FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The Eastern Shore Art Center opens three new exhibits during First Friday Art Walk April 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. They include: “Fresh Faces of Fairhope,” an exhibit by second/third generation Fairhope artists; “Dynamic Driftwood,” a three-dimensional found art exhibit by artist Rex (T-Rex) Turner; and “Moore, Moore & Moore,” paintings by three Moore family of Fairhope.

“Fresh Faces of Fairhope” illustrates what happens when kids grow up with access to the rich opportunities offered at the Eastern Shore Art Center. They become innovative, artistic young adults looking for opportunities to express their creativity. “Fresh Faces of Fairhope” is a group show introducing and showcasing emerging young artists, many of whom started their artistic endeavors by attending classes at the Art Center. From painting to ceramic work to photography, there is something fresh in the work of all of these artists.

“I haven’t done anything like this since the Fairhope High School senior art show in 2006 since I didn’t study art in college,” said exhibiting artist Catherine Fisher. ”I grew up with many of these artists and am so excited to see how everyone has grown and progressed in their art over the last four years, and to show what our generation has to offer as artists.”

Artists include Catherine Fisher, Brock Larsen, Courtney Goodwin, Elisabeth Goree, Josh Guidroz, Taylor Kingrea, Charlie McLean, Jake Ollinger, Ashley Raia, Corinna Ray, Alex Roussos, Jessica Ellison Smith, Elizabeth Styron and Becca Willard.

“Dynamic Driftwood” exhibits driftwood vignettes by Rex (T-Rex) Turner. Materials used to create these unusual pieces were found along Mobile Bay and some from along the banks of tributary rivers as far south as Little Dauphin Island and as far north as Hurricane Landing.

“Some of the most important tools in creating these artistic pieces are chainsaws, waders and a reliable boat,” said Turner. “Most of my materials are decayed fencing, discarded antique lighting fixtures, broken shutters and old home flooring and door facings.”

The 50 pieces of artwork are staged thematically in spiritual, coastal home décor, equine and wetlands groupings.

“There are few things more exciting than seeing something evolve from a mass of tangled driftwood and found objects, stated Turner. “I am always surprised and excited when an item is finally completed. In many cases, I feel a personal attachment to the items, which makes it difficult for me to part with them,” Turner added.

The “Moore, Moore & Moore” exhibit includes paintings by two brothers, Ack W. Moore Sr. and Byrd L. Moore III and Byrd’s daughter, Jennifer Moore Faust, all of Fairhope.

Family artistic abilities originated with Clyde Jackson Moore (Byrd and Ack’s grandmother and Jennifer’s great grandmother). For 35 years, she was the librarian at Auburn University’s Library of Architecture, as well as a local professional artist.

Ack stated, “After my grandmother’s death, the family cleaned out her possessions and among her things was her collection of paints and brushes. Admiring them, I decided to save them and was inspired to try my own hand at painting. I have been painting ever since. That was over 62 years ago.”

Ack Moore enjoys painting in all mediums. However, most of the artwork in the exhibit is in oil. His current favorite subjects are citrus fruit and boats.

“I just love boats,” said Moore. “Many of my paintings are row boats, sailboats and skiffs.”

Byrd Moore took his first drafting lesson when he was 16 years old and has been drawing ever since. He began painting 45 years ago when Ack asked him to paint with a group of portraiture artists at the Eastern Shore Art Center. He then studied under Cleve Woodward, Jim Hearn and Henri Woo in all mediums.

“For the last decade I have been painting in the sumi-e style,” stated Byrd.

Sumi–é is an East Asian type of ink and watercolor wash painting. The philosophy of sumi-e is contrast and harmony, expressing simple beauty and elegance. The artist aims to depict the spirit, rather than the semblance of the object. Bryd’s spirit is reflected in his subtle impressionistic paintings of birds and bamboo.

Jennifer Moore Faust grew up surrounded by her artistic family and received an early art start at the Organic School. After graduating with a degree in art from the University of South Alabama, Faust traveled with her artwork to many outdoor art shows and galleries around the Southeast.

“My chosen medium is mostly watercolor, but I might add an occasional oil now and then,” said Faust, “My subject matter tends to center around colorful things, shadows and light.”

“Dynamic Driftwood” and “Moore, Moore & Moore” are on exhibit through April 30. “Fresh Faces of Fairhope” will close May 28.

The Eastern Shore Art Center is located at 401 Oak St. in Fairhope. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information visit the website at www.esartcenter.com.