There is a unique place in Huntsville, Alabama that is totally worth a day of exploring. That place is Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment. Lowe Mill is the largest privately owned art facility in the Southern United States. The huge historic factory building it’s in has been redone to house 152 working studios and 200 artists.
Lowe Mill Historical Building
The building itself started as a textile mill in 1901. It is very large building with many entrances. Some of which are covered in art like the one I entered below.
While exploring I discovered a mural that tells the entire story of the building. From a textile mill, to a cotton warehouse and then a shoe factory. Until it was purchased by Jim Hudson to be used for art.
The large hallways with hardwood floors and massive windows looking out over Huntsville make the building itself a destination.
Lowe Mill Art Studios
With 152 working studios, you could be artfully entertained all day. I definitely didn’t get to see them all while I was there. But just roaming around for a few hours I came across some very interesting things. Most of the studios have large windows to enjoy a little window shopping. Like these studios below.
Is Lowe Mill Arts Dog Friendly?
Lowe Mill Arts is a dog friendly place. Yay for dogs! The artists are allowed to bring their dogs in and you will see some of them while you are shopping or learning. You can also bring your fur friend along. Just be aware that some of the food venues will not let them in. But in one case, there is a spot to “park” them while you run in to get a treat for yourself.
The Art at Lowe Mill Arts
One thing I really enjoyed about visiting Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment was the art that was located all over the building. They highlight different artists throughout and change it up from time to time. Here are just a few of the things I saw in the hallways as I walked around.
Art is subjective and you will find some you love and some you probably don’t. I found these giant paper flowers to be so beautiful. And this fake fur coat with the stuffed animals attached really spoke to me as a plant based person. But even the stuff I found unique in a strange way, like the photo above the flowers, was still so interesting to look at and take in.
Meet the Artists at Lowe Mill Arts
From sculpture, digital arts, glass, ceramics and everything in between, you can find so many creative minds at Lowe Mill. What’s even better is that you don’t just see the art work, you see the artists. You see them working on their actual art. You can even talk to them about their process, their art, and whatever other questions you might have.
While I was looking at these beautiful tiles below, the artist came out and started talking to me about her work.
And to my surprise, it was a little girl. 🙂 Her mother is also an artist and they posed for a photo with some of the mother’s art.
I had such a good time letting them both tell me about their art. These are the kinds of experiences that are unique to being right in the artists studios at Lowe Mill Arts in Huntsville, Alabama. Speaking of unique experiences, I came across a swing in one of the hallways and couldn’t pass it up.
Since I was traveling alone, I asked a woman that was watching her daughter swing, if she would take my photo. Turns out, she is also an artist and I went back to her studio after this to check out her work. Where else is this going to happen but Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment in Huntsville, Alabama?
What to Eat at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment
While in Huntsville, Alabama I found several great places to eat. And Lowe Mill Arts was no exception. Starting with a vegetarian/vegan food truck called Chef Will the Palate. This is one of four places where you can eat an entire meal.
And Pofta Buna International cafe is another one of those. Which offers a Mediterranean and Eastern European menu with a Romanian influence.
There are also spots to pick up treats for the whole family, like Suzy’s Pops. A delicious homemade popsicle place with lots of unique popsicle flavors.
And for the adults in the group a stop at Irons Distillery is a must for some homemade bourbon whiskey. They do offer samples for a small fee.
One of my favorite places at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment for a relaxing afternoon is Tribal Kombucha. It has several different Kombucha flavors on tap and the coolest area to hang out and drink it. I ordered the sample of four and captured it with my purchase of a llama that I had picked up from Sparkle Studio. But just look at that green velvet sofa in the background!? Such a cool place to hang out.
As you can see, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment in Huntsville, Alabama is a great place to visit if you live in Huntsville or are just passing through. You will be entertained, fed, educated and possibly come away with a new favorite piece of art. Definitely check it out and let me know what you think. Happy travels!
Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment
2211 Seminole Dr Sw
Huntsville, Alabama 35805
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