By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

The Shelby County Arts Council is one of Shelby County’s best treasures whose mission is “to support, nurture, and promote the arts and cultural opportunities in Shelby County, Alabama.”

The Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs of Shelby County — Columbiana Culture Club, Novella Club of Columbiana and the Vignette Club — are hosting a benefit luncheon Saturday, Feb. 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Columbiana to showcase this wonderful organization.

Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley will emcee the event called “A Celebration of the Arts.”

“The First Lady is so excited to be able to come to the luncheon for she has a great love of the arts,” said Vignette Carol Hill. “We are so honored that she changed her plans from a previous commitment to be able to come. While campaigning for Governor Bentley, Mrs. Bentley would quilt, sometimes using ties worn by the Governor on the campaign trail. One of her quilts will be on display at the SCAC during the month of February at the SCAC Quilt Show. After the luncheon, I will take Mrs. Bentley to see her quilt at the SCAC.”

The SCAC Quilt Show will begin Feb. 1 at the SCAC Gallery, 104 Mildred Street, Columbiana.

The three federated clubs have supported the SCAC for years with a benefit luncheon to raise much-needed funds. This year, Luncheon Chair Novella’s Peggy Wood and her clubwomen committee decided to revamp the luncheon and include an art sale, starting at 10 a.m., featuring noted artists where all the proceeds benefit the SCAC. Belk will provide fashions modeled by clubwomen, their children and grandchildren, as well as Miss Shelby County Jamie Brooks, Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen Sydney Slaughter and Ms. Senior Alabama Niva Dorough, who will also entertain.

Vignette Nancy Drakos, owner of the Fish Market in Hoover and Greystone with her family, will provide the food assisted by clubwomen, who will make the desserts.

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at Busy Hands, from all clubwomen, SCAC 669-0044, or call Peggy Wood for information, 669-9073.

 

Phoebe Donald Robinson can be reached by email at phoeberobinson@bellsouth.net.