Alabama's Art Colony

Finding Inspiration

By Amanda Gardner

The cool of morning, a thin layer of fog dusts over the lake. Colors are beginning to jump out sporadically as the sun begins to illuminate nature’s beauty.  Lake Martin emerges through the fog, you feel a connectedness and then you are struck with inspiration. This is one of many ways an artist attending the annual Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony may feel. 

The serenity, community and desire to learn for experienced and growing artists who attend the art colony must be one of the reasons they keep coming back.

“Every year for the last 15 we go to Children’s Harbor, and stay in the cabins,” Catie Radney, head of the art colony, said. “There are generally 20 to 25 artists in each class and two instructors, and we keep growing every year,” Radney said. “Word of mouth,” is the main contributor to their continued success.

 The same type of scheduling is on this year’s agenda; breakfast/paint, community, helping others, lunch/paint, and then another collective part of the week-long retreat; the evening socials. They are comprised of informal discussions about art in general, in the community, abroad and whatever else is on the artists’ minds. Socials are sponsored by various galleries. These socials are subject to change and this year Radney asks that all participants bring their worst art piece to play “Dirty Artist” a version of dirty Santa.

This year is unique due to the fact that it is art colony’s founder, Sarah Carlisle Towery’s, 95th birthday. There will be a celebration honoring her and her many achievements and contributions open to the public on Thursday, Oct. 4 from 5-7 p.m. at the Children’s Harbor gazebo.

 

To participate in this one-of-a-kind artists’ retreat you must register. Existing members should already have received a current newsletter. If you are not a member, join in on invaluable relationships to be made, learning in a setting not duplicable and good old down-home fun by visiting the website at www.alartcolony.org for the registration form. Availability is limited so inquire hastily.

The website also provides a list of prices as they vary depending on whether you stay in the cabins or elsewhere. Also, what materials you will need to provide for yourself is listed on the site.

The Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony is a non-profit organization so any moneys left over from various donations and the State Arts Council Grant goes to sponsoring someone in need and providing their way through the art colony. They may also donate to the Children’s Harbor. If you have any questions about making a donation or want to inquire about a scholarship to the colony, contact Chairperson Virginia Bradshaw at 256.234.3403. For any other questions call head of the Art Colony, Catie Radney at 256.212.9555. Visit the website to find out about The Kids Art Camp, the history of the art colony or to browse through Towery’s art.