The Conde-Charlotte Museum Teams Up with Mobile Arts Council in a Small Way

MOBILE, AL — The Condé-Charlotte Museum in association with the Mobile Arts Council has constructed Mobile’s first Free Little Art Gallery in Fort Conde Village. A Little Grand Opening has been scheduled for Friday, August 12th at 5 p.m. A free reception in the Conde-Charlotte Museum Spanish Courtyard will follow the opening ribbon cutting.

The mini gallery stands by the brick sidewalk outside of the museum’s fence at 104 Theatre Street. Artists, both professional and hobbyists, are encouraged to bring and leave artwork, as well as take another artist’s work home to ensure the exhibits are in constant rotation. Everyone else is encouraged to stroll by, enjoy, and even take a miniature work of art.

“This Free Little Art Gallery is the perfect outlet for Mobilians to share their works and discover the talents of other artists in the city,” Jim Garrison, Program Coordinator of the Conde-Charlotte Museum, said. Local artist Clara Brunk has already contributed to the project by creating the tiny art patrons who will live in the little art gallery. Local Craftsman Rich Gudmundson constructed the Free Little Art Gallery.

The first Free Little Art Gallery in the U.S. originated in Seattle, WA, byStacy Milrany who wanted to make the art world more accessible to everyone. Since its opening in 2020, other Free Little Art Galleries have sprung up all across the nation.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Condé-Charlotte Museum is a Gateway to Mobile’s History. Jonathan and Elizabeth Kirkbride built it in 1850 on the foundation of the city’s first jail dating back to 1822. Cell doors and a portion of a jail floor can be seen in the house today. The museum’s mission is to preserve its historic structure and collection to interpret the history of the site and the influence of those who have flown their flags over the city: France, England, Spain, the Confederate States of America, and the United States. Located in the heart of Fort Condé Village, the Condé-Charlotte Museum is owned, preserved, and operated by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Alabama.