Three Hidden Birmingham Treasures
There’s a terrific art gallery plus event venue hidden away in Fairfield, the Stephen Smith Fine Art Gallery. Smith, an artist in his own right, features interesting contemporary art just a 10 minute drive from the Birmingham Museum of Art. His storied career includes being an illustrator, writer, cartoonist and the publisher of the Birmingham Free Press. The 5,000’ space can also be affordably rented for events of all types.
Buried inside the space is Gypsy Treasure, a curiosity shop filled with collectibles, found objects, old books and much more owned by Valerie Lee. There are plans to rent art studio spaces as well.
But most exciting is the current exhibit by artist Kay Vinson. Kay has shown her work across the U.S., Canada and Europe in some of the best known cities for art lovers - New York, Chicago, L.A., Charleston, Santa Fe, Toronto, Montreal and many more picking up many awards all along the way.
At the beginning of her career Kay was an international flight attendant and was deeply affected by the art and culture of Japan.
From Kay: “It has been noted that my work has a distinctly Asian feel. This is not a conscious decision but may be the result of my years of travel to Japan and my interest in Eastern philosophy. I am attracted to simplicity of form, asymmetry, and worn, weathered looking surfaces. Those Zen-like elements show up time and time again in my painting. Over the years my work has evolved into a more abstract style, reducing images to simple shapes that to me are elegant in their simplicity. There’s a strong emphasis on texture creating sensual surfaces rich with depth and nuance.”
After many detours Kay has finally been able to fulfill her life-long dream of becoming an award winning professional artist.
Who: Artist Kay Vinson at Stephen Smith Fine Art
What: Art Exhibit + Cool Venue + Curiosity Shop
Where: 5104 Gary Ave. Fairfield, AL 35064
When: Call to come by 205.305.1451 Tu-Th 11a-4p Sat 12-5
More information: Stephen Smith stephen@birminghamfreepress.com 205.305.1451
Kay Vinson wildwoodarts@yahoo.com 205.910.8364
Websites: stephensmith.gallery kayvinsonart.com
written by Linda Verin
Three Hidden Birmingham Treasures
There’s a terrific art gallery plus event venue hidden away in Fairfield, the Stephen Smith Fine Art Gallery. Smith, an artist in his own right, features interesting contemporary art just a 10 minute drive from the Birmingham Museum of Art. His storied career includes being an illustrator, writer, cartoonist and the publisher of the Birmingham Free Press. The 5,000’ space can also be affordably rented for events of all types.
Buried inside the space is Gypsy Treasure, a curiosity shop filled with collectibles, found objects, old books and much more owned by Valerie Lee. There are plans to rent art studio spaces as well.
But most exciting is the current exhibit by artist Kay Vinson. Kay has shown her work across the U.S., Canada and Europe in some of the best known cities for art lovers - New York, Chicago, L.A., Charleston, Santa Fe, Toronto, Montreal and many more picking up many awards all along the way.
At the beginning of her career Kay was an international flight attendant and was deeply affected by the art and culture of Japan.
From Kay: “It has been noted that my work has a distinctly Asian feel. This is not a conscious decision but may be the result of my years of travel to Japan and my interest in Eastern philosophy. I am attracted to simplicity of form, asymmetry, and worn, weathered looking surfaces. Those Zen-like elements show up time and time again in my painting. Over the years my work has evolved into a more abstract style, reducing images to simple shapes that to me are elegant in their simplicity. There’s a strong emphasis on texture creating sensual surfaces rich with depth and nuance.”
After many detours Kay has finally been able to fulfill her life-long dream of becoming an award winning professional artist.
Who: Artist Kay Vinson at Stephen Smith Fine Art
What: Art Exhibit + Cool Venue + Curiosity Shop
Where: 5104 Gary Ave. Fairfield, AL 35064
When: Call to come by 205.305.1451 Tu-Th 11a-4p Sat 12-5
More information: Stephen Smith stephen@birminghamfreepress.com 205.305.1451
Kay Vinson wildwoodarts@yahoo.com 205.910.8364
Websites: stephensmith.gallery kayvinsonart.com
written by Linda Verin