HUNTSVILLE — A dimly-lit and little-used service alley between Spring Street and Clinton Avenue in downtown Huntsville was more than a small blight on a vibrant downtown scene. Its easily accessible and darkly hidden location had the potential for accidents and crime in the previously all-but-abandoned space.
Now called Chandelier Alley, the bright pedestrian corridor is closing out its first season of summer night markets featuring interactive activities from Huntsville’s community art and entertainment partners.
Why chandeliers? Local artist Jessie Andrews, then-CEO of Downtown Huntsville Chad Emerson, and developer Wesley Crunkleton determined that a sophisticated giant chandelier would “light up” the area outside Phat Sammy’s, just waiting for a mural.
“It was a wonderful collaboration. I’m thankful for people like Chad and Wesley as well as organizations like DHI who help make these happy things and uplift our city,” said Andrews. “I’ve received so much positive feedback, endless selfies, prom photos, engagement photos, photos with families and pets. I’ve even seen Phat Sammy’s using it as a backdrop for some of their menu items. I couldn’t be happier every time I see these images,”
The area was activated in a project overseen by DHI, helped along by a grant and elbow grease from the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors (HAAR).
“Realtors are more than door openers, we’re community partners committed to move our area forward every day,” said HAAR President Isaac Winkles. “We were proud to organize our Realtor® community to support and help clean up the area. Projects like these are what makes Huntsville and Madison County the best place to live in the world.”
Micah Gregg, founder of Drop Metal design and fabrication studio in Huntsville, was commissioned to create metal chandelier sculptures for the project. After a few days, he turned 40 pounds of metal and 300 feet of string lights into the welcoming art that adorns the alleyway.
Drop Metal’s creations can be found throughout Huntsville at 106 Jefferson, Yellowhammer Brewing, Gold Sprint, Fractal Brewing Project, Tangled Strings Studio and elsewhere.
There are no signs of slowing down at DHI, as the organization continues to underscore the importance and compatibility of art in the city.
“Something we love about downtown Huntsville is how little nooks and corners that would normally go unnoticed have been turned into a creative space adding to the vibrant and fun side of downtown Huntsville,” said Megan Carter, Communications Coordinator at DHI. “The arts are so important to our society and projects like this expose people to the arts outside of museums and other venues.”
While its first season of night markets has wound down, visitors to Chandelier Alley can view the location’s interactive art and photo opportunities anytime.
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