Riot of Color: A Collusion of Siblings

Mary Helen Harper and her brother Steven Harper have collaborated on creative endeavors since their childhood. This exhibit, focusing on the theme of color, will highlight a variety of selections from their body of work.

Steven Harper’s work features a sharp architectural quality that balances crisp precision with a sense of quiet nostalgia. Each piece invites the viewer to linger on the details: the gleam of a vintage car, the geometry of a cityscape, the immovable solidity of a person caught in repose.

Mary Helen Harper, in contrast, weaves together a lyrical world of garden parties, music and community, where musical instruments and notes float among people and foliage. From the whimsy of a girl at a birthday party to the quiet study of a thicket of flowers, the viewer is bathed in color and beauty.

Together, Steven and Mary Helen offer two complementary perspectives on the world around us—one structured and bold, the other fluid and poetic. Their exhibit celebrates both individuality and connection, demonstrating how different artistic voices within one family can create a rich and unified visual experience.

Portraiture Workshop: October 25

Siblings Steven Harper and Mary Helen Harper will be holding a portraiture workshop in conjunction with their art exhibit “Riot of Color: A Collusion of Siblings.”

Working with pencil and paper, you will spend the afternoon being guided by these two talented artists as they walk you through the process of making a whimsical portrait. Bring a mirror or photo for reference.

Tickets are $10, and will be available at a place that I will include once I know it lol. Mark your calendar! 

Gallery Reception: October 26

Join The Galleries at Central Midtown as we host an reception for siblings Steven and Mary Helen Harper celebrating their art exhibit “Riot of Color: A Sibling Collusion.”

ALABAMA SOUTHERN REGION AAEA YOUTH ART EXHIBIT

The Alabama Arts Education Association will be presenting an exhibit of school-aged artists around the theme of “The World Needs Art.”

CALL FOR ENTRIES

FLEUR-DE-LIS

The fleur-de-lis has been woven into the identity of Mobile since its earliest days as a French colony. This call for entries invites artists to exlore and reinterpret this iconic symbol through their own creative lens. The only requirement: the fleur-de-lis must be a central, intentional element of the artwork.

This exhibit is open to artists 18 years of age or older. 

All entries be submitted electronically by midnight, December 20, 2025. The Call for Entries form can be found here.

SELF-PORTRAITS IN ICONIC ANIME AND MANGA STYLES

Ever imagine yourself as an anime character? Then this call for entries is tailor-made for you.

We are asking artists to create a self-portrait in your favorite anime/manga style. Whether you see yourself as Goku, Sailor Moon, or Luffy D. Monkey, this is your chance to step into the panel or onto the screen.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Each work must present a self-portrait executed in anime or manga style. All mediums are welcome and the work should reflect the stylistic influence of your favorite anime/manga.

ARTISTS: Open to all artists.

ENTRY PROCESS: All entries must be submitted electronically by midnight, February 15, 2026. The electronic form can be found here.

PAST EXHIBITS

JAWS YOUTH 2025

JAWS Youth celebrates artistic excellence and the unique intersection of music and the visual arts by connecting local students with the Jazz Art Writers South (JAWS) Festival. Students submit jazz-themed artwork that is displayed during the festival. After the festival concludes in June, the exhibit goes on tour. It is currently at Central Midtown for the month of September 2025.

THE GRAND MOTHER PROJECT

APRIL 2025

The Grand Mother Project is an art exhibition that explores ancestors and influences from the female point of view. Curator Mary Elizabeth Kimbrough chose female artists all located in Alabama to express their ideas surrounding female predecessors. The hope is that viewers will examine their own female elders thus having a greater understanding of the past, as well as gaining a desire to make the future better. The show features a variety of mediums, and a diverse group of artists. The show has an opening reception on April 3 from 530-730 at Central Midtown. All are welcome.

SECOND CHANCES: a Juried Exhibition of Art Created from Recycled, Upcycled, or Repurposed Items

JUNE 2025

Why do we recycle? The question is very personal and means something different for each person. For some it is a way of protecting the environment, but for others it is an artistic endeavor. For many, it is both. Come join others as we create art through recycling, upcycling, and repurposing materials.