Activities and Events > Arts and Culture > Eastern Shore Art Center
401 Oak Avenue
Fairhope, Alabama 36532
The Eastern Shore Art Center is a modern art gallery located in downtown Fairhope, Alabama. Featuring renowned artists from all over the country, the ESAC is home to five galleries, four studios, and a gift shop. The monthly art exhibits include a wide range of mediums including acrylics, watercolors, oils, ceramics, sculptures, driftwood art, and more. Free to the public, the Eastern Shore Art Center is one of our top picks for things to do in Fairhope, AL.
The ESAC is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Guests are welcome to explore the gallery during regular business hours or call ahead to setup a private docent-led tour. Tour the facility after hours during Fairhope’s First Friday Art Walk. Taking place at 6pm on the first Friday of the month, visitors can stay current on the exhibits and meet other art enthusiasts in the community.
Artists who are interested in having their works displayed can join the Art Center as Art Level Members. The ESAC has four opportunities to showcase their artwork including the Members’ Sales Gallery, Members’ Juried Show, Members’ Open Show, and gift shop. There is also an annual art show that takes place outdoors each spring. For more information on becoming an Art Level Member of the Art Center, visit here.
The Eastern Shore Art Center is located at 401 Oak Avenue in downtown Fairhope, Alabama. ESAC has its own private parking lot on the west side of the building. During the business week and typically during the weekends, parking is usually available. During Fairhope’s First Friday Art Walk or other events and activities, other parking arrangements may be required.
Street parking is available on a first come first serve basis. Parking on North Section Street, North Bancroft Street, Oak Avenue, Pine Street, or Equality Street have the most convenient spots if walking to the Eastern Shore Art Center.
There are also two public parking lots on North Bancroft Street as well as a a public parking garage on North Church Street, behind the Hampton Inn. The first parking lot is just north of the Fairhope Public Library. The other parking lot is adjacent to the Fairhope Museum of History behind Julwin’s restaurant. Both are free to the public and available on a first come first serve basis.
The Eastern Shore Art Center hosts many events in downtown Fairhope, Alabama. On the first Friday of the month, Fairhope art galleries and shops stay open late for Fairhope’s First Friday Art Walk. The Eastern Shore Art Center is the quintessential spot to begin the evening. Drop in to admire the newest exhibits, enjoy light snacks and wine, and mingle with guests before making your way through the rest of the city.
During the third week of March, Fairhope celebrates its biggest weekend of art. The ESAC Outdoor Art Show features artists and exhibits for the public to enjoy in conjunction with the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival. Located on the grounds of the ESAC and the surrounding area, visitors will have the opportunity to view live art demos by local artists and art center instructors. For more information about the Outdoor Art Show, visit the Eastern Shore Art Center website.
If you or your group would prefer a more in-depth experience when visiting the ESAC, docent-led tours are available. Guests will tour the main galleries with a local expert and learn about the background of each artist’s exhibit as well as an art analysis. Advanced reservations are recommended and a $3 per person donation is suggested for private tours.
The Eastern Shore Art Center is available for field trips. This is a fun option for students in the public or private school system as well as home school groups who would like to learn more about art. There are 3 different options to choose from including an art class, pottery class, or dual art and pottery class. For more information about scheduling a field trip for your group, visit here.
Along with the monthly art walk, the ESAC also is host to many regular events at the facility. These range from gallery art discussions, jazz concerts, food truck Fridays, blood drives, and more. Check out our Fairhope events page to stay current on upcoming activities in the area!
The Eastern Shore Art Center is available for private events, corporate functions, luncheons, weddings, parties, and receptions. With its spacious rooms and rotating art exhibits, the ESAC is a beautiful and unique backdrop for a variety of events. Guests may rent any of the individual galleries or the entire art center. For additional information regarding the rental of the ESAC, visit here.