FAIRHOPE -- As a precaution against the spread of COVID-19, the Eastern Shore Art Center has canceled the First Friday Art Walk scheduled for Friday Aug. 6.

“We are sad to make this announcement, but feel it is in the best interest of the community not to host a community-wide, free event which has attracted between 400-800 attendees pre-pandemic,” ESAC Executive Director Bryant Whelan said. “It is our hope that we’ll be back on schedule for September Art Walk.”

The Artists4Paws exhibit and auction benefiting The Haven will be extended to Sept. 3. To view items, visit www.artists4paws.com or stop by ESAC.

Art Center galleries are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are asked to wear masks to enjoy the exhibits and support local artists.

•NEW EXHIBIT: Artists4Paws. In partnership with WKRG and Prestwood Law Firm, ESAC is sponsoring The Haven’s upcoming fundraiser! Artwork will be on exhibit now through Sept. 3, as well as up for auction online. All proceeds to benefit The Haven’s mission of ending pet homelessness.

•RETURNING EXHIBIT: Mary Hardy “Wonderings and Wanderings”. Mississippi artist Hardy starts with a blank canvas wondering, “What would happen if…?” She begins fitting elements together, layering, painting, drawing, sewing and more. “I work intuitively until a new relationship starts to evolve. I do not always know where the work will take me and have learned to trust and enjoy the process.” Work on display through Aug. 28.

•RETURNING EXHIBIT: Jim Laugelli “Paint – Cut – Paste”. Local artist Laugelli is a completely self-taught artist, collage and acrylic his preferred medium. He creates hand painted papers and along with various art and found papers, such as images from magazines, he cuts, glues, and layers the pieces on to a substrate that has also been worked with various mediums. Work on display through Aug. 28.

•RETURNING EXHIBIT: Nall Collection: Alabama Art featuring Mose T and Jimmie Lee Sudduth. These iconic outsider artists can be found in museums throughout the world and continue to be celebrated for their creative accomplishments. This display is made possible by a generous gift artist Nall made to the Eastern Shore Art Center in 2020 and all exhibiting work is for sale to benefit ESAC and Alabama Artists. Work will be on display through Aug. 28.

WHERE: Eastern Shore Art Center // 401 Oak St. Fairhope, AL 36532