March is bringing fresh energy to downtown Mobile, and the Mobile Arts Council is leaning fully into the season. Two new exhibitions are opening at the MAC Gallery, each rooted in the textures, colors, and quiet power of the natural world.
From mixed-media explorations inspired by water to detailed botanical portraits shaped by historic oak canopies, this month’s lineup invites visitors to slow down and take a closer look at what surrounds us every day.
Both exhibits open March 4 and run through March 28, offering several weeks to step inside, take it in, and experience a different side of spring.
Cherie Peters Explores Life at the Water’s Edge
Artist Cherie Peters presents “At the Water’s Edge,” a collection of mixed-media compositions that feel grounded and tactile. Her work blends found objects with wood, paper, and plexiglass. Using encaustic techniques, she layers wax and pigment to create depth and texture, resulting in pieces that feel both ancient and contemporary.
The encaustic process itself dates back thousands of years. Peters applies that historic method to modern compositions, producing surfaces that seem to hold stories beneath the layers. Each piece carries an earthy tone and a sense of movement shaped by land and water.
Peters has exhibited her work in juried contemporary art shows across the country, earning awards and recognition for her distinctive style. Her return to Mobile brings nationally recognized work into an intimate gallery setting where viewers can study each detail up close.
A Tribute to DeTonti’s Towering Trees
In a second gallery space, botanical artist Derek Norman presents “Homage to the Trees of DeTonti.” The exhibit draws inspiration from the sweeping live oaks and magnolias that define DeTonti Square Historic District.
Norman, known internationally for his botanical accuracy and artistic precision, has received Gold and Silver Gilt Medals from the Royal Horticultural Society in England. His work appears in permanent collections around the world, including the Library of Congress, the British Museum, and the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation in Pittsburgh.
For this exhibit, Norman also features work from his students in the Mobile Botanical Gardens’ Art Program. Oils, pastels, watercolors, and pen-and-ink pieces fill the walls. Contributing artists include Elisa Baldwin, Joanne Brandt, Earl Clark, Jane Clark, Christy Hatcher, Ricia Hendrick, Charmain Mann, Missy Patrick, Melissa Root, and Norman himself.
The result is a layered tribute to familiar trees that frame sidewalks, shade historic homes, and define the character of entire streets.
National Support Meets Local Talent
The exhibit is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, bringing national backing to a showcase built around regional inspiration. That combination highlights the level of artistry connected to Mobile’s creative community.
The partnership also reinforces the value of arts programming that connects established artists with students and emerging talent. Seeing internationally recognized work displayed alongside developing artists creates a dynamic gallery experience.
Inside MAC’s Room 1927 at 6 South Joachim Street, the walls become a meeting place for tradition, technique, and mentorship.
Mark Your Calendar for ArtWalk
Both exhibits are free and open to the public from March 4 through March 28. A joint opening reception will take place during LoDa ArtWalk on Friday, March 13, from 6 to 9 p.m.
ArtWalk evenings bring a steady flow of energy downtown, with galleries, studios, and businesses opening their doors. The MAC Gallery adds another reason to linger a little longer that night.
Nature has always shaped this city’s look and feel. In March, that influence moves indoors, framed in wax, watercolor, oil, and ink. Visitors can step inside, take their time, and leave with a renewed appreciation for the landscapes that quietly define the place we call home.
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