By June Mathews Once upon a time, two 14-year-olds met at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, and as classmates will, they formed a friendship. She admired his artistry and intelligence. “I thought she was cute,” he said. The pair also had a lot in common. “The whole ASFA experience involves students being around peers that share the same goal of becoming the best they can … [Read more...]
Beyond the Limits: Life’s “New Normal” Isn’t Keeping the Artist From His Work
By June Mathews Life isn’t what it used to be for Paul Ware. Before having a brain hemorrhage in October 2014, Ware was a busy mergers and acquisitions attorney at Bradley, a nationwide law firm based in Birmingham. “It happened completely out of the blue one day as I was driving to work,” he said. “It was pretty close to fatal, and I spent several weeks in the hospital and … [Read more...]
All in the Family: Third-Generation Dancer Plays Nutcracker’s Sugar Plum Fairy
By June MathewsMost little girls only dream of wearing a pink tutu and dancing with a handsome prince. But for the upcoming production of Birmingham Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” that fanciful scenario is Katherine Free’s reality. A 17-year-old senior at Hoover High School, Katherine danced the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the queen of the Kingdom of Sweets, this … [Read more...]
Shining out of Darkness: Story Painter Offers Hope and Happiness Through Art
By June MathewsAs a youngster, Amy Grimes would look at picture books for hours, soaking in the artistry of the illustrations and dreaming of the day when she, too, might share stories through art.Now that she’s a grownup and her dreams have become reality, she uses those very same books as sources of inspiration.“I still have them,” she said, “and I keep them open … [Read more...]
Art and Architecture: Historic Home Will Be Backdrop for Art Show and Sale
By June MathewsWhether stained glass artist Andrea Lucas holds greater passion for art or her turreted home in Homewood’s historic Hollywood neighborhood is sometimes hard to say. Either way, she’s combining the two in a one-of-a-kind art show and sale called The Hampton Show. The event will be held in and around her home, at 509 Hampton Drive, Nov. 5 from noon to 5 … [Read more...]