By CATHERINE LEGG / Community Columnist

A reception and gallery talk by the artist is scheduled for Sunday, March 27, at 2 p.m. in the gallery.

Lucas is an Alabama native from Selma. He is a self-taught artist who began constructing his interesting designs as an adult. He recycles materials such as old wires, metals, wood slabs, tin cans, bike wheels, etc. in his paintings and sculptures. All of his creations tell a story; many reflecting his life experiences. A group of five paintings in the exhibit portray his lengthy struggle with back pain.

Sandy Swindall, gallery coordinator, described Lucas as “Wonderfully deep, beautifully simple; he is a gentle spirit and very creative. His art has become his personal medium for self-expression.”

The artist has exhibited nationally and internationally, and he has taught art classes and been a visiting speaker and artist-in-residence in many universities. The display in Montevallo contains only a very small number of his many creations.

Lucas presently lives in Pick Lily, Selma and in Prattville where he has a sculpture garden.

The Montevallo Arts Council sponsors the gallery and the events held there. The Charlie Lucas displays will remain in the gallery until May 6, and the gallery is open during regular library hours: MWF: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., TTh: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sat.: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Other upcoming gallery events will include works by Cissy Orr Hulett, oil painter from Montgomery, and Donna Chieves, watercolor artist of Hoover.

The Arts Council is also sponsoring the fifth Annual Montevallo Arts Fest on April 7-10. This will include the Montevallo Art Show in Orr Park on April 9, featuring dozens of artists selling their works and musical groups performing on the Square Stage. There will also be performances of the Montevallo Main Street Players’ production of the musical “Always.”

All Arts Council events are listed on its website: Montevalloartscouncil.org

Catherine Legg can be reached at clegg2@bellsouth.net.