GENERAL INFO

MISSION

The Eastern Shore Art Center connects people of all ages and abilities with the arts through education, exhibitions and outreach activities.

The Eastern Shore Art Association, dba the Eastern Shore Art Center, is funded solely through private memberships, donations and grants. The Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and relies on the goodwill of the community for its continuation. All memberships and contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Since its inception, the goal of the Eastern Shore Art Center has been community education. The Art Center is free to the public and offers free guided tours through the five galleries. Artists from all over the United States display at the Art Center in our annual Outdoor Art Show and ever changing exhibits.

Four studios provide various classes and workshops of all mediums for students of all ages. The Outreach Program reaches various populations in our community not being served through our Academy. For Program information, please visit Community Outreach.

HISTORY

The Eastern Shore Art Association was founded in 1954 by a group of local artists and art patrons who recognized the importance of art to a meaningful and full community life. Construction began that same year on a one room gallery on the site of the former Pinewood Pottery Studio that had operated in Fairhope for over twenty years making functional ceramics from local clay.

The Art Center (first dedicated in 1965) has continued to grow in that same location over the past 50 years to a facility that houses five exhibit galleries and four teaching studios. ESAC now includes among its activities monthly exhibits; quarterly classes for adults and children; an annual outdoor show; monthly Art Walks; outreach programs for assisted living residents and children and adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses; and extensive programs for both public art and arts education in local schools.

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ART

The Committee on Public Art, COPA, is a committee of the Eastern Shore Art Association established in 2001 for the purpose of placing the highest quality works of art throughout Fairhope; developing a Sculpture Trail. The presence of art in public places makes a strong statement to residents and visitors by providing open access to unique works of art. www.fairhopecopa.com