Denise Onwere Archives - There Goes Connie

Oh yes. I’m well aware that fall MOSTLY means it’s finally football season, especially in the State of Alabama. I’m with you, and I support my Auburn Tigers through the good times, the bad times, and even during the downright ugly times. But, I digress.

Today I want to make you aware (or remind you, if you’ve forgotten) that there is a fascinating place in Huntsville to observe and buy the works of skilled artists and craftspeople, to hear live music, to buy local produce and to eat good food.

Every Friday night from September 1 through October 27 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment is hosting Concerts on the Dock, and the only cost is a $5.00 suggested parking donation. And, on Saturdays through October 21st, local farmers are selling their produce from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The ongoing attraction for me is the opportunity to see artists of all kinds busily creating in their actual studios. You’ll find painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, glass-making, textiles, jewelry, photography and many others.

Artist Denise Onwere at work in her studio.

And, if you get hungry while you’re visiting, look for Happy Tummy Restaurant for casual, sandwich-type fare, Chef Will the Palate for vegetarian dishes, Piper and Leaf for a jar of sweet tea and Pizzelle’s Confections for CHOCOLATE!!!

Lowe Mill is open for the public on Wednesday and Thursday from 12:00-6:00, on Friday from 12:00-8:00 and on Saturday from 10:00-6:00.

Here is the official description of Lowe Mill that is on their website:

Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment is the largest privately owned arts facility in the United States. With a focus on visual arts, this huge historic factory building has been redeveloped into 148 working studios for over 200 artists and makers, 6 fine art galleries, a multi-use theatre, and performance venues.

Within this thriving creative community are artists and makers from across the world. The Mill serves as a space where they can create, learn, and collaborate. With studio spaces lining the hallways, visitors have the opportunity to openly explore the Mill and artist spaces where they can shop and learn about the artists and their works.

Lowe Mill is located at 2211 Seminole Drive in Huntsville, just a few blocks off of Governor’s Drive. The large building began as a textile mill in the 1900’s, then became a shoe factory in the 1960’s. I encourage you to check it out.

Do you enjoy watching artists and artisans creating, painting, sewing and crafting? Do you like a wide variety of artistic styles? Do you enjoy seeing both whimsical AND serious works of art? Do you ever wish you could meet the artists and have conversations with them? Do you sometimes want to do those things at times other than at spring, fall and Christmas craft shows? Well then, I have just the place for you!

Located in a gigantic (think 171,000 square feet) former cotton mill at 2211 Seminole Drive in Huntsville, you can find floors and scores of art studios, and in many of them, the actual artists will be working as you stroll past. Photography, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, painting, stained glass, printmaking, woodworking — you name it, and I bet you’ll find it at Lowe Mill. Musicians even get in on the action with indoor and outdoor concerts from time to time. Just check the calendar on the website to find out what is happening on the days you plan to visit. Lessons and classes are provided for those who want to learn the creative processes for themselves.

I first heard about Lowe Mill when I admired the stained glass work of Julie Gill at an Art on the Square event in my hometown of Athens, AL. I ended up commissioning Julie to create pieces for some very high windows in our family room. She and her husband came out with their equipment and an EXTREMELY tall ladder to install them when they were completed. We were amazed at her talent and very pleased with the results.

A few weeks ago, Steve and I decided to explore Lowe Mill to see what else might be interesting. I particularly enjoyed meeting Denise Onwere and admiring her paintings that are focused on encouraging and empowering women. Here are some photos from that trip.

Denise Onwere

Be sure to take note of the hours when Lowe Mill is open to the public. Wednesday and Thursday from noon until 6:00 p.m., Friday from noon until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It was fairly quiet on Wednesday when we visited, but I bet it’s hoppin’ on Fridays and Saturdays. I guarantee you will see something you’ve never seen before. Admission is free. And, by the way, there is a small snack bar called “Happy Tummy” in case you want to grab a bite while you’ll browsing.

Fall at Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment in Huntsville, AL

Hang Out with Creative People at Huntsville’s Lowe Mill

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