Events

Past Events

Larry Mitchell’s Birthday Celebration

After enjoying the Downtown Opelika Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, festivities continued at The Sound Wall, featuring Larry Mitchell alongside Katie Martin, Jeanie Thompson, Jesse Bennett, and Heidi Huelskoetter.

Location: The Sound Wall, Opelika

December 5, 2025, 8 p.m. 

Map 360: Journey of the Conference

The opening featured visual artists and three literary artists performing live: Alabama State Poet Laureate-elect Jacqueline Allen, Jeanie Thompson, and Marco Mays. 

Visitors experienced:
• The immersive exhibition inspired by The Conference of the Birds
• Artwork from Montgomery artists and pieces shown in Paris
• Mindful Meta Art programming, inviting guests into reflection and creative participation

November 20, 2025, 5:30 p.m.

Kress Building on Dexter
39 Dexter Ave Suite 304, Montgomery, AL 36104

Book Release: My Gaia

My Gaia, a poetry and photography collaboration, is a lyrical view of Alabama. Thompson’s eleven poems range from sketches of the resonant Alabama landscape to personal interactions with imaginary figures such as a North Alabama cotton farmer, and Helen Keller’s gifted teacher, Anne Sullivan Macy. Sides’ photographs focus on aspects of Alabama landscape, with a few European scenes thrown in for good measure. In a choreography of images and details, Sides’ eye travels with the poems, deepening their imagery and expanding it. Also Featuring New Books By: Donna Geise and D. Manders. 

6 p.m., Thursday, November 6, 2025

Kennedy-Douglas Center for the Arts, 217 East Tuscaloosa Street, Florence, AL 35630

Performance of The Myth of Water

Award-winning poet Jeanie Thompson appeared with Grammy-award-winning producer and composer Larry Mitchell for a live performance at the NewSouth Bookstore.

5:30 – 7:00 p.m. , Tuesday, October 21, 2025

NewSouth Bookstore, 105 S. Court Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

Words & Music CD Launch Event Video