Upstairs Downtown

I've been gushing over the fabulous architectural details of the old Florentine Building ( 1926) on 21st Street for 7 years. The upstairs has finally been renovated as a new event venue, for which our city is so gratelful.  There was a grand opening event last night. How wonderful to see the lights on upstairs after so many decades!  I took this shot as I was leaving. Another landmark saved.

Roll 'em

One thing I've learned as I have photographed many artists' studios over these last 6 1/2 years, expect the unexpected. Artist Kevin Irwin's workspace was one delight after another. Today......proof.

Black and White

A group of local nuns out enjoying a stroll in the Botanical Gardens in better weather.

Photo Homework

I am leading a book study of Chris Orwig's terrific book, Visual Poetry, at Independent Presbyterian Church right now. I'm also a participant. At the end of most of his chapters, Chris lists some fun yet challenging assignments. I'm all in with the other class members, so this week I chose "photographing a number of people with the same object." I grabbed my Tour Eiffel rouge and yesterday I visited Advent Episcopal School. French teacher Anne Barton kindly offered her 7th grade class. Granddaughter Eva is in that class, so I knew her classmates would be fun and willing subjects. I thought I'd share a few, although every single student was creative and fun to photograph, as well as their teacher!

 

Since 1871

Oak Hill Cemetery was Birmingham's first city cemetery.  Most of the city's pioneers are buried here. The record of burials is still intact since that time and is a fascinating read. If you are lucky enough to run into the cemetery's director, Stuart Oates, you might get to thumb through it.

Urban Shadows

I was killing time near the 24th Street viaduct last week waiting for a friend, and decided to take a walk up. There you go, some nice shadows just waiting on me.

Earth Angels

Birmingham artist Barbara Morgan festooned her Christmas tree with these handmade angels she created from treasures she finds on her walks throughout the year.  Recently we had lunch at her home and she let us choose one to take home!

Fog Encore

I know it's a repeat of sorts,  but we have had soooo much dreary weather of late, and today on my way home from work, the fog in Forest Park made me stop, get out and shoot with my phone!

Looks Are Deceiving

They do look a bit creepy but actually these stairs lead up to Kevin Irwin's art studio we visited yesterday. This building was constructed in 1890 and they have kept it in it's original state for the most part.

Color Explosion!

Oh yesterday was a very good photo day. I met my talented photographer friend Kimberly Wilson at Kevin Irwin's art studio. Kevin is a MULTI talented artist. Where to begin: ceramic artist, painter, glass blower, and jewelry maker, and it's all there in one fabulous old building. This was Kimberly's first visit but she is the proud owner of some of Kevin's pieces so she was thrilled to meet her. Kevin's a neighbor and I dearly love her and her work.

Today I feature the glass rods she uses in her bead and jewelry making. I'm including another photo of some finished pieces along with one of her whimsical cats that I dearly love. Not to worry, we'll be back!

Still Beautiful After All These Years

 Built in 1925 by Richard Massey, this 10 story building on the corner of 3rd Avenue North and 21st Street is still one of my favorite downtown buildings. Renovated in 1988, it houses attorney offices.

College Bound

These college and university pennants hang along the Senior hall at Vestavia High School. A colorful reminder that for most of these students, college is their next big step.

In the Artist's Studio

I am so very blessed to have such talented friends all around me.  Last week I had lunch with very special friends at the home of our friend Barbara Morgan.  We started in  her fabulous basement studio. I could live there. I had fun as always taking pictures, then we adjourned to the dining room for lunch and laughter and fellowship.  Barbara is a painter, a photographer and does so many more creative things I'm in awe. Today her brushes. I have more.

Sunday Church Series - Centreville, AL

This is the First Presbyterian Church in Centreville, Alabama. I love small town churches. Simple but beautiful.