Birmingham was birthed out of steel. All the elements—including the men strong enough to make it—meld together to make this city grow. Although Birmingham’s Steel Age has passed, the strength, endurance, and determination of these men still permeates the DNA of our city. It’s in our bones.
That’s how InSpero’s 5-Man Show was born. We believe these male artists contribute beauty and meaning to our city, and it’s in melding their art into one show that the strength of this city will be seen. They use different media, come from different backgrounds, and stir different responses. But together they show a glimpse of what Birmingham is and what it could be.
We believe beauty matters and so do those who create it. We believe that when our creative community flourishes, our city will flourish.
Hear the heart and creative process of each of these five men in our short video produced by Banks Nash.
Our Steel City Makers 5-Man Show has come together because of the undergirding of the donors, sponsors, volunteers, dreamers, visionaries, risk-takers, and encouragers. It’s taken a team of unsung/unseen heroes to make this night magical: the installation artists on their ladders, the lighting geniuses, our musicians, the foodies, the potters and their hand-thrown pieces, our designers and writers/editors, our beer and coffee makers, hospitality givers and our board. We can continue to present these creative collaborations only through your generous contributions. To make a tax-deductible donation, make checks payable to InSpero, Inc. and mail to 246 Marwood Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244 or visit our website at www.inspero.org.
The Church of the Advent
Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church
St. Ambrose Church
Issam Bajalia, Salon U
A&G Lighting
Cahaba Brewery
Octane Coffee
UPS Store Caldwell
Susan Gordon Pottery
Eric Goss Art
Vintage Wines
Emily Kicklighter Photography
Aaron Conrad
Savor Salt Co.
Dixie Design Collective
Party Time Turner Rentals
Jay Loughner
Dawn Designs
Banks Nash
Ed Cates
Mark your calendar for one of InSpero's favorite annual events, Creation Waits. It is our way to help you enter the Christmas season in a quieter, richer, more beautiful way with music by Jenny Pruitt and art by Gina Hurry. It will be held Sunday evening, November 29, at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church.
June 27, 2022
It was at Rivendell the hobbits think through the vocation they have been given, carefully working out the who and what and where of the odyssey that will be theirs. But integral to all that they were, and to all that they would need to be, was the table at Rivendell, a place for the best conversations and the best food and the best drink — simply said, a wonder of wonders." Steve Garber
View More →
April 19, 2022
The never-ending hope of Easter, Writer Andrew Shaughnessy shares reflections on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and why hope and beauty matter. "We hope because we know a day is coming when, to paraphrase Sam in The Lord of the Rings, “everything sad will come untrue,” when our Creator King will dry every tear and bind up the broken hearts and restore the sundered cities and turn the world upside down."
View More →
February 7, 2022
Photographer and writer Erin Nolen, shares her reflections on our winter retreat.
View More →
December 29, 2021
Emily Thayer, a writer and baker, invites weary people into a life of rest.
View More →
August 11, 2021
Amanda Blake, InSpero Advisory Council member, artist, entrepreneur, advocate, and teacher speaks about her experiences as an educator and muralist.
View More →
July 14, 2021
Bruce Herman shares his thoughts on the role of perspective and self-forgetfulness in relationships.
View More →