thu, Jul 03 @ 12:00 pm
Fri, Jul 04 @ 12:00 pm Sat, Jul 05 @ 12:00 pm Tue, Jul 08 @ 12:00 pm Wed, Jul 09 @ 12:00 pm Thu, Jul 10 @ 12:00 pm Fri, Jul 11 @ 12:00 pm Sat, Jul 12 @ 12:00 pm Tue, Jul 15 @ 12:00 pm Wed, Jul 16 @ 12:00 pm Thu, Jul 17 @ 12:00 pm Fri, Jul 18 @ 12:00 pm Sat, Jul 19 @ 12:00 pm Tue, Jul 22 @ 12:00 pm Wed, Jul 23 @ 12:00 pm Thu, Jul 24 @ 12:00 pm Fri, Jul 25 @ 12:00 pm Sat, Jul 26 @ 12:00 pm Tue, Jul 29 @ 12:00 pm Wed, Jul 30 @ 12:00 pm Thu, Jul 31 @ 12:00 pm Fri, Aug 01 @ 12:00 pm Sat, Aug 02 @ 12:00 pm Tue, Aug 05 @ 12:00 pm Wed, Aug 06 @ 12:00 pm Thu, Aug 07 @ 12:00 pm Fri, Aug 08 @ 12:00 pm Sat, Aug 09 @ 12:00 pm Tue, Aug 12 @ 12:00 pm Wed, Aug 13 @ 12:00 pm Thu, Aug 14 @ 12:00 pm Fri, Aug 15 @ 12:00 pm Sat, Aug 16 @ 12:00 pm - less dates and times
Featuring work by 19 artists from across the state, the Alabama Triennial 2025: Currents explores questions of place and identity. Through work that emphasizes movement, journey, mapping, exchange and transference, the exhibition complicates...
[more+]Featuring work by 19 artists from across the state, the Alabama Triennial 2025: Currents explores questions of place and identity. Through work that emphasizes movement, journey, mapping, exchange and transference, the exhibition complicates notions of Southern identity as something static or unitary, instead viewing it as a confluence of various currents, constantly in motion, made and remade in relation to what came before.
Currents are directional movement and energy. As natural phenomena in our oceans and atmosphere that gave rise to trade routes and transit corridors, they are reminders of the inextricability of history and culture from the material conditions of place. Yet they are also immaterial, invoking spiritual practices such as channeling, as well as the amalgamation of religious influences common in this region. As directional movement, currents call to mind lineages – of ancestry or heritage – as well as the belief systems that have shaped our environment and material existence. One question guiding this exhibition is: How do we position ourselves in relation to what we inherit?
Finally, although far from comprehensive, the Triennial is intended as a survey of current artistic practices in Alabama. It's of a time and place washed ashore by the past, with one eye fixed on the horizon.
Participating artists are Douglas Pierre Baulos, Daphne Burgess, Merrilee Challiss, E L Chisolm, Soynika Edwards-Bush, Valerie George, Allison Grant, Arielle Gray, Darius Hill, Helga Mendoza, Micah Mermilliod, Joe Minter, Bethany Moody, Celestia Morgan, Miriam Omura, Celeste Amparo Pfau, Millian Giang Pham, Rial Rye and Jennifer Wallace Fields
The Alabama Triennial 2025 was curated by elizabet elliott, Executive Director of Alabama Contemporary Art Center in Mobile; Sydney A. Foster, Montgomery-based creative director and community architect; and AEIVA Curator Hannah Spears.
[less-]Tags: Museums + Attractions, Places, Visual Arts, Art + Stage
Magic Camp 2025
05-26-2025
08-08-2025
Presented by UAB's Alys Stephens Center at Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Jun 30 @ 12:00 am
Tue, Jul 01 @ 12:00 am
Wed, Jul 02 @ 12:00 am
Thu, Jul 03 @ 12:00 am Fri, Jul 04 @ 12:00 am Mon, Jul 07 @ 12:00 am Tue, Jul 08 @ 12:00 am Wed, Jul 09 @ 12:00 am Thu, Jul 10 @ 12:00 am Fri, Jul 11 @ 12:00 am Mon, Jul 14 @ 12:00 am Tue, Jul 15 @ 12:00 am Wed, Jul 16 @ 12:00 am Thu, Jul 17 @ 12:00 am Fri, Jul 18 @ 12:00 am Mon, Jul 21 @ 12:00 am Tue, Jul 22 @ 12:00 am Wed, Jul 23 @ 12:00 am Thu, Jul 24 @ 12:00 am Fri, Jul 25 @ 12:00 am Mon, Jul 28 @ 12:00 am Tue, Jul 29 @ 12:00 am Wed, Jul 30 @ 12:00 am Thu, Jul 31 @ 12:00 am Fri, Aug 01 @ 12:00 am Mon, Aug 04 @ 12:00 am Tue, Aug 05 @ 12:00 am Wed, Aug 06 @ 12:00 am Thu, Aug 07 @ 12:00 am Fri, Aug 08 @ 12:00 am - less dates and times
✨🎩 Calling all young magicians! 🎩✨
For the 6th year, UAB Arts in Medicine & the Department of Occupational Therapy are bringing the magic back with Every Day Magic Camp! 🎭
This FREE camp, designed for children with disabilities...
[more+]✨🎩 Calling all young magicians! 🎩✨
For the 6th year, UAB Arts in Medicine & the Department of Occupational Therapy are bringing the magic back with Every Day Magic Camp! 🎭
This FREE camp, designed for children with disabilities (ages 9-18), is led by illusionist Kevin Spencer and the Hocus Focus program. Campers will learn 2-3 magic tricks each week, building confidence, motor skills, and c#everydaymagic
🔮 Virtual Camp 1: May 26 - June 27
🔮 Virtual Camp 2: July 7 - August 1
🔮 In-Person Camp: July 11 - August 8 (at UAB)
Each camp ends with a magical performance for friends and family! ✨
📩 Spots are limited! Email artsinmedicine@uab.edu to register today!
#MagicCamp #6YearsOfMagic #InclusiveArts#UABArtsInMedicine #HocusFocus #EveryDayMagic
[less-]Tags: Camps, Elementary, Family + Camps, For Teens, Great for Families, Health + Wellness, Pre-Teens, Summer Camps, Art + Stage
Homewood Community Art Show
06-01-2025
06-30-2025
Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Jun 30 @ 12:00 am
June 1-30
Why should only kids get art shows? Local artists of any medium: Bring your piece to the Adult/Teen desk during the month of June, and we'll showcase it in the Ellenburg Art Gallery during the month of July. Artists and art collectors...
[more+]June 1-30
Why should only kids get art shows? Local artists of any medium: Bring your piece to the Adult/Teen desk during the month of June, and we'll showcase it in the Ellenburg Art Gallery during the month of July. Artists and art collectors can join us on Saturday, July 26, for a reception. Please make sure all pieces submitted are PG-13. 3-D art, fabric arts, paintings, and everything else is welcome! Check out our website for the application form at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
[less-]Tags: Libraries, Visual Arts, Art + Stage
Homewood Theatre Summer Camps
06-02-2025
08-02-2025
Presented by Homewood Theatre at Homewood Theatre, Homewood
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Jun 30 @ 9:00 am
Tue, Jul 01 @ 9:00 am
Wed, Jul 02 @ 9:00 am
Thu, Jul 03 @ 9:00 am Fri, Jul 04 @ 9:00 am Mon, Jul 07 @ 9:00 am Tue, Jul 08 @ 9:00 am Wed, Jul 09 @ 9:00 am Thu, Jul 10 @ 9:00 am Fri, Jul 11 @ 9:00 am Mon, Jul 14 @ 9:00 am Tue, Jul 15 @ 9:00 am Wed, Jul 16 @ 9:00 am Thu, Jul 17 @ 9:00 am Fri, Jul 18 @ 9:00 am Mon, Jul 21 @ 9:00 am Tue, Jul 22 @ 9:00 am Wed, Jul 23 @ 9:00 am Thu, Jul 24 @ 9:00 am Fri, Jul 25 @ 9:00 am Mon, Jul 28 @ 9:00 am Tue, Jul 29 @ 9:00 am Wed, Jul 30 @ 9:00 am Thu, Jul 31 @ 9:00 am Fri, Aug 01 @ 9:00 am - less dates and times
Improv Camp 3rd-5th Grade, Improv Camp 6th-12th Grade, Harry Potter Camp, Disney Mini Camp, Musical Theatre Bootcamp, and Mini Production Camp!
There is something for everyone this summer at Homewood Theatre!
Improv Camp 3rd-5th Grade, Improv Camp 6th-12th Grade, Harry Potter Camp, Disney Mini Camp, Musical Theatre Bootcamp, and Mini Production Camp!
There is something for everyone this summer at Homewood Theatre!
[less-]Tags: Broadway, Camps, Classes + Workshop, Comedy, Elementary, Family + Camps, For Teens, Music, Pre-K, Pre-Teens, Summer Camps, Theatre, Art + Stage
Story Drama with Homewood Theatre
06-30-2025
06-30-2025
Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Jun 30 @ 3:30 pm
(Rising K-Grade 5) Join us for a story time like no other! We will read one of our favorite children\'s books with pre, during, and post drama activities to act our story out and use our imagination. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
(Rising K-Grade 5) Join us for a story time like no other! We will read one of our favorite children\'s books with pre, during, and post drama activities to act our story out and use our imagination. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
[less-]Tags: Family + Camps, Libraries, Elementary
Wicked Good Sing-Along
06-30-2025
06-30-2025
Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Jun 30 @ 6:00 pm
(13+) Theaters didn't let you sing in their showing of Wicked? Don't worry, we don't mind! Let loose your witchy vocals at this sing-along showing of the Wicked movie. Leave with some wicked-cute swag at the end of the film. Show up in your most...
[more+](13+) Theaters didn't let you sing in their showing of Wicked? Don't worry, we don't mind! Let loose your witchy vocals at this sing-along showing of the Wicked movie. Leave with some wicked-cute swag at the end of the film. Show up in your most bewitching pink or green outfit! This is a free event. Register online at www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
[less-]Tags: Libraries, Books + Film
"The Rainbow Thief” by The Story Ship
07-01-2025
07-01-2025
Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates:
Tue, Jul 01 @ 9:30 am
Tue, Jul 01 @ 11:00 am
(All Ages) Join us every Tuesday morning for a special program. Are you ready for a summer filled with magic, mystery, and vibrant colors? The Story Ship is excited to announce its captivating new show, “The Rainbow Thief.” This enchanting...
[more+](All Ages) Join us every Tuesday morning for a special program. Are you ready for a summer filled with magic, mystery, and vibrant colors? The Story Ship is excited to announce its captivating new show, “The Rainbow Thief.” This enchanting performance is a perfect fit for libraries’ summer reading theme “Color My World.” This show will keep audiences eagerly involved as they help unravel the mystery of the missing colors.
[less-]
Tags: Family + Camps, Great for Families, Libraries, Pre-K, Elementary
Alabama Triennial 2025: Currents
06-06-2025
08-16-2025
Presented by Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts (AEIVA) at Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts (AEIVA) at UAB, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates:
Tue, Jul 01 @ 12:00 pm
Wed, Jul 02 @ 12:00 pm
Thu, Jul 03 @ 12:00 pm
Fri, Jul 04 @ 12:00 pm Sat, Jul 05 @ 12:00 pm Tue, Jul 08 @ 12:00 pm Wed, Jul 09 @ 12:00 pm Thu, Jul 10 @ 12:00 pm Fri, Jul 11 @ 12:00 pm Sat, Jul 12 @ 12:00 pm Tue, Jul 15 @ 12:00 pm Wed, Jul 16 @ 12:00 pm Thu, Jul 17 @ 12:00 pm Fri, Jul 18 @ 12:00 pm Sat, Jul 19 @ 12:00 pm Tue, Jul 22 @ 12:00 pm Wed, Jul 23 @ 12:00 pm Thu, Jul 24 @ 12:00 pm Fri, Jul 25 @ 12:00 pm Sat, Jul 26 @ 12:00 pm Tue, Jul 29 @ 12:00 pm Wed, Jul 30 @ 12:00 pm Thu, Jul 31 @ 12:00 pm Fri, Aug 01 @ 12:00 pm Sat, Aug 02 @ 12:00 pm Tue, Aug 05 @ 12:00 pm Wed, Aug 06 @ 12:00 pm Thu, Aug 07 @ 12:00 pm Fri, Aug 08 @ 12:00 pm Sat, Aug 09 @ 12:00 pm Tue, Aug 12 @ 12:00 pm Wed, Aug 13 @ 12:00 pm Thu, Aug 14 @ 12:00 pm Fri, Aug 15 @ 12:00 pm Sat, Aug 16 @ 12:00 pm - less dates and times
Featuring work by 19 artists from across the state, the Alabama Triennial 2025: Currents explores questions of place and identity. Through work that emphasizes movement, journey, mapping, exchange and transference, the exhibition complicates...
[more+]Featuring work by 19 artists from across the state, the Alabama Triennial 2025: Currents explores questions of place and identity. Through work that emphasizes movement, journey, mapping, exchange and transference, the exhibition complicates notions of Southern identity as something static or unitary, instead viewing it as a confluence of various currents, constantly in motion, made and remade in relation to what came before.
Currents are directional movement and energy. As natural phenomena in our oceans and atmosphere that gave rise to trade routes and transit corridors, they are reminders of the inextricability of history and culture from the material conditions of place. Yet they are also immaterial, invoking spiritual practices such as channeling, as well as the amalgamation of religious influences common in this region. As directional movement, currents call to mind lineages – of ancestry or heritage – as well as the belief systems that have shaped our environment and material existence. One question guiding this exhibition is: How do we position ourselves in relation to what we inherit?
Finally, although far from comprehensive, the Triennial is intended as a survey of current artistic practices in Alabama. It's of a time and place washed ashore by the past, with one eye fixed on the horizon.
Participating artists are Douglas Pierre Baulos, Daphne Burgess, Merrilee Challiss, E L Chisolm, Soynika Edwards-Bush, Valerie George, Allison Grant, Arielle Gray, Darius Hill, Helga Mendoza, Micah Mermilliod, Joe Minter, Bethany Moody, Celestia Morgan, Miriam Omura, Celeste Amparo Pfau, Millian Giang Pham, Rial Rye and Jennifer Wallace Fields
The Alabama Triennial 2025 was curated by elizabet elliott, Executive Director of Alabama Contemporary Art Center in Mobile; Sydney A. Foster, Montgomery-based creative director and community architect; and AEIVA Curator Hannah Spears.
[less-]