Neighborhood Information

Upcoming Events at the Birmingham Museum of Art

SAVE THE DATE

SEASON OPENING: The [Fall] ReFRAME
Thursday, September 29 // 5 - 9PM

FREE Admission

Join us at The ReFRAME, an immersive celebration with a fresh perspective, inspired by art and culture from around the world.

As the seasons change, so do our galleries! Come see what’s new at the BMA as we enliven our art-filled spaces with music, performances, and curator-led gallery talks. Inspired by our current exhibition, Light Play, this evening will celebrate the role of light in art and cultures across the globe. Check out the slate of programming!


OPENING SOON

Hand-Held: The Four Seasons in Chinese Painting
Opens Saturday, September 3

Through the lens of the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—this exhibition explores the intimate visual storytelling experience found within small-scale Chinese landscape paintings. Whether formatted in a popular fan shape, as an album leaf, a handscroll, or a glossy ceramic, the paintings featured in this exhibition were intended to be studied up-close and to be handled. Many of the paintings combine detailed images and the elevated art form of calligraphy with inscriptions that describe painting styles, provide dedication to friends and family, and offer the date when the work was made. Journey through the seasons, from the blossoming peach trees and greening mountains of spring to the pillowy surfaces of newly fallen snow in a winter landscape, in this charming exhibition of Chinese painting.


ON VIEW

Wall to Wall: Rico Gatson Presented by PNC
Free Admission


The second iteration of Wall to Wall presented by PNC features Brooklyn-based contemporary artist Rico Gatson, who transformed the walls of the Museum lobby with a colorful, life-size image of iconic Birmingham figure, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, and an abstract composition on an adjacent lobby wall inspired by Sun Ra.

On Friday, August 5, guests attending Museum’s signature event, Art on the Rocks, were invited to paint alongside Rico in the lobby to help complete the installation. Through community engagement, Gatson hopes to bring the energy from the Civil Rights movement into the present.

Light Play
Free Admission


Light Play is an exhibition drawn from the Museum’s permanent collection that shows the influence and use of light in art.

In this exhibition, artists examine the many meanings of ‘light’ and ‘play’ through medium, expression, meaning, and form. Light Play brings together contemporary artists and works exploring the manipulation, effects, and emotions of light, including the double meaning of the word ‘light,’ by featuring works that are lively or humorous in subject matter.

Together, these works reflect the expanse of contemporary artworks incorporating light. Whether using it literally, metaphorically, or conceptually, each artist radiates the profound influence of the power of light.

Ways of Seeing: Sports and Games
Free Admission


Ways of Seeing: Sports and Games is an exhibition drawn from across the Museum’s permanent collection that shows the influence of sports and games on art. From ancient to contemporary, art has emphasized the importance of sports to societies globally. While images of athletes and games have had major impacts on artistic practices worldwide, art has also shaped the image of the athlete in popular consciousness. Drawing a parallel between the artists and athletes, this exhibition reveals the longstanding relationship between art and sports and games.

A Gift of Photographs from John Hagefstration
Free Admission

The photographs in Birmingham-based collector John Hagefstration’s gift of almost 300 works were made from the early twentieth century to the present. They capture significant episodes in the development of the medium, allowing the BMA to better represent the history of movements, schools of photography, and the work of individual artists in new depth. His collection also expands the diverse perspectives featured in our collection, including new works by Alabama artists, women artists, and LGBTQIA+ artists. Visit this focus installation of fourteen photographs to see how the Museum’s collections have recently grown.

Expanding Darshan: Manjari Sharma, To See and Be Seen
Free Admission


Bringing together the striking work of rising star—global contemporary artist Manjari Sharma—with the diverse historic collections of the Birmingham Museum of Art, this exhibition introduces nine of the most significant deities of the Hindu pantheon and their contemporary relevance in art and faith, serving as a gateway to the concept of darshan—seeing and being seen by the divine. The vibrant, varied, and sometimes contradictory stories of these gods—as well as their familial relationships with each other—are shared through the works in this exhibition.


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SAVE THE DATE

SEASON OPENING: The [Fall] ReFRAME
Thursday, September 29 // 5 - 9PM

FREE Admission

Join us at The ReFRAME, an immersive celebration with a fresh perspective, inspired by art and culture from around the world.

As the seasons change, so do our galleries! Come see what’s new at the BMA as we enliven our art-filled spaces with music, performances, and curator-led gallery talks. Inspired by our current exhibition, Light Play, this evening will celebrate the role of light in art and cultures across the globe. Check out the slate of programming!

OPENING SOON

Hand-Held: The Four Seasons in Chinese Painting
Opens Saturday, September 3

Through the lens of the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—this exhibition explores the intimate visual storytelling experience found within small-scale Chinese landscape paintings. Whether formatted in a popular fan shape, as an album leaf, a handscroll, or a glossy ceramic, the paintings featured in this exhibition were intended to be studied up-close and to be handled. Many of the paintings combine detailed images and the elevated art form of calligraphy with inscriptions that describe painting styles, provide dedication to friends and family, and offer the date when the work was made. Journey through the seasons, from the blossoming peach trees and greening mountains of spring to the pillowy surfaces of newly fallen snow in a winter landscape, in this charming exhibition of Chinese painting.

ON VIEW

Wall to Wall: Rico Gatson Presented by PNC
Free Admission


The second iteration of Wall to Wall presented by PNC features Brooklyn-based contemporary artist Rico Gatson, who transformed the walls of the Museum lobby with a colorful, life-size image of iconic Birmingham figure, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, and an abstract composition on an adjacent lobby wall inspired by Sun Ra.

On Friday, August 5, guests attending Museum’s signature event, Art on the Rocks, were invited to paint alongside Rico in the lobby to help complete the installation. Through community engagement, Gatson hopes to bring the energy from the Civil Rights movement into the present.

Light Play
Free Admission


Light Play is an exhibition drawn from the Museum’s permanent collection that shows the influence and use of light in art.

In this exhibition, artists examine the many meanings of ‘light’ and ‘play’ through medium, expression, meaning, and form. Light Play brings together contemporary artists and works exploring the manipulation, effects, and emotions of light, including the double meaning of the word ‘light,’ by featuring works that are lively or humorous in subject matter.

Together, these works reflect the expanse of contemporary artworks incorporating light. Whether using it literally, metaphorically, or conceptually, each artist radiates the profound influence of the power of light.

Ways of Seeing: Sports and Games
Free Admission


Ways of Seeing: Sports and Games is an exhibition drawn from across the Museum’s permanent collection that shows the influence of sports and games on art. From ancient to contemporary, art has emphasized the importance of sports to societies globally. While images of athletes and games have had major impacts on artistic practices worldwide, art has also shaped the image of the athlete in popular consciousness. Drawing a parallel between the artists and athletes, this exhibition reveals the longstanding relationship between art and sports and games.

A Gift of Photographs from John Hagefstration
Free Admission

The photographs in Birmingham-based collector John Hagefstration’s gift of almost 300 works were made from the early twentieth century to the present. They capture significant episodes in the development of the medium, allowing the BMA to better represent the history of movements, schools of photography, and the work of individual artists in new depth. His collection also expands the diverse perspectives featured in our collection, including new works by Alabama artists, women artists, and LGBTQIA+ artists. Visit this focus installation of fourteen photographs to see how the Museum’s collections have recently grown.

Expanding Darshan: Manjari Sharma, To See and Be Seen
Free Admission


Bringing together the striking work of rising star—global contemporary artist Manjari Sharma—with the diverse historic collections of the Birmingham Museum of Art, this exhibition introduces nine of the most significant deities of the Hindu pantheon and their contemporary relevance in art and faith, serving as a gateway to the concept of darshan—seeing and being seen by the divine. The vibrant, varied, and sometimes contradictory stories of these gods—as well as their familial relationships with each other—are shared through the works in this exhibition.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Classical Indian Music Concert
Thursday, August 25 // 6:30 - 8PM
Free Admission

Join us Thursday evening for a Classical Indian Concert featuring Grammy Award winner Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Subhen Chatterjee.

Bhatt invented the mohan veena, a highly modified archtop guitar, and established his instrument as an important one in mainstream Indian classical music. His electrifying performances have charmed audiences worldwide.

Subhen Chatterjee bases his tablā playing style on the Lucknow gharana, one of the six main tablā styles, which he learned from the illustrious tablā maestro Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri. Register now!

Highlights Tour // Seeing Color with EnChroma Glasses
Sunday, August 28 // 2PM
Free Admission

Join Angela May, Associate Director of Learning and Engagement, for this unique experience. Using EnChroma glasses, this free tour will enable visitors with color blindness to see the colorful art in the BMA’s galleries. These glasses work best for individuals less able to distinguish the colors green and red.

Due to the limited number of EnChroma glasses, we ask participants to register in advance. To sign up for this tour, please email access@artsbma.org.

ArtBreak // Light Play
Wednesday, September 7 // 12 - 12:30PM
Free Admission

Join Curatorial Assistant and exhibition curator, Hina Zaidi, for an overview of the Museum’s recent Light Play exhibition. Light Play draws from the museum’s permanent collection to show the influence and use of light in art. Register now!

2022 Annual Moon Viewing Festival
Saturday, September 10 // 6 - 8:30PM
Free Admission

The Moon Viewing Festival honors the harvest moon, which is the full moon nearest the autumn equinox that is traditionally celebrated across Asian cultures. Join BMA’s Asian Art Society for a celebration open to all ages of the mid-autumn harvest moon. This celebration includes traditional music, performances, art-making activities, and delicious mooncakes! Register now!

Latin American Heritage Festival
Saturday, September 17 // 10AM - 2PM
Free Admission

Celebrate Latin culture at the Birmingham Museum of Art during our sixth annual Latin American Heritage Festival in collaboration with Fiesta Birmingham. Join us for a day of festivities, featuring Spanish-language gallery tours and delicious Latin cuisine. Enjoy family-friendly art activities, face painting, and much more! Register now!

Self-Soothe Saturday
Saturday, September 24 // 10AM - 12PM
Free Admission

Self-Soothe Saturday invites visitors to invigorate the body, mind, and spirit with guided yoga, meditation, and a wellness workshop designed to educate, enlighten and revitalize.

For this rendition of the quarterly program, we explore the ability to heal through meditation in order to shift one’s perspective, even through trauma and suffering. Sanovia Muhammad, the author of A Journey of Forgiveness: Disowning 3 Generations of Violence, shares her testimony of escaping personal trauma through meditation. Muhammad also shares meditative techniques of breath work, stretching, and affirmations one can use to rehabilitate their mind, body, and soul in traumatic times. Register now!

Birmingham City Council Highlights 8.23.22

Here are a few of the legislative highlights from Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, in case you missed it.
 

ITEM 8:

 

On Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council unanimously approved an item that will fundamentally reshape and improve the way trash pickup works across the city. The item for roughly $6.5 million includes 100,000 universal trash bins that will be distributed to households and will allow for a more streamlined collection process.

The 96-gallon bins will be outfitted with GPS tracking and will be distributed in phases, with the first batch of 25,000 bins being deployed in the next 6 to 8 weeks. This is the first step in the City reworking the way trash is collected.

Eventually, once the large uniform bins are deployed and the new trucks are in operation, the City will be moving to a schedule of collecting trash once a week, a move that will pay dividends over the years through cost savings. Currently there are 26 routes across the city that collect twice a week. This will eventually be streamlined and cut down significantly on fuel costs.

“I’ve had some residents who were part of the pilot program with this and they had nothing but good things to say about how it’s worked for them,” Councilor Valerie Abbott said. “One of them even told me that they have not yet filled up the bins despite them only coming once a week.”

The 96-gallon bins can hold roughly 6 large bags of trash. However, Council President Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman also pointed out that she is working on an ordinance that will prohibit people from leaving loose bags on top or beside the bins.

“We found out that we don’t have an ordinance on the books that doesn’t allow people to just leave loose bags of trash out for pick up,” Smitherman said. “We’re working on an educational campaign to help people understand how trash pickup works and all the ordinances we have to help prevent illegal dumping and things of that nature. Perhaps most importantly, we're going to do all we can to help educate people on this new process with the uniform bins because we understand there will be some adjustments to make for families.”

Smitherman also noted that code enforcement is a big part of this, and is something that many residents would like to see bolstered. “I’m very excited about this, it’s something we’ve been working on for a while. This will be great for our city. A lot of people might not be able to afford trash bins of this size so it’s going to go a long way towards helping to keep our neighborhoods clean once they are deployed.”

Councilor Darrell O’Quinn pointed out that there is a program already in place to help residents who might need assistance with their bins.

“A 96-gallon bin can be unwieldy. Right now, the Department of Public Works has a program that you can apply for,” O’Quinn said. “If you have a physical challenge and can’t roll a huge bin down to the curb, you can apply for Public Works to do that for you. So I would encourage residents to look into that.”

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:

ITEM 8. A Resolution, pursuant to §11-40-1 et. seq., and §41-16-51(a)(16), Code of Alabama 1975, authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver an agreement with Toter, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $6,030,000.00 for the provision of 100,000 Toter 96 Gallon EVR II Universal/Nestable Carts and accessory parts, and up to $526,002.25 for the provision of assembly, distribution and related services for a total amount not to exceed up to $6,556,002.25 to provide goods and services, which are being purchased in accordance with the terms of the Sourcewell Contract #041521-TOT. [G/L Account: 102_000.525-010] (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Mayor and the Budget and Finance Committee)**

Create Birmingham Events

SIDEWALK FILM FESTIVAL: AUGUST 22 - AUGUST 28

The 24th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival presented by Regions Bank is back with a festival footprint that includes the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema, the Alabama Theatre, the Lyric Theatre, the Carver Theatre, First Church Birmingham, the Alabama School of Fine Arts Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre, Recital Hall and Lecture Hall as well as the Steiner Auditorium at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

Film Birmingham is excited to host the 2022 Sidewalk Film Festival Filmmaker Luncheon at Sloss Furnaces this year! We look forward to meeting filmmakers from across the state and around the country, highlighting regional filming opportunities, and sharing information about Alabama's tax incentives for film.

Magic City Spotlight - The City of Birmingham and Birmingham City Schools partner for literacy town hall

Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin and Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan will host a town hall on Tuesday, August 30 to encourage community support of kindergarten to third-grade literacy. The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Boutwell Auditorium, located at 1930 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard.  

Parents of children K-3, local literacy groups, current and retired educators, faith communities and residents are invited to learn how to support Birmingham children in achieving grade-level literacy.  

“I am committed to doing everything I can to come alongside Birmingham City Schools in supporting our scholars in meeting their literacy goals,” Woodfin said. “Ensuring that our youngsters can read well is ensuring that they have a path toward a better future.”  


David Arias named new director of Sloss Furnaces

After a national search, the City of Birmingham has selected David Arias to serve as executive director of Sloss Furnaces. Arias began his role on August 15, taking the helm from Karen Utz who served a successful tenure as interim executive.

“David’s track record of servant leadership and fiscal innovation will help take Sloss Furnaces into its next chapter,” Mayor Woodfin said. “We are thrilled to welcome him.

Learn more about David Arias and how he plans to spend his first weeks as executive director by clicking the image above or the button below.


Revitalization update: Greensprings Highway, Avondale, Enon Ridge, Pine Knoll Vista, Ensley

Revitalization in Birmingham continues!

Greensprings Hwy:

Improvements include sidewalk and landscape improvements to the west side of Greensprings Hwy, a signalized crosswalk at the bus stop and resurfacing of southbound lanes.

Avondale:

Streetscape project will widen sidewalks, create bike lanes and install additional drainage structures on 41st Street.

Ensley:

Improvements include sidewalk and landscaping upgrades to improve pedestrian access.

Enon Ridge:

Roadway widening of 4th Place North from 12th Ave to 14th Ave adjacent to Tuggle Elementary will improve traffic congestion and school bus access.

Pine Knoll Vista:

Ditch stabilization and culver installation will take place on Airport Road to improve drainage and erosion issues.

Stay tuned to City of Birmingham's social media channels for additional projects and updates.

Birmingham City Council Highlights 8.16.22

Birmingham City Council Highlights 8.16.22

Here are a few of the legislative highlights from Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, in case you missed it.
 


ITEMS 1 & 2

 

Today the Birmingham City Council unanimously approved two separate amendments to the Arlington-West End Urban Renewal Plan and the Downtown West Urban Renewal Plan.

The City first adopted the Community Renewal Plan in 1979. Since then, 44 separate Urban Renewal Plans have been adopted citywide, which help facilitate Economic Development Projects, Housing Incentives, and more.

Adopted in 1991, the Arlington-West End Urban Renewal Project has helped shepherd growth and business development in the area through a process where privately owned properties within the designated renewal area are purchased or taken by eminent domain by a municipal redevelopment authority, razed and then reconveyed to selected developers who devote them to other uses.

Tuesday’s vote to amend the Arlington-West End Urban Renewal Plan was aimed at adding 27 acres of property, including the former Larkway Gardens Apartment site and surrounding properties. Once the site is acquired, the City will send out a Request for Proposal and a developer will be selected to bring the site back to life.

The City’s Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits study of the site concluded that there is presently a sufficient number of blight factors as required by Alabama urban renewal law for the Study Area to be declared a “blighted area.”

Council President Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman, who represents the district, said this amendment will help continue the economic growth in an area that’s needed it for some time.

“I’m really happy to see this plan moving forward because the community has been asking for mixed-use development in this corridor that is near Princeton Hospital,” Smitherman said. “I can’t wait to tell the neighborhood about this and what it means for the area. I hope it can lead to more development and more momentum in the area. I think this neighborhood needs a complete transformation and this is a big step in the right direction.”

According to city officials familiar with the plan, recruiting a developer for a mixed-use, mixed-income development on the site is paramount to efforts to further connect the neighborhood to the nearby Princeton hospital corridor.

The Larkway Garden site has been vacant since 2007 and became a gathering place for illicit activity. The Council approved demolition of the property in 2015 and it was demolished several months later in 2016. Neighborhood leaders have long been asking for something to be done with the vacant, overgrown site and Tuesday’s vote marks a major milestone for improving the neighborhood and removing this blighted property.

Earlier this year, the amendment for the Urban Renewal Plan was approved by the Arlington-West End Neighborhood Association, the Birmingham Planning Commission, the Council’s Planning and Zoning Committee and now the Council as a whole.

In addition to the Arlington-West End item, the Council also voted to extend the boundary of the Downtown West Urban Renewal District to bring in the former Adams Inn site located at 300 10th Street North. On February 4, 2009, a fire broke out in the partially vacant hotel. Once it was completely vacated later that year, the building’s windows were broken and the site was filled with litter.

In 2013, the City Council declared the site a public nuisance and approved $750,000 to demolish the building. Located near the Innovation District, an area that has seen a lot of growth and development in recent years, this redevelopment effort will further expand the footprint of one of Birmingham’s fastest growing districts.

Magic City Spotlight - August 2022

The City of Birmingham is proud to announce that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $10.8 million American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge grant to the City of Birmingham to establish the Birmingham Region Health Partnership, a healthcare workforce training program. This program will build a pipeline of skilled healthcare and digital healthcare workers. Through partnership with local healthcare employers, it will provide access to high-quality healthcare jobs to those communities traditionally underserved, including women and people of color.


“We are honored to receive the Good Jobs Challenge grant. This is truly a collaborative effort between the city and our partners to enhance workforce development in our region,” Mayor Randall L. Woodfin said. “These funds from the Biden-Harris administration will go far in our commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive economy designed to serve the people.”

Upcoming Events at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

FAMILY STORY WALK

Thursday, August 11 | 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 13 | 10 a.m.

Join us for a walk through the Bruno Vegetable Garden to see the progress of our summer harvest and enjoy the story Try it! How Frieda Caplan Changed the Way We Eat by Mara Rockliff. Includes craft.

 Adult + child: $15

Each additional family member: $5

MOUNT A STAGHORN FERN

Tuesday, August 16 | 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 17 | 6 p.m.

Take your houseplant collection to the next level with this horticultural icon. Mount a staghorn fern to take home with you. All materials (including plants) provided. Preregistration is required.

 Location: Adventure Classroom

Members: $40 | Nonmembers: $45

HERB BUTTER

Tuesday, August 23 | 11 a.m.

Wednesday, August 24 | 3:30 p.m.

Come learn how to make herb butter using fresh ingredients and delicious herbs. The class will feature snacks to enjoy and a lesson on harvesting herbs. Preregistration is required.

 Location: Adventure Classroom

$5 per participant

Starting an Autumn Vegetable Garden

Tuesday, Aug. 30 | 11 a.m.

Wed, Aug. 31 | 3:30 p.m.

 

Learn how to plan for an autumn veggie garden and what to sow in your raised bed, container, or in-ground garden. Choose from two class dates.

 Adventure Classroom

$5 per participant

Staff Shortages Delay Trash and Brush Pickup in Birmingham

Mayor Randall Woodfin speaks to the City Council. (Source: Facebook livestream)

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin told the City Council on Tuesday that staffing shortages were the root cause of recent delays in bulk trash and brush pickups throughout the city.

Woodfin was responding to a question from District 3 Councilor Valerie Abbott, who said she’d received “tons of calls” from residents upset that their trash had not been picked up on schedule. “We actually have some citizens who wait until the night before, like the law says, to put all their (trash) out, and then nobody comes and picks it up,” she said.

Woodfin said that he had discussed the issue with public works employees, “and what they shared was that it’s not just an equipment problem … We’re short truck drivers.”

The city has worked to improve retention and recruitment in that department, Woodfin said, and has increased the pay rate for bulk trash truck drivers. Even so, the city has had to decrease its bulk trash pickup schedule from twice a month to every three weeks.

Now, Woodfin said, the city is focused on communication, with plans to use social media, the city’s website and 311 services “to communicate to the public and actually be vulnerable and honest enough to say, ‘We missed this date. We’ll make it up to you. We’ll be back.’”

“I expect that gap in hiring will close at some point,” he added. “I expect a lot of this to ease up.”

“We’re still in trouble, but thank you,” Abbott replied.