FAIRHOPE — The Eastern Shore Art Center paid a touching tribute to the late artist and Fairhope resident Kevin Switzer by unveiling a special gallery showcasing his work at the first Friday Art Walk of June.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Switzer was invited to showcase his work at the Eastern Shore Art Center. Unfortunately, the outbreak forced the event to be postponed, and Switzer passed away before it could be rescheduled.

Marketing director of Eastern Shore Art Center Adrienne Clow said that they were made aware of the local artist’s passing last Christmas and wanted to do something special to commemorate the late artist.

“We wanted to do something to not only remember him, but also honor him,” Clow said.

Switzer’s display features his moving sculptures that are powered by windmills.

In a 2019 interview with Our Southern Souls, Switzer said, “If I don’t have a tool or something I need, I will invent it. I make tabletop windmills. I guess what I do is folk art.”

In the article, Switzer added, “The word ‘Love’ in wire on my pieces is my mantra. Life is hard and our spirits get beat down. We need to remember to be kind and loving. I say love a lot. So much love and detail go into everything I make. I want my work to take people’s minds off their problems for a little while and to have more moments of love.”

Switzer was also a trained puppeteer, hence why his art featured some of his favorite puppets such as Barbie and Woody from Toy Story.

Though Switzer has passed, his love for art still lives on and his gallery stands as a reminder of the power of art and how it can move and inspire those around.

The Kevin Switzer gallery will be open at the art center from June 2 until the end of August.