You may have recently heard or read about the new Fairhope Art Alley that’s being created between the public parking garage and the rear of the buildings lining the north side of Fairhope Avenue behind Bone and Barrel, Sage Restaurant, the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, among other establishments. The alley has always been there, and the city is just dressing it up to make it more user-friendly.

Right here in Little Ole’ Fairhope, we have somewhat of a musical legend. His name is Roger Fritz, and for 60 years, he’s been making custom guitars. And not just any guitar, but guitars played by some of the best artists who have ever taken the stage.

I met artist Melanie Grein at a First Friday Art Walk in Fairhope while listening to the Leavin’ Brothers entertain at The Book Cellar at Page and Palette. Sitting with some friends, she is a regular there, either with coffee in hand from Latte Da or taking in the music on a Monday night at the Book Cellar.

“Living a creative life is exhilarating” “I believe in living a creative life. There is creativity in each of us — we just need to be open to the opportunities to tap into it.” says Suzanne Damrich, a native Mobilian and artist who “lives in the moment.”

When two lifelong friends stumbled into a glass-blowing studio class simply because they needed one more humanities credit to complete their requirements at the University of South Alabama, they never imagined that it would lead them to launch a business they love.

“If you don’t believe you can do it, you’re right, If you do think you can do it, you’re right!” What a special place Sophiella Gallery on Dauphin Street in Downtown Mobile is. I had a wonderful time visiting with Kim Kelly, learning about her and her family and how the gallery came into being. When you walk in the door, you are immediately transported. The art and the space create an air of sophistication and the creative energy is palpable.

Zach Sierke is somewhat famous around these parts for his creative pottery, special hand-made kiln, and his deep knowledge of the native clays and their properties. The Eastern Shore is a mecca for artisans sculpting works of art, because of its clay.

There are a lot of great things happening right under our noses that we are just learning about at Scenic 98 Coastal. We need to get out more…