Incubate Gallery

I can’t exactly put this into words, but upon entering Incubate, a sense of calm and peace comes over me. In the handful of times I’ve been in to see Billie, the delightful owner of this newly opened pro-​local-​artist gallery, I’ve been warmly greeted. The transformation of the space is tremendous, and I love how the gallery utilized found materials to create unique methods of handing the various media around the large room.
The seating is all grouped in the middle of the high-​ceilinged space, quite like a living room. The back of the gallery is host to a dark room and a massive table used for in-​house art classes. Then there is the art itself. Incubate’s principle aim is to promote local and emerging artists, so some have been painting for decades, others a year or two. The variety of styles and prices means that there is something for everyone (and every budget, which for me, is a major plus).
Every month, a new theme is announced alongside an opening party — first month was superheros, August was all about views of Birmingham, and there are more exciting themes to come. Artists must submit work within the theme guidelines and, if accepted, is featured on the back wall of the gallery space (the theme wall!).
Bottom line: this gallery is a very bright spot on the ever-​lightening horizon of the Avondale area. It’s next door to 41^st Street Pub (yay!), and walking distance to Freshfully, Avondale Brewing, Saw’s and the Painted Shovel. I can’t wait to see what all Billie and Incubate have in store for Birmingham in the coming months and years! Do yourself a favor and pop in to check out Birmingham’s newest and coolest art gallery!