Jamie Cicatiello
From Tuscaloosa, to Bandon, Ore., back to Tuscaloosa for school, then a four month break in London, England, a move to Savannah, Ga. for a Masters in Photojournalism, New Orleans and finally back to Tuscaloosa where she now resides, running her local art and vintage shop, Grace Aberdean: Habitat Alchemy.
While earning her B.A. in Human Development at UA, the artist reminiscences of the good ol’ days where the arts served as an influential part of the community and the town functioned as a “creative community,” a place where all walks of life were equal and appreciated.
She started Aberdean in 2009, opening a shop in Northport, Ala. and later moving to downtown Tuscaloosa. It serves as a place of inspiration for people to find “original stuff” that speaks to them, an idea awakened by her sister and brother-in-law’s lack of ingenuity in home decor, as well as a free clinic where friends and local artists go to visit and vent. Aberdean houses a number of handmade artistic pieces, local and nationwide exhibits as well as unique, original pieces from estate sales.
Cicatiello is an active member of the arts community. She works with Kentuck, Homegrown Alabama and Blackbelt Bamboost, an organization working to build creative educational bamboo parks “one shoot at a time.” Additionally, the arts activist serves as a local photographer.