I previously posted a review about this wonderful gallery but this one is all about hands on art…read moreinstruction. During an open house last year at this lovely art gallery I saw a small notice on the wall next to a gorgeous painting of birds of paradise that simply said "take art lessons with this artist". I have never picked up an artist brush and haven't attempted sketching or drawing since my grammar school art classes so while I was intrigued I wasn't sure that this was necessarily a good idea however like too many times in my life I thought to myself, "why not" LOL So I made the inquiry and made a New Year resolution that I was gonna try my hand at painting in acrylics. The artist who gives lessons here l, in both acrylics and pastels is Tommy Vogel. He is originally from Illinois but, like many of us, chose this wonderful little slice of paradise here on the Gulf Coast for retirement. He got his first set of pastels when he was 12 years old and he still has them. Tommy has devoted his life to art since 2004 and he volunteers at the local Gulf Shores and Orange Beach art centers doing pretty much whatever needs to be done. It's here at the Gulf Coast Art Alliance in Gulf Shores where he also gives art lessons. He is a self taught artist that does some really stunning paintings on both pastels and acrylics of everything from tropical to still life. My experience has been a truly eye opening one because I had no idea that I could paint but apparently I can :-) Tommy isn't Bob Ross but he has a wonderfully calming and patient demanor that would make Me. Ross proud and unlike this TV episodes, where a sweeping piece of art is cranked out very quickly, we have taken all the time needed to understand the process and truly enjoy the whole experience. Everything is provided in the lessons so you just have to show up, dig in, learn and enjoy. Big thanks to Tommy Vogel for putting me on a whole new path of exploration and introducing me to the joy of painting!! Bottom line: Tommy has said that his first love is teaching adults and students the true joy of creating a beautiful piece of art, and it shows. https://m.facebook.com/tom.vogel.737?lst=100036794088819%3A100006777367943%3A1615567008

This is a lovely locally owned and operated artistic shop for more than 20 years that's home to…read morevery unique art pieces from 50+ local artists. It's jammed packed with jewelry, pottery, wood sculptures, whimsical driftwood, stained glass, watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings, prints, posters and they also do picture framing. The owner is very friendly and is eager to answer questions, providing details into any and all pieces that are on display and there's a lot in here. There's a plethora of artwork everywhere you look. I wish I had more space for some of the great stuff I've found here. It's a real gem of a place to find one of kind gifts for that special someone including yourself :-) Bottom line: It's an art gallery and gift shop in a lovely space! Recommended https://www.facebook.com/theprosperouspelican/ Hours: Mon11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tue11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Wed11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Thu11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Fri11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sat11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The cutest and coolest shop! Such a nicely curated collection of jewelry and art. Great options of…read morebeachy and southern themed art. So happy I stopped in! Great shopping experience and excellent customer service.

Love this place--it's one of my favorites in Gulf Shores! Why? Because everything in the shop is…read moremade by local artists. It's such a great opportunity to see so much talent all in one place, showcasing what the community has to offer. I enjoy getting to know the artists' names and their work. Every time I go to the Wharf, I usually buy something to support both the business and the artists. The prices are very reasonable, and I don't mind spending money on a product when someone has put so much time and effort into it. I'd much rather buy something handmade than mass-produced. The staff can usually connect you with the artist if you're interested in a custom order. And one thing I got there I'll treasure forever. I was drawn to this piece (see picture) more than anything else in the store. I wanted it for my "cross wall." When I went to pay, the clerk told me I'd just bought the very first piece ever made by an 8‑year‑old. Her grandmother--an artist who also sells things in the shop--is inspiring her to create more pieces to sell.

Had a blast in this store! The owner has a marvelous service dog named Bailey. Husband spoiled me…read morewith three beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry. This shop boasts more than forty different artists works in art, jewelry and other items.

Since 2019 ​Alabama Coastal Foundation and Share The Beach hosts Turtle Fest, an annual event in…read morecollaboration with Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL. It is held at the Gulf State Park Pier with festivities all about the amazing sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico. You can learn about these marine animals from the naturalists during the Pier tour. Join in on photo ops, crafts, face painting, games, a scavenger hunt, pier walks and more! There's exhibits, talks, and everything sea turtles! The Alabama Gulf Coast hosts many varieties of sea life, including adult and juvenile sea turtles. Turtle Fest celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of these ancient an majestic animals. Cost: $3 per person, this will also allow visitors to sightsee on Pier. https://www.facebook.com/alabamacoastal https://www.facebook.com/groups/336764342893/ https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresPierFishing/

Top quality finished product and provided in an expedited time, highly recommend using this companyread more

Such wonderful find. 12 year plus to the area. I had some…read morelocal art work I wanted reframed. They did a fabulous job at a beyond believe price. So thrilled to have found you!!

When rain was expected we decided to hit up Hawaii fluid Art! Although a bit expensive, both mom…read moreand girls loved our craft making experience. Is this not the most beautiful beach inspired wine glass?!?

From the owner: Are you looking for something fun and unique to do on your vacation? Would you like the coolest…read moresouvenir ever to take home to commemorate your time on the Gulf Coast? Are you a local and looking for a fun outing for your family, girls night, date night or something new for your kids birthday party this year? Celebrating a special occasion? This the place for you! Every piece of art is unique, no replications here! Not only are our instructors fun, they will guide you to create something you will love and be proud to display in your home! Whether it be a fluid art charcuterie board, canvas, surf board, crab, mermaid, beach resin canvas, resin tumbler, resin wine glass, fluid art bubble dog -can I pet that dawg- splatter art, patch hat or bag, you will have a blast! We have a variety of art experiences, so there is something for every family member! Everyone is an Artist at Hawaii Fluid Art! We also have a Gift Shop with the cutest merch and funny merch as well that will put another smile on your face! Are you coming in for a work conference and would like to have a fun team building activity? We will come to you! Give us a call for more details! 251-419-2599

This is the coolest and very charming homegrown little museum I've ever had the pleasure of…read morevisiting and the fact that it's right here in my neighborhood rocks! We love stopping in to see what's new and they do get new items and exhibits loaned to them that keeps it fresh. Our visit yesterday was to support their open house that included some very nice refreshments. Besides some delish coffee, tea & excellent punch there was chic salad sandwiches, fresh fruit, veggies with dip and delicious cup cakes. Why am I reviewing food? Well I can't help myself LOL Okay before I talk about what's inside let's look at how it all came to be. Located at 244 W. 19th Ave. in Gulf Shores, AL the building has an interesting history. It was originally a beach house for the Mobile family of Valorie Cole dating back to before World War II. It was always here on 19th street, in fact, it was located on West Beach, and was donated to the city following Hurricane Frederic in 1979. The building has been in use by the city since 1982, first as the library, then as the youth center. It's kinda like the little building that could :-) The land was generously donated by Claude O'Connor, and Wade and Pat Ward. Also Oyster Bay Baptist Church donated their steeple in 1999 to watch over the garden which has dedicated benches and is quite zen-like. Out front is another donated item, a 40-foot mast donated by Walter Nelson and Jimmy Nelson of Nelson's Boat Yard that's used as a flag display. The mast was built in 1940 and was on a local shrimp boat the Sea Biscuit. They have done a great job making this place into a comfortable, warm and invitingly charming experience for the whole family. There's a couple rooms that really tell the story of Gulf Shores with some interactive displays, maps, photos and artifacts. A music section, a room dedicated to hurricanes, complete with a movie, and really a whole lot more. If you haven't checked it out when visiting or if you're a local you'll be glad you did once you see all they offer. Christie Shannon is the museum administrator and is VERY knowledgeable about everything inside and out of her charges and she's friendly, articulate and just a terrific representative of what I now refer to as "my little museum". She has always welcomed us and walks us through what's new and up and coming stuff as well. I know I keep using the term "little" but that's because I've made many visits to the many Smithsonian's in DC, and museums in Boston, Chicago & L.A. just to name a few and of course this one is in someone's former beach house, so relatively it is little. But they make use of every square inch and it's bigger inside than it looks. Bottom line: I highly recommend this great local museum. Explore new and permanent exhibits as well as seasonal programs and events. Admission is free to the public.  Follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresMuseum/

This little museum was better than I thought it would be. It is small, and city is only sixty years…read moreold but it was well put together and informative. The video on hurricane Ivan was outstanding and that raised them to four stars. If you have the time take it in. Also it is free.