Alabama Art Kitchen
The Alabama Art Kitchen is an artist collective, or group of artists, in Tuscaloosa that consists of a few private studios, a gallery space, acommunal studio area including platen press for letterpress printing, screen printing setup, bindery tools, paper-making, silver-smithing, black and white darkroom, photography studio, painting, drawing, sewing and more.
Founded by UA graduate students Claire Siepser and Allison Milham, the Alabama Art Kitchen’s mission statement declares that they “ are committed to passing on our creativity, volunteerism and experience in art and strive to increase interest and involvement with the local Tuscaloosa arts culture. We believe that making and sharing art is a great way to connect people and to support and inspire community.”
The Kitchen hosts gallery shows, music show and readings, as well as offering classes for the community. Siepser said it provides a space where artists can get together and collaborate or get feedback on their work.
The gallery open from Thursday-Saturday 4-9 p.m. or by appointment, and the space is open to members Wednesday-Thursday from 1-9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Tawny Fowler
Tawny Fowler is a UA student in New College with a depth study of interdisciplinary approaches to photography.
Fowler, who grew up in Pelham, has been hearing-impaired since the age of two.
“Being hard of hearing may have been a factor in my attraction to visual arts,” Fowler said.
She didn’t consider pursuing photography until college, when she joined New College to pursue digital media. The work she plans to display at DCAF are ink in water photographs.
“Many people have been fascinated with the effects of ink spreading in water before,” Fowler said. “I am trying to work with different color combinations and see what can come out from it.”
She will also be showing photographs from an independent study which involved traveling around Alabama and other southeastern states.
Members of Emerging Young Artists
EYA is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2009. Though based in Montgomery, members of the group are from different parts of the country.
Founders Chintia Kirana and Iman Seraaj aim to bring artists together to showcase and promote their work.
EYA member artists participating in DCAF include Kirana, Michael Reilly, Andy Holliday, Allison Hutto and Crystal Wagner.
The artwork ranges from drawings and paintings to mixed media.
Casey Williamson
Casey Williamson, who teaches art in Birmingham, has an educational background in manual photography and developing, mixed media painting, art history and art education.
“My entire life has been spent pursuing art of some facet, whether it’s playing an instrument, taking dance, acting or creating art,” she said.
Williamson uses a variety of textures, colors, materials and mediums to create her artwork. Much of it is composed of recycled materials and consists of wearable art and home décor.
“I find myself being most inspired by what most people normally throw away or don’t see as art,” she said.
