In 1933, John Kelly Fitzpatrick co-founded the Dixie Art Colony with Sallie B. Carmichael and her daughter Warree Carmichael LeBron. John Kelly Fitzpatrick of Elmore dedicated his life to the arts. He was a renowned regional painter and is considered one of the South’s most celebrated artists and art promoters of the 1930s-40’s.
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Now, in 2025, the Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts pays tribute to John Kelly Fitzpatrick as a teacher and community leader for arts in Alabama. Located in downtown Wetumpka, with views overlooking the Coosa River, The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts has brought an undeniable vibrance to the city. The Kelly carries on the artistic legacy of the celebrated artist by supporting the recognition, documentation, and publication of incredible art.
As The Kelly has grown, so has its impact on the local community. With time, the gallery has been able to expand both its physical space and its reach across not only the River Region but also the Southeast. Their annual Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival brings artists and guests from across the South to a display of art and culture unmatched in the area.
On the heels of being awarded Best Art Gallery in Alabama by Alabama Magazine’s Best of Bama 2024, The Kelly has begun the year with several events and offerings that will build community and bring art into the lives of thousands this year.
One example of how The Kelly is serving the community is by providing space for The Azalea Training Center. The Azalea Training Center is an adult facility for special needs adults. They come to The Kelly two to three times each year to see the exhibitions and do an activity like “making cards, bookmarks, and ornaments. These visits are always a great experience, especially for those of us at The Kelly,” says Jennifer Eifert, Director.
Here is a look at more of the exciting things coming to The Kelly in 2025:
2nd Annual River Region Art Summit
January 25th | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Back by popular demand, The Kelly will organize and host a great opportunity for novice and experienced artists alike! Artists from all over are invited to learn about art opportunities available within our River Region. Local and regional art organizations will have booths set up and discuss the opportunities they provide to artists like you. Join us for guest speakers talking about art exhibitions and shows, fellowship opportunities, art programs and classes, and everything else an artist might want to know!
Now – March 6
You’ve got to experience it for yourself! View the exhibit during normal business hours.
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Monthly lunch & learn program featuring various Artist Talks. This month, hear from Alisa Beck, an artist who “aims to evoke an emotional resonance with Southern experiences.” Bring your lunch and The Kelly will provide drinks and desserts.
This is a fun, fundraising event where everyone gets to enjoy April Fools—with an art twist! Purchase tickets to support the arts and enjoy great music, catered food, drinks and wine, poisson d’avril (and get to know what that means!), and even an art pull! Support from the Art Fools goes directly to funding everyday operations at The Kelly like:
- Exhibition costs
- Supplies for children’s programs
- Supplies for events
- New artist outreach
- Employee salaries
- Keeping the lights on!
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“Art has the role in education of helping children become more like themselves instead of more like everyone else.” Sydney Gurewitz Clemens
Offering art programs for various ages, online and in-person programs are designed to inspire the budding artists within younglings! These lessons, classes, and programs are FREE to aspiring kids who participate. The Kelly provides an online “Color Theory” class as well as an in-person preschool art program, Art Start, and a monthly school-aged children’s program called “Kids Town.”
Art Start is for our youngest artists, typically ages 2-5 although we welcome even younger ones. This takes place on the third Wednesday of the month and “it is wonderful to see how excited the children are to come each month” remarks Jennifer, Director of The Kelly. “ We have between four and twelve participants and have been working on fine motor skills, color recognition and mixing, counting, shapes and letters.” They also have the opportunity to experience digital art.
Kid’s Town is a school-age program. It takes place on the 4th Thursday of each month, except during November and December when it is on the 3rd Thursday due to the Holidays. Director of The Kelly, Jennifer states “With this group, we are delving deeper and have done studies on Picasso, Seurat, Van Gogh, Pollock, and Mondrian. The children learn about the artist and then attempt to paint in a similar style.” Additionally, students are introduced to pottery making, color theory, and digital art.
Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival
October 25th
Celebrate Wildlife Art and the great outdoors. Every year, The Kelly holds the “Art Gone Wild” art exhibition, showcasing the truly beautiful wildlife art of the region. The Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival is an annual one-day festival celebrating wildlife art as well as the natural beauty of Alabama. In 2024, artist Jared Knox completed a live painting during the festival. Art appreciators and outdoor enthusiasts alike gather together for this festival packed full of educational presentations, art exhibits and classes, vendors, food, children’s activities, and expert demonstrations.
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As a part of their mission to “engage, inspire, and educate artists,” The Kelly offers the associates program to artists of all mediums and skill levels. They aim to provide education and engagement within the local art community. Have your art featured on their website along with a dedicated gallery wall and access to studio days and Art Talks!
For more information or to support the Best Gallery in Alabama, visit https://thekelly.org/.
