Artsy Spots to Explore in Madison

Here are a few places that families might not know about in Madison that I love to go see art! The best part is that they are mostly in downtown Madison, AL. So you can pop by for some sweets at Whistle Stop Sweet Shop, something to eat/drink at Sady’s Bistro & see historic downtown Madison, Alabama.

Did you know that Whistle Stop Sweet Shop & Jacklyn’s Keepsakes both have local artists displaying work inside their stores?

1) SOCA Gallery

This place has it all! It’s a free art gallery, place to take painting/pottery classes for both children and adults, shopping center for paint supplies, and the owners are sweet & knowledgeable.

20 Martin St, Madison, AL 35758
(256) 325-7622
View Website | SOCA Gallery on Facebook

2) Zero Sullivan Arts

This is the place you take a kid after they’ve walked the SPACES trail and are worn down a bit. It’s a pottery studio that you usually has at least one potter in to talk about how they make pottery. That plate, mug, bowl you eat off of – that can be made right in Madison! The resident potters are always super helpful to answer questions an explain the process. They offer classes & even sell clay if you want to try to play around at home.

4136-A Sullivan St, Madison, AL 35758
Zero Sullivan Arts on Facebook

3) SPACES Sculpture Trail

While you are in downtown Madison, check out the SPACES sculpture trail. There are free brochures in most of the downtown shops so you can look at them, talk about them, and learn! Plus, who doesn’t want to see a humongous hammer downtown? Most of the sculptures have an interesting thought process behind them. Once you learn why they did it, you see the art in a whole new light. You can grab a lunch from Sady’s and end up in Dublin Park to see the whispering benches. These interactive whimsical benches are my FAVORITE! They look like something from Doctor Seuss & are exciting and fun!
View Website | SPACES on Facebook

Madison Arts Council is always looking for people who are passionate about the arts. We’d love to have you join us for one of our meetings and see what we are about. You don’t have to be an artist, just love art!

Find out more at the Madison Arts Council Website, our Facebook Page, or follow us on Twitter.

 

 

[box] ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Beth Ridgeway has been a member of the Madison Arts Council since 2011 and is passionate about all things art. She lives in Madison with her husband & toy poodle. She works as the Digital Content Director at iHeartMedia in Huntsville. When she’s not volunteering or working, you can find her binge watching Netflix, reading, or rehearsing improv.[/box]