Explore Alabama: The Eastern Shore Art Association

The Eastern Shore Art Association, Inc. is the parent organization for the Eastern Shore Art Center and Eastern Shore Academy of Fine Arts. In 1998 the Art Association celebrated its 40th anniversary as the hub of visual arts on the Gulf Coast.

HISTORY -- Fifteen Fairhope artists first conceived the idea for a local arts association in 1951. By 1958 they had incorporated and were operating in temporary quarters. In 1961, they purchased the current site, formerly the location of the Pinewood Pottery studio, and construction of the Eastern Shore Art Center began. The facility was enlarged in 1972. By 1977, the present 12,000-square-foot complex was completed.

FACILITY -- Today the attractive Art Center comprises five galleries for viewing local, regional and national art, five studios for art cllases, an art library, and administrative offices. The Pinewood Pottery wood-burning kiln from the early 20th Century is behind the building and on the historic register for the State of Alabama.

OPERATION -- The Art Center is operated by one full-time and four part-time employees, part-time art instructors, and a host of volunteers. The Academy offers classes on a quarterly basis for adults and children, as well as workshops in a variety of mediums for art students. The Center hosts monthly receptions for new exhibit openings, a classical concert series, and two annual outdoor shows. Two annual exhibits are exclusively for members as well as the Member Sales Gallery where member artists can hang art for sale.

FUNDING-- The Eastern Shore Art Association is funded solely through private memberships, donations and operations. The Association is a 501-(c)-3 non-profit corporation, and relies on the goodwill of the community for its continuation. All memberships and contributions are tax-deductible. The only government funding at this time are small grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the City of Fairhope.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT --Since its inception, the goal of the Eastern Shore Art Association has been community education. The Center offers field trips and classical music performances for local school students, and free guided tours of the galleries and studios for all ages. Exhibits change monthly, and opening receptions are held the first Friday of the month. Admission to the galleries is free to all. The two ESAA-sponsored outdoor shows bring artists from all over the United States to the Eastern Shore. Attendance at both shows are free to the community.

The Eastern Shore Art Association
401 Oak Street
Fairhope, AL 36532
(251) 928-2228
http://www.easternshoreartcenter.com