One night every month, downtown Northport’s Kentuck Gallery features the works of different emerging artists as part of its Art Night series. This month’s segment will display the work of photographer Michael Schmidt and a group from the West Alabama Fiber Guild tonight from 5 to 9 p.m.
Schmidt is a self-taught photographer who began practicing his art three years ago while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., Schmidt now attends The School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. His work is gaining much respect across the country and has been published in National Geographic and with Getty Images.
“This exhibit is so interesting because Michael is a self-taught photographer, and since he has only been doing it for three years he is relatively new, but his photos are outrageously beautiful,” said Valerie Piette, the program manager at Kentuck Gallery. “It’s inspiring to see someone who has a hobby and artistic insight, and to know that you don’t have to have formal training to pursue [those things].”
The exhibit will contain portraits of bold and interesting characters, which Schmidt said he hopes will make a profound impact on viewers.
“My goal is to display a diverse multitude of cultures and educate the world about their personal lifestyles and why they choose to lead the life they live,” Schmidt said. “I hope to change the views of those who place labels and predetermined stereotypes on the eccentric lifestyles of others.”
Tonight will also feature a group show by the West Alabama Fiber Guild in the Kentuck Annex. Founded in 1995, the Fiber Guild promotes educational programs and interest in fiber arts, which include weaving, knitting, crocheting, lace-making and other handcrafts.
“The Fiber Guild show will have a lot of cool things like scarves, hats and some really awesome jewelry,” Piette said. “I think it’s really worthwhile for students, especially girls, because you can enjoy the handmade items and buy something like an original piece of jewelry.”
The exhibit will have live music from Ryan Beams and his five-piece reggae band, Deep South Dread, and fresh cob-oven pizza will be served as well. The entire event is free and all are encouraged to come and enjoy it.
“It’s a great opportunity to come out and with your girlfriends or for a cheap date night and just enjoy the weather and music and some amazing art,” Piette said.
Art Night takes place the first Thursday of every month at the Kentuck Arts Center in downtown Northport. The gallery also hosts monthly Open Studios for visitors to meet the gallery’s own studio artists, view their works in progress and see their actual workspace. Anyone interested in being featured in the Gallery can fill out the exhibit proposal form online at kentuck.org.
“Kentuck puts on some really great shows that more people should take advantage of seeing,” said T.J. Ferguson, a junior majoring in criminal justice. “And this exhibit has a young feel and is perfect for students – it’s free to attend, has free food and live music.”
