The City of Mobile and the Mobile Museum of Art partner to revive community centers

Oct 21st, 2015

MOBILE, Ala. -- The City of Mobile and the Mobile Museum of Art (MMofA) are collaborating to revive the City's neglected community centers through the power of art.

"Our community centers are an important part of neighborhoods across the City, but they are due for a makeover," said Mayor Sandy Stimpson. "Art doesn't only belong in a museum. I am grateful to the Mobile Museum of Art for offering their talent and expertise to reinvigorate our centers. This ongoing project has been an inspiring one."

The MMofA created vibrant designs to give the community centers a fresh new look, and the City is working with community groups to implement these designs. Last month, University of Mobile students with some help from Mayor Stimpson painted Harmon Community Center as part of Project Serve, the university-wide day of service. Earlier this month, members of the USS Fort McHenry crew painted Seals Community Center as part of a service project while they were docked in Mobile.

To show off the new look, the City and MMofA are hosting an Open House at the Harmon-Thomas Community Center this Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. There will be art activities provided by the MMofA Museum School including textile and painting demonstrations, pottery tutorials, and a drum circle with professional musicians and artists. The Williamson Alumni Association will also be providing food and drink.

"We are celebrating revitalization, and upcoming art activities made possible by a new collaboration between The City of Mobile's Parks and Recreation department, University of Mobile volunteers, Williamson Alumni Association, and the Mobile Museum of Art," said Deborah Velders, MMofA Director.

This will be the first opportunity to register for classes led by the Museum School's prestigious artists. Starting soon, talented artists will be teaching classes at the City community centers.

"We want to offer every citizen in Mobile the opportunity to be introduced to world class art," said Mayor Stimpson. "The MMofA Museum School offers accomplished artists whose mastery of skill is second to none."

These programs are provided by the City of Mobile, with additional support by the Mobile Museum of Art through grants from the Ben May Trust, Community Foundation of South Alabama, and the Moses Foundation.