Birmingham Festival Theatre extended it philosophy from the stage to its new art gallery. Each show had a different director, who brings a distinct vision for the production, and  Birmingham Festival Theatre is approaching the art show in the lobby gallery in the same way. Different area galleries will have exhibits featuring several artists and a variety of artwork.

The new art space is dedicated to Haden Gaines Marsh, who was married to the late Randy Marsh, one of the founding directors of the theater. The announcement made on opening night of  "Dead Man's Cell Phone" April 22 was a surprise to Haden. Board member and "Dead Man's Cell Phone" director Edward D. Miller recounted her may roles at the fledgling theater company in the 1970s-casting coordinator, costumer, food-prop preparation, and more. Also recalling that time with Edward were his fellow cast member for the 1979 production "That Championship Season"-Jerry Sims, Murray Johnson, and Paul Spina.

After the show, everyone enjoyed a reception with hors d'oeuvres by Nancy Hallmark. Lou Dina, of Dina Graphics, took photographs.  The gallery show featured Jennifer Hunt Gallery artists.

Attending festivities honoring Haden were board members Charla Cochran, John Falkenberry, Leah McCraney, Hayden Gaines Marsh, Janelle Cochrane, Jason Adams, Carl Sosnin, Mindy K. Wester, and Lee Griner. Her family included Kim Marsh Cornett, Gaines Marsh, and Kate Marsh Upton. The cast and crew joining in were Jessica Clark, Debbie Smith, Camille Spratling, Hube Dodd, Kevin Van Hyning, Meredith Murphy McLemore, William Brisky and Lindsey Sherrill. Some others were Deninne Dina, Jane Paris and Chandler Smith, Michael and Mary Anne Freeman, Jane Trechsel, Joseph H. McClure Jr., Brenda Music, Anne Hobgood and son-in-law John M. Hill, Carol Sosnin, Chris Laswon, Carol Carruth, Bill Whetstone , Holly Croney Dikeman, and M. Bates Redwine.

"Tobacco Road" will play July 22-Aug. 7. Featured in the gallery will be Jennifer Harwell Art.

Charla Cochran, Edward C. Miller, front; John Falken berry, Leah McCraney, Haden Gaines Mars, Janelle Cochrane, Jason Adams, Carl Sosnin, middle; Mindy K. Wester and Lee Griner, back

Kim Marsh Cornett, Haden Gaines Marsh, Gaines Marsh, and Kate Marsh Upton

Debbie Smith and Jane Trechsel

Jane Paris and Chandler Smith, Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman