Arts + Culture

Just Keep Painting

Two Birmingham artists inspire each other and future artists Article by Katharine Armbrester | Photography by GREDDINS A native of Georgia, artist Laura Deems moved to Birmingham in 2022 when her husband received a job opportunity. They’ve since settled into their home in the Hollywood area of Homewood. Having spent time in Charleston and Atlanta, where she was mentored by painter Sally King Benedict, Laura believes that Birmingham is “hands down, the most creative sphere” she has been in...

Life + Culture

The Gospel of a Good Fit

Jermaine Ervin is bringing 1920s New York style to Birmingham Article by Kali McNutt Birmingham native Jermaine Ervin's menswear boutique is downtown by design. Two doors from Armour House, the shop windows of J. Ervin Collection are dressed up for the viewing pleasure of diners coming and going. "You might not need a suit today," Ervin says, "but when you need a suit, I want you to remember this shop."  Ask him to describe his personal style, and one era comes up immediately: the 1920s. Not...

Home + Design

Transitional Modern Mood

Paper, pattern, and performance fabrics do the heavy lifting at this refresh by designer Kelly Neely Article by Kali McNutt | Photography by Laurey Glenn After relocating from Homewood to The Preserve in Hoover, the Rothermich family enlisted designer Kelly Neely of Kelly Neely Interiors to transform their new home from dark and industrial to colorful and cohesive. Working within the home’s existing footprint and without altering any architectural elements, Neely nixed heavy, black finishes...

Arts + Culture

Architect of Emotion

In The Soulful House, Jeffrey Dungan reflects on why the most enduring homes aren't defined by style or scale, but by the feelings they leave behind Article by Kali McNutt | Photography by Adrian Gaut "Be a good neighbor."  It isn't the sort of phrase one expects from an architect whose work spans continents. But for Jeffrey Dungan, it may be the clearest expression of his design philosophy. Whether he's designing a home in Mountain Brook, Nova Scotia, or the Dominican Republic, Dungan...

Arts + Culture

From Walls to Wardrobe

Inspired by Gracie's hand-painted wallcoverings, Gus Mayer translates the decorative arts into fashion fit for fêting Article by Kali McNutt | Photography by Mary Fehr One of Birmingham's most stylish evenings arrives each autumn with Gala in the Gardens , the opening celebration of Antiques at the Gardens , the annual benefit for Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens.  This year's design sponsor, Gracie , the sixth-generation family-owned maker of hand-painted wallpapers, sets the...

Arts + Culture

All the World's His Stage

Christopher Confero blends global perspective, theatrical imagination, and Birmingham hospitality into every event he creates. Article by David Kirk | Photography by Mary Fehr After twenty years of creating events across the globe, Christopher Confero still proudly calls Birmingham home. Since launching CONFERO after graduating from Auburn University in 2007, Confero has remained steadfast in his desire to build a life that reflects his values: an enduring work ethic and a drive for...

Food + Beverage

A Little Slice of Wonder

From buttercream bows to unexpected flavors, Lindsay Strickland creates cakes that become part of the celebration Article by Blair Moore | Photography by Mary Fehr Tiny frogs peek out from the frosting. One cake is crowned with a miniature cake of its own. Others are finished with buttercream bows, vintage piping, and delicate ruffles. While other kids were watching cartoons, Lindsay Strickland was watching HGTV. She loved The Carol Duvall Show , spent her allowance painting plaster...

Arts + Culture

The Day I Felt Like a Kid Again

How a customized creative retreat with artist Carrie Pittman Hill helped me reconnect with childlike joy Article by Blair Moore | Photography by Ashley Walker May nearly broke me this year. Between end-of-year awards, last-minute costume days, and two children moving on to new schools, I was a wreck—in complete sensory overload and often on the brink of tears. Something about rushing everywhere while trying to savor every sweet moment left me in a state no hot bubble bath could fix. That’s when...

Education

What School is Actually For

A conversation with Claire Vaughn on iPhones, AI, mental health, and what thriving kids have in common Article and Photography by You attended Advent from pre-K through 8th grade. How has Advent changed, and how has it remained the same since your time as a student? What specific memories stand out? What’s remained constant is a culture of high expectations held together with genuine belief in kids. That duality—we expect a lot of you, and we believe in you—was true when I was a student...

Arts + Culture

Ready to Rock

Iron City Revival is a five-piece band of fresh talent Article by Denise K. James | Photography by Black Elm Photography It’s a Wednesday afternoon in early summer, and Birmingham’s brightest musicians are gathered to talk – and play – rock n roll. The energy among the kids is palpable. Ranging in age from 11 to 14, they’ve been in tune since meeting one year ago as students of Birmingham’s Mason Music, where each one signed up for Rock Band League. The program groups kids around the same age...