Overview
For our inaugural program, we invite you to join us on three excursions to discover the unique and historic arts and artists of the Black Belt region of Alabama. Each journey will offer a fresh perspective from tour guide Kay Sasser Jacoby as we experience art, culture, history, architecture, and much in-between.
What to Expect
The walking level for all trips is easy (although there may be uneven surfaces and stairs at many locations), with a moderate amount of standing. The Camden trip includes a river crossing on the Gee’s Bend Ferry.
A seated lunch is included and dining locations have been thoughtfully selected to showcase the local flavor and architecture.
In all cases, where possible, a guided tour and/or personal time with the featured artist(s)/homeowner(s) has been scheduled.
Trip Dates
Selma, AL
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Camden, AL
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Greensboro, AL
Saturday, April 9, 2022
The luxury coach will depart the Museum at 8 AM and arrive back at the Museum around 5 PM.
Cost
The cost for each excursion is $150 and includes transportation, tours, guides, and tips; morning coffee and a breakfast treat; a catered sit-down lunch; and refreshments on the ride back to Montgomery.
Capacity is capped at 23 participants creating an intimate experience.
Selma, AL
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
You may think you know Selma… We’d like to introduce you to some of the people (and their places) who are personally invested in growing the arts scene and revitalizing the largest historic district in Alabama so that it now flourishes as a place for artists to share their gifts and stories.
Itinerary
8 AM | Travel to Selma
9 AM | 5&Dime (c. 1908)
Brief rest stop at the 5&Dime, now converted into an event space and lofts, where we’ll enjoy coffee and beignets!
9:30 AM | The Bridge Tender’s House (c. 1883)
Located on the edge of the bluff above the Alabama River, this property is owned by local artist Anne Strand and houses her studio, gallery, and B&B.
10:30 AM | Tin Man Studio
Visit with Charlie Lucas himself, who has 13 works of found objects, iron, and steel in the MMFA Permanent Collection.
11:15 AM | ArtsRevive/Gallery 905
A fine example of architectural revitalization on the banks of the Alabama River housing unique works by local and regional artists
Noon | Lunch by Bayou Rouge Café at the 5&Dime
Indulge in a wonderful offering of Gumbo Ya-Ya, po-boys, salad, bread pudding, and more.
Time permitting…
We will visit the Lamar-Henry House (c. 1893). Debe Henry will share her beautiful three-story brick Queen Anne home with us.
1:30 PM | Byrdland (c. 1870)
Meet and tour the home of Helene and Trés Taylor, artists who have turned their home into a wonderful collection of international art.
2:30 PM | Sturdivant Hall
Tour this Greek Revival mansion (c.1856) and museum which houses period antiques, along with artworks by Clara Weaver Parrish and Nicola Marschall, both of whom have art in the MMFA’s Permanent Collection.
4 PM | Return to the MMFA
Camden, AL
Thursday, March 3, 2022
This trip will highlight the people, their passions, and their places that are making Camden a must-stop when in the region. We’ll meet the quiltmakers of Gee’s Bend, cross the Alabama River in the same spot that 20,000 others do so annually, and indulge in Mrs. Betty Gaines Kennedy’s Black Bottom Pie. Next stop—Ms. Betty Anderson will join us to share her family’s story—talented quiltmakers and successful entrepreneurs themselves and then we’ll meet the maker/shaker duo sharing their epicurean lifestyle with their Camden neighbors.
Itinerary
8 AM | Travel to Selma
9 AM | 5&Dime (c. 1908)
Brief rest stop at the 5&Dime, now converted into an event space and lofts, where we’ll enjoy coffee and Helene’s cookies!
9:30 AM | Travel to Gee’s Bend
10:30 AM | Gee’s Bend Quilt Collective (Boykin, AL)
We will meet the quilters and have the opportunity to learn about their skilled art that has brought them international acclaim.
Noon | Ferry to Camden
12:30 PM | Lunch at GainesRidge Dinner Club (c. 1827)
Sit, sip and sup at this off-the-beaten-path legend.
2 PM | Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center
A non-profit arts center with an eclectic collection of arts and crafts made by artisans from all 19 counties of the Black Belt region.
Continued | Camden Shoe Shop and Quilt Museum
A broad-ranging display of quilts, furniture, artwork, period clothing, and documents along with shoe repair equipment dating back to the late 1800s.
3:15 PM | The Pecan on Broad
End of the day stop to see what the buzz is all about at this new downtown gourmet market and restaurant.
4 PM | Return to MMFA
Resources
Greensboro, AL
Saturday, April 9, 2022
The arts scene is ‘Hale’ and hearty in Greensboro thanks to visionaries representing both the Auburn University School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture and the University of Alabama Department of Clothing, Textiles, and Interior Design. Montgomery can claim two native sons making an impact on this town, which is blessed with many fine homes and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
Itinerary
8 AM | Travel to Selma
9 AM | 5&Dime (c. 1908)
Brief rest stop at the 5&Dime, now converted into an event space and lofts, where we’ll enjoy coffee and Helene’s cookies!
9:30 AM | Travel to Newbern
10:15 AM | Rural Studio
We will tour Auburn University’s award-winning off-campus design-build program. We will also visit the Green Warehouse in Newbern, famously captured in print by Alabama native William Christenberry.
11:45 AM | Travel to Greensboro
Noon | Lunch, wine, and home tour at The Oaks (c. 1845)
Greek Revival mansion owned by Montgomery native Ian Crawford, a University of Alabama Historic Preservationist and art enthusiast.
1:30 PM | Aaron Sanders Head Studio
Also a Montgomery native, Aaron is a textile artist who incorporates natural dyes and quilting into his work. We will meet the artist, learn more about his craft, visit his gallery and depart with a souvenir gift!
2:15 PM | Greensboro Opera House (c. 1903)
Enjoy a tour highlighting the revitalization of this historic landmark.
3 PM | Return to MMFA
