MISSION
The Eastern Shore Art Center connects people of all ages and abilities with the arts through education, exhibitions and outreach activities.
GENERAL INFO
Building history for over 60 years...
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
GALLERY & GIFT SHOP HOURS
ESAC UPDATE 3/16/20:
The Eastern Shore Art Center will be temporarily closing the facility to the public beginning Tuesday, March 17 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Until further notice, our plan is to reopen the galleries on April 14. The health and well-being of our staff, their families, our visitors, students, exhibitors and many volunteers who assist on a daily basis is our top priority.
- Classes: The Spring term will be shortened to four weeks. Classes will begin April 21st.
- Workshops: Scheduled workshops are being assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please watch for email updates.
- First Friday Art Walk: April 3rd Cancelled
- Weddings and Special Event Rentals: These are being assessed on a case by case basis.
The Baldwin County Commission has declared a state of emergency. We will continuing to monitoring the COVID-19 virus pandemic updates and will follow directives of the World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control, or other national, state, or local governmental agencies. ESAC staff availability will be limited during this time so please follow us on social media for continued updates.
Gallery hours starting back on April 14th: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm
Closed for the following holidays:
New Year’s Day
Mardi Gras Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
ESAC will close at noon on:
New Year’s Eve
Good Friday
LOCATION
401 Oak Street
Fairhope, Alabama 36532
DIRECTIONS
- From I-10 take exit 35 for US-98 toward Daphne-Fairhope.
- Follow US-98 approximately 7.5 miles then take a slight right onto US-98 (Scenic Route) in front of the “Welcome to Fairhope” sign.
- Continue to follow US-98 Alt E that becomes Section Street.
- Go through 2 traffic lights & pass the Elementary School on your left.
- Turn left at Oak Street.
- Eastern Shore Art Center is on the corner of Oak and Section Streets.
APPRAISALS
The Eastern Shore Art Center does not appraise art, antiques or artifacts. Please contact the following institutions to get in contact with an appraiser or conservator:
International Society of Appraisers
312.981.6778
www.isa-appraisers.org
American Society of Appraisers
Virginia 703.478.2228
or 1.800.272.8258
www.appraisers.org
Appraisers Association of America
212.889.5404
www.appraisersassociation.org
The following organization can refer people to conservators of art and historical artifacts:
American Institute for Conservations (A.I.C.)
Washington, D.C. 202.452.9545
www.aic.stanford.edu