“The reason I asked him is because I wanted someone who had a connection with that world to bring that world to our gallery. He has a great eye for art,” she said.

The gallery is located at 104 Mildred Street in Columbiana. Exhibit hours are Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit will be on display until April 26.

“All three (artists) are very different, but a great combination,” Gordon said. “Bruce did a great job bringing them together.”

The SCAC tried to get artists the local community had not been exposed to.

“You may never get the opportunity to see these artists again. We wanted to give the community exposure to other important artists that we don’t normally get to see,” Gordon said.

In addition, the SCAC will be hosting a workshop at the Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Columbiana March 9 with the help of artist Lennie Jones.

During the workshop, Jones will speak to around 30 students about his life story and assist them in creating one-of-a-kind paintings, said Terri Sullivan, founder and president of the Shelby County Arts Council.

“Some of the trials he went through growing up as a young man maybe weren’t the best decisions in his life, and now he’s turned that around,” Sullivan said of Jones’ testimony. “He’s used his art to give back to the community and people.”

The arts council has taught several series of photography classes and pastel drawing classes on a weekly basis at the juvenile detention center, but it’s the first time the council has done a one-time workshop.

“Given the circumstances and why (the juveniles) are in there, I’m not sure they’re excited about a whole lot, but they warm up to us,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said art is a good way for the youths to cope with internal emotions.

“It’s a great way for them to express themselves and their creativity. Even in that bad situation they can do something positive and creative,” she said. “I’m really grateful that Lennie was willing to go in and do this workshop and allow us to host him. He will have an impact on the youth.”

“I think it’s a good thing for the youth to hear from someone who’s been in their shoes and was able to turn their lifestyle around,” she added.