“Living a creative life is exhilarating” “I believe in living a creative life. There is creativity in each of us — we just need to be open to the opportunities to tap into it.” says Suzanne Damrich, a native Mobilian and artist who “lives in the moment.”

When two lifelong friends stumbled into a glass-blowing studio class simply because they needed one more humanities credit to complete their requirements at the University of South Alabama, they never imagined that it would lead them to launch a business they love.

“If you don’t believe you can do it, you’re right, If you do think you can do it, you’re right!” What a special place Sophiella Gallery on Dauphin Street in Downtown Mobile is. I had a wonderful time visiting with Kim Kelly, learning about her and her family and how the gallery came into being. When you walk in the door, you are immediately transported. The art and the space create an air of sophistication and the creative energy is palpable.

Zach Sierke is somewhat famous around these parts for his creative pottery, special hand-made kiln, and his deep knowledge of the native clays and their properties. The Eastern Shore is a mecca for artisans sculpting works of art, because of its clay.

There are a lot of great things happening right under our noses that we are just learning about at Scenic 98 Coastal. We need to get out more…

The Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope has served as the cornerstone of the art community for as many years as I can remember. Since 2017, Bryant Whelan has been its Executive Director. Bryant has announced her retirement at the end of May, and a search for her replacement has recently been completed. Hers are indeed big shoes to fill!

Not so fast! There has been a recent Elvis sighting in the Scenic 98 Coastal area, and we know where you can find him. Meet Jason Braly, originally from Athens, Alabama. He has an interesting story and career that eventually led him to Fairhope, where he is an artist, an actor, a voice-over specialist, and on occasion, an Elvis Impersonator.

No doubt, this job has its benefits. Through a mutual friend, I was introduced to Maria V. Goldberg over lunch at the Fish House Restaurant located on Pensacola’s waterfront. Maria is the Director of Marketing, Public Relations, and Events for Great Southern Restaurants which owns the Fish House.