The Art for Everyone visual arts series at the Birmingham Public Library kicks off the new year with a solo show by watercolorist Sophie McVicar Tate. "Gathered Sanctuary" opens on Friday, January 23, in the Central Library's Fourth Floor Gallery. Inspired by scientific illustration and religious iconography, McVicar Tate’s ethereal depictions of animals reflect a holistic, sometimes contradictory interpretation of the natural world.

A reception for the artist will take place on Friday, February 13, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. McVicar Tate will close her show with a discussion about her works on Saturday, March 28 at 2:00 p.m.To learn more about the artist, visit her website at https://www.sophiemcvicar.co/. The Art for Everyone exhibition series is made possible in part by a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts awarded to the Friends Foundation of BPL.

The Birmingham Public Library is honored to announce a new art exhibition by Jon Osborne. Scheduled to open in the Central Library’s First Floor Gallery on Friday, February 13, “Avant Garden” features a series of colorful abstract paintings inspired by various genres of music and mixed media. After viewing Osborne’s show, please join him in the Fourth Floor Gallery between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. as he celebrates his opening.

Osborne describes “Avant Garden” as a “poetic, visual interpretation of community, humanity, and the story of the common resilience of everyday people.” Through his kaleidoscopic works, he strives to make the public aware of the beauty of overcoming hardship.

His artwork is influenced in part by a condition known as “synesthesia," the result of a traumatic brain injury he sustained in 2019. Osborne’s particular type of synesthesia allows him to see colors and patterns when he hears sounds and music, which he incorporates into his paintings.

Osborne is a self-taught artist of African-American heritage. His artwork has been featured in galleries and festivals throughout Alabama and on the national level. He advocates for the strong healing power of art and music, supporting the community as a Board Member and Teaching Artist for InToto Creative Arts Forum, a local nonprofit organization.

Learn more about Osborne and his artwork at https://www.facebook.com/jonosborneartist. “Avant Garden” is part of the Art for Everyone project, made possible in part by a grant from the Alabama Council on the Arts.

Jason Tanner Young

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Jason Tanner Young received a Master of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2011 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2008.  He is currently an Associate Professor of Art and director of the Sculpture concentration at the University of Montevallo. Young previously worked at Ohio University, where he taught courses in Sculpture + Expanded Practice as well as the Foundations Department.

Young was awarded the Pentaculum Scholarship in Woodworking to participate in the week-long residency, Spring Pentaculum, at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (2022). At the University of Montevallo he received a Summer Stipend for Pre-Tenured Faculty (2020), and he has also received a Teaching and Scholarly Projects Grant (2022).

Young shows his work extensively, and has been included in exhibitions at the Alabama Contemporary Art Center (Mobile, AL), Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment (Huntsville, AL), Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (Gatlinburg, TN), The Sculpture Center (Cleveland, OH), Axis Gallery (Sacramento, CA), Weston Art Gallery (Cincinnati, OH), Manifest Gallery (Cincinnati, OH) the Young Sculptors Competition at Miami University (Miami, OH), the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (Montgomery, AL), Visual Art Exchange (Raleigh, NC), Evansville Museum (Evansville, IN), and Rosalux Gallery (Minneapolis, MN) among many others.

An opening reception will be held Thursday, February 19, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm

The exhibition will be on view February 20 - April 17, 2026.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and by appointment.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Space One Eleven presents

“Navegando la Masculinidad de la Frontera / Navigating the Border’s Masculinity“
José Villalobos

José Villalobos is a multidisciplinary artist exploring identity, queerness, and cultural heritage through sculpture, performance, and installation. Growing up between El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, he confronts the conflicts between tradition, faith, and sexuality within Mexican and American cultures. Rooted in personal experience, his practice challenges machismo and the violence of assimilation, transforming materials and symbols to reclaim queer visibility. Villalobos has exhibited nationally and internationally and is a recipient of the Joan Mitchell Painters & Sculptors Grant. Recently he became a Trellis Art Fund Stepping Stone Fellow. His work affirms resilience, tenderness, and the power of self-expression within queer and borderland communities.

For the exhibition “Navegando la Masculinidad de la Frontera / Navigating the Border’s Masculinity,” Villalobos presents a collection of new and past works that create a dialogue about masculinities within Norteño culture, its subcultural predecessors, and related historical movements. Villalobos’ aesthetic often combines the rugged iconography of the West (boots, cowboy hats, leather, ropes) with the flamboyance, glitter, and vulnerability of queer expression. The result is a powerful tension: the imagery of strength, control, even violence (e.g., rodeo, bull-taming) juxtaposed with fragility, costume play, and critique of the structures that define “manhood.”

An opening reception will be held Thursday, February 19, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm

The exhibition will be on view February 20 – April 17, 2026

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and by appointment.
Admission is free and open to the public.

City Center Art is Space One Eleven’s afterschool studio art program for students of all skill levels and is designed to build visual communication skills and foster creative thinking. Throughout the semester, young artists learn the elements of art and principles of design, strengthen foundation skills, and further their understanding of art criticism, art theory, and art history.

Teaching artists balance instruction between creating and responding—young artists make, discuss, and write about their work—thereby facilitating a transformative learning experience for young artists.

Space One Eleven’s philosophy is to provide an environment in which young artists can learn, create, explore, and forge their own path into the world of art. All CCA young artists participate in the end of year exhibition and open house at the end of the Spring Semester.

Students are welcome to join the art class any time during the school year if seats are available. Class cost will be pro-rated for those who join later in the semester.

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Birmingham. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Adele at Carver Theatre under the gentle glow of candlelight.

General Info
Venue: Carver Theatre
Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
Duration: 60 minutes. Doors open 60 minutes before the show. No entry once it starts.
Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant
View the FAQs for this event here
Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click here
Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Birmingham
To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here

Tentative Program

Hello
Rumour Has It
Make You Feel My Love
Water Under the Bridge
Oh My God
Someone Like You
Send My Love (To Your New Lover)
Chasing Pavements
Skyfall
When We Were Young
Set Fire to the Rain
Easy On Me
Rolling in the Deep

Performers

String Quartet - Listeso - Birmingham

Seating Map

Grammy-nominated and internationally acclaimed Liverpool Legends are bringing their unforgettable Beatles tribute show to Birmingham for one night only! Handpicked by the late Louise Harrison, sister of the legendary George Harrison, these four world-class musicians and actors honor the band that forever changed music.

From the early mop-top days of “She Loves You” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” to the colorful era of Sgt. Pepper, all the way through to “Come Together,” “Here Comes the Sun”, and “Hey Jude”—this immersive show takes you on a Magical Mystery Tour through The Beatles’ iconic career.

Narrated by Louise Harrison, who was instrumental in The Beatles’ early success, the performance features spot-on vocals, vintage instruments, period costumes, dazzling visuals, and uncanny mannerisms, making you feel like you’re watching the real thing.

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Birmingham. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Neo-Soul Favorites ft. Songs by Prince, Childish Gambino, & More at Carver Theatre under the gentle glow of candlelight.

General Info
Venue: Carver Theatre
Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
Duration: 60 minutes. Doors open 60 minutes before the show. No entry once it starts.
Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant
View the FAQs for this event here
Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click here
Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Birmingham
To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here

Tentative Program

SZA – Good Days
Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor
Solange – Don’t Touch My Hair
Miguel – Adorn
Frank Ocean – Thinkin Bout You
Prince – Purple Rain
Sade – Smooth Operator
D’Angelo – Untitled (How Does It Feel)
Childish Gambino – Redbone
H.E.R. – The Best Part
Alicia Keys – You Don’t Know My Name
Boyz II Men – End of the Road

Performers

String Quartet - Listeso - Birmingham

Seating Map

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Birmingham, AL. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Hans Zimmer at Birmingham Museum of Art under the gentle glow of candlelight.

General Info
Venue: Birmingham Museum of Art
Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
Duration: 60 minutes. Doors open 45 minutes before the show. No entry once it starts.
Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant
View the FAQs for this event here
Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click here
Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Birmingham, AL
To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here

Tentative Program

Time from Inception
This Land from The Lion King
Zooster’s Breakout from Madagascar
Supermarine from Dunkirk
Honor from The Pacific
A Dark Knight from The Dark Knight
Wonder Woman Suite
Gladiator Suite
Cornfield Chase from Interstellar
Dune Suite
Discombobulate from Sherlock Holmes
Pirates of the Caribbean Suite
Performers

Listeso String Quartet
Seating Map

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Birmingham. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Fleetwood Mac at Birmingham Museum of Art under the gentle glow of candlelight.

General Info
Venue: Birmingham Museum of Art
Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
Duration: 60 minutes. Doors open 45 minutes before the show. No entry once it starts.
Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant
View the FAQs for this event here
Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click here
Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Birmingham
To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click here

Tentative Program

Everywhere
Gypsy
You Make Loving Fun
Never Going Back Again
Don't Stop
Gold Dust Woman
Go Your Own Way
Landslide
Little Lies
Songbird
Rhiannon
The Chain
Dreams
Say You Love Me
Second Hand News

Performers

Listeso String Quartet
Seating Map

Join Chaotic Good Improv for a night of live improv comedy at your favorite local indie cinema: Sidewalk! There's a full bar so you'll have the liquid courage necessary to join us on stage for some audience participation. There's also a great concession stand if you just want to sit back, eat chocolate, and watch the silliness.

Scheduled for Friday, April 10, the Birmingham Public Library's 5th annual Novel Tasting will take place at downtown’s Central Library from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. It will be preceded a VIP reception at 5:00 p.m. This fun evening will feature live music by Sol Música, an elegant silent auction, complimentary drinks, delectable catered food, and BPL’s signature wine, beer, and spirits tasting.

Participation in A Novel Tasting – whether as a guest, sponsor, or silent auction donor – will help BPL continue to provide the community with the highest-quality experience of lifelong learning and cultural enrichment.

To purchase tickets and/or to become a sponsor, please visit Eventbrite. To learn more about sponsoring A Novel Tasting, please call 205-226-3728 of send a message to bpl.development@cobpl.com. To contribute an item to the silent auction, please contact Margaret Splane at margaret.splane@cobpl.org or call 205-226-3728.

Born in New York City, the men of Uptown bring powerful vocals, sharp choreography, and undeniable stage presence together in one seamless show. Think smooth R&B roots paired with the energy of today’s biggest pop performances!

When King Richard the Lionheart is captured, his scheming brother Prince John (Claude Rains) plots to reach the throne, to the outrage of Sir Robin of Locksley (Errol Flynn), the bandit king of Sherwood Forest. Rounding up his band of men and eventually winning the support of the lovely Maid Marian (Olivia de Havilland), Robin accuses Prince John of treachery and, when the escaped Richard returns covertly to England, joins forces with the king to prevent Prince John from taking the crown.

Welcome to another year of the monthly Sidewalk Film 101 series at the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema. Along with supplemental readings and resources to contextualize each featured film, each screening will include a special introduction.

Up Da Country: The Stage Play

Join Chaotic Good Improv for a night of live improv comedy at your favorite local indie cinema: Sidewalk! There's a full bar so you'll have the liquid courage necessary to join us on stage for some audience participation. There's also a great concession stand if you just want to sit back, eat chocolate, and watch the silliness.

Created by the Emmy®-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & JULIET asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. 

Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including "Since U Been Gone‚" "Roar," "Baby One More Time," "Larger Than Life‚" "That’s The Way It Is,“ and "Can't Stop the Feeling!"—all from the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.

The elderly Shukishi (Chishu Ryu) and his wife, Tomi (Chieko Higashiyama), take the long journey from their small seaside village to visit their adult children in Tokyo. Their elder son, Koichi (Sô Yamamura), a doctor, and their daughter, Shige (Haruko Sugimura), a hairdresser, don't have much time to spend with their aged parents, and so it falls to Noriko (Setsuko Hara), the widow of their younger son who was killed in the war, to keep her in-laws company.

Summer Art Camps at Space One Eleven are a perfect way for young artists to learn a new art form or improve upon their art skills! These camps give young artists ample time to dive into their projects, make friends, and create works of art ready for the end-of-summer art exhibition in Space One Eleven’s art galleries.

Young artists in rising 2nd through 5th grades explore multiple mediums during a one week camp. Rising 6th through 12 graders select from one and two-week camps in Drawing, Papier-Mâché, Portfolio Development, Clay, Crochet, Basket Weaving, Fashion, Printmaking, Screen Printing, Bent Wood Sculpture, and Architecture.

Tuition is offered on a sliding scale. Families may qualify for free or reduced rates thanks to the support of local foundations and individual contributors.

Baldwin: A Letter to My Nephew, taking inspiration from James Baldwin’s essay and his call to “Know from whence you came,” is a transformative, multidisciplinary experience created by Germaul Barnes, blending contemporary dance, spoken word, and orig

Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Birmingham in this internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter). Based on the beloved film, MRS. DOUBTFIRE tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune – one that proves we’re better together.