By NICOLE LOGGINS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – For the first time, the Shelby County Arts Council is hosting a folk art exhibit in Columbiana.

The council is hosting a Regional Folk Art Exhibit organized by guest curator and visual artist, Bruce Andrews.

“We’ve had never had a dedicated folk art show here at the council. We’re really excited,” said Susan Gordon, visual artist and instructor with the Shelby County Arts Council.

Florida artist and musician Lennie Jones, artist and singer Elnora Spencer and well-known local artist She-She Vaughn are three featured artists in the exhibit.

The opening reception is March 8 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Blues band 2Blu and The Lucky Stiffs will be performing at the reception and light refreshments will be served. The gallery is family-friendly and free to the public.

According to Gordon, a folk artist is an artist who has not been formally trained.

“They are self-taught. They usually are talented. They have a voice. A lot of folk art is a little bit more primitive,” Gordon said. “School doesn’t necessarily make an artist to me. We wanted to focus on folk artists who have a good reputation where they’re from.”

Gordon reached out to Andrews to curate the exhibit because of his familiarity with the folk art scene.