BIRMINGHAM (April 17, 2026) - Lawson State's Birmingham campus will soon host Carey Fountain's Wildcard project, an interactive art experience designed to start conversations and connect communities. The exhibit launches Wednesday, April 22 in the library on Lawson's Birmingham campus, and extends to two special events the following week.
On Wednesday, April 29 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Thelma Catlin Auditorium, Mr. Fountain will discuss the different aspects of Wildcard, answer questions, and provide instructions on the rules of how Wildcard works. His talk is followed by refreshments in the campus library where guests will also be able participate in the Wildcard experience.
The event is free and open to the public.
Although this exhibit is mostly interactive, there will be paintings on display. These paintings will be used as puzzle pieces in the Wildcard project, ultimately forming a mural as people work together. Mr. Fountain describes Wildcard as "a participatory art experience where people don't just observe - they contribute. It brings together art, music, and dialogue to create a space where meaning is shaped collectively, and where engagement becomes the currency."
From an early age, Mr. Fountain has had an interest in the arts. While a student at the University of Alabama, he began creating music, writing poetry, and developing stories with the intent of using art to engage and influence the community. Other pursuits Mr. Fountain has been involved in include co-founding the Black Cherry Tree Project and developing his interactive art event series, Vibes & Virtues. His mission is to use art to inspire positivity and build connection.
Wildcard comes on the heels of other exhibitions hosted this year at Lawson State.
"One of our arts initiatives this year was to connect our LSCC fine arts students with local arts professionals," said Dr. Rebecca Duncan, chair of the humanities and fine arts department at the college.
"Our Art instructor Charles Lawson has done a fantastic job bringing young, innovative artists, such as Carey Fountain and muralist Dewon Moton, to our campus to ignite and inspire our students as well as to support these amazing artists who are taking art out of the studio and into community spaces in dynamic ways," she said.
Mr. Fountain will be available for interviews following the April 29 reception, and can be contacted directly at carey@vibesandvirtues.com.
For more information about the exhibition or Lawson State's art program, contact faculty member Mr. Charles Lawson at clawson@lawsonstate.edu.
