In 1839, the world experienced the advent of photography, making it possible to immortalize one’s image while sparing the high expense of painted portraiture. Before that, cut-paper profiles, or silhouettes, offered a nearly instantaneous likeness of everyday Americans and could be crafted from inexpensive materials. An exhibition celebrating the history of the silhouette … [Read more...]

By Emily Williams The iconic and ever-evolving Barbie turns 60 this year – though she doesn’t seem to age. To celebrate Barbie’s many contributions to pop culture and childhood memories, the Birmingham Museum of Art has welcomed the exhibit “Barbie: Dreaming of a Female Future.” The space is a life-sized “Dream House” as interpreted through the collaboration of a number of … [Read more...]

Former Gov. Albert P. Brewer and banking trail blazer Harry B. Brock Jr. will be inducted into the Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame on Sept. 17. The annual induction luncheon is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at The Club in Homewood. The program recognizes men native to or most closely identified with Alabama who have made significant contributions on a state, national or international … [Read more...]

Alabama Ballet’s first major performance of the 2019/2020 season will be “Blue Suede Shoes,” being presented Oct. 4-6 at the BJCC Concert Hall.Dennis Nahat’s full-length ballet, danced to 36 master recordings of Elvis Presley songs, combines classical dance with classic rock, extending traditional ballet to rock and disco. The rock-and-roll ballet, with a good helping of … [Read more...]

By Emily Williams Before having her twins, Alicia Bailey’s only familial experience with multiples was her grandmother, who was a fraternal twin. The situation was nothing like her potentially identical 9-year-old daughters, Jenna and Aubrey.  “Hair color, eye color, blood type, body type, basic weight,” she said. “So, we are guessing they are identical, but we haven’t … [Read more...]