Events and Exhibitions

An immersive evening of contemporary art, cocktails, conversation, and atmosphere inside the historic Elba Theatre.

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The Art on the River Collector Gala is a limited-capacity opening night experience bringing together artists, collectors, supporters, and guests for a curated evening celebrating contemporary art in rural Alabama.

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The theatre will transform into a dramatic gallery environment featuring original works from local, regional, and national artists alongside collectible ACEO exhibitions, featured gallery collections, interactive experiences, and first-access artwork purchasing before Saturday’s public exhibition.

 

Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy:

• Signature cocktails, handcrafted mocktails, and included drink tickets as part of the gala experience

• Catered hors d’oeuvres and elevated refreshments throughout the evening

• An intimate candlelit gallery atmosphere inside the historic Elba Theatre

• Early collector access to original artwork before the public exhibition opening

• Opportunities to meet and connect with exhibiting artists throughout the evening

• Featured award-winning and accomplished artists presented throughout the exhibition

• A large immersive ACEO and collectible art display wall featuring miniature original works from artists across the country

• Interactive collector experiences, including a featured wine pull fundraiser supporting future arts programming and community arts initiatives

• Special featured artist moments and exclusive gala experiences throughout the evening

• A contemporary gallery environment combining art, conversation, atmosphere, and community connection within a historic rural theatre setting

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This year’s exhibition weekend will feature:

• Artwork from more than 30 exhibiting artists

• Local, regional, and national artistic participation

• Featured award-winning and accomplished artists

• A curated collection of ACEOs and collectible miniature works

• Original fine art, prints, mixed media, photography, and sculpture

• Emerging artists exhibiting alongside established creative voices

• An intimate and immersive gallery atmosphere inside the historic Elba Theatre

• The broader Art on the River exhibition weekend, including the Brooke Chapman Memorial Young Artist Gallery hosted at the Elba Public Library

 

The Collector Gala is intentionally limited in capacity to create a more intimate and elevated experience for guests, artists, collectors, sponsors, and supporters of the arts.

 

Proceeds from the evening help support future Art on the River exhibitions, youth arts programming, and the continued growth of accessible contemporary arts experiences in rural Alabama.

Cocktail attire encouraged.

 

Ticketing information and additional gala details will be released soon.

Art on the River Gallery Exhibition

Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Historic Elba Theatre

Held inside the historic Elba Theatre in downtown Elba, Art on the River brings together local, regional, and national artists for a curated contemporary arts exhibition spanning a wide range of mediums, styles, and creative perspectives.

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The exhibition will include original works, ACEOs and collectible art, photography, mixed media, sculpture, illustration, and emerging artist features presented throughout the theatre in a cohesively designed gallery environment intended to encourage exploration, conversation, and connection through the arts.

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Visitors will have the opportunity to experience:

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• Original artwork from exhibiting artists across the country

• ACEOs and collectible miniature works

• Featured contemporary artists

• Community-centered creative experiences

• Emerging artist showcases

• Photography and mixed media installations

• Opportunities to meet and connect with artists throughout the day

 

Art on the River is designed to create an elevated yet welcoming gallery experience within a rural community setting while helping cultivate a growing arts movement in downtown Elba.

The exhibition is open to the public and welcomes visitors of all ages.