Alabama is home to many acclaimed artists and makers that have impacted culture with their craft. From musicians like Lionel Richie, to Gee’s Bend Quilters and renown historical figures such as painter Clara Parrish, the state has provided fertile soil for creativity from within. This artistic presence continues to flourish at The University of Alabama.
Students born and raised in the yellowhammer state have the unique opportunity to cultivate their talent on the home front with the University’s resources in hopes of following in the footsteps of their trailblazing predecessors.
Highlighted below are distinguished students from Alabama who have chosen to continue honing their talent, ingrained in crimson spirit.
(Abigail Brewer/Instagram)
Abi Brewer is a mixed media artist who combines her Chinese heritage with her “whimsical outlook on nature and culture.” Her usage of illustration integrated with pieces of Chinese satin and impeccable watercolor technique pay homage to cherry blossoms and the vibrant colors of the outdoors. Her creations not only invoke joy but speak to a deeper narrative of history through fashion and female empowerment.
Brewer stated in an interview with Mosaic, “I call myself a mixed media artist because I don’t stick to one niche. It’s been a criticism in the past, but I can’t work like that. I have my fashion illustrations that are a very distinct illustrative style but then my oil paintings are trying to touch on realism and are influenced by French Rococo and pre-Raphaelite style,” Brewer said.
(Camille/Instagram)
Her work can be seen at various in-state events like the Kentuck Festival of the Arts in Tuscaloosa and the Woodlawn Street Market in Birmingham. As an ambitious student, Brewer is a part of the University’s CREATE Path to the MBA.
“All of art, at least to me, is portraying a feeling or moment in time,” Brewer said.
Camille Sealey is a graphic design student from Tuscaloosa who has also received recognition through scholarships and leadership positions due to her emotion-full acrylic work. She has been voted as Vice President for The University of Alabama’s AIGA Student Group and is a national Adobe Ambassador.
(Sam Norris/Instagram)
Sam Norris, a notable Alabama native from Hoover, specializes in ceramics and sculpture. She received The Barbara Ann Taylor Guthans Endowed Scholarship that supports academic excellence in art and art history. When she’s not working in a metal shop, she can be seen throwing clay into colorful vases and sculptures that juxtapose detail and simplicity within the heart of a young artist.
The work being done at The University of Alabama to train the next generation of artists is unparalleled. Earlier this month, dance student Zoe Woebkenberg showcased her powerful piece at the Young Choreographers’ Festival in New York City. Providing an innovative, energetic and interdisciplinary learning environment focused on academic excellence, aspiring artists can become professionals in teaching, art therapy, gallery work, museum administration and curation, publishing, communications and more through the pathways provided at The University of Alabama.
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