By PHOEBE ROBINSON/Community Columnist

Columbiana was honored when First Lady Dianne Bentley emceed the sell-out “Celebration of the Arts” luncheon sponsored by the Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs of Shelby County — Culture, Novella and Vignette — benefitting the Shelby County Arts Council.

The First Lady along with SCAC Executive Director Terri Sullivan spoke of the proposed 26,000 square feet Arts Center to be built in Columbiana and its financial needs.

The Legacy Circle of the “Building the Future” Capital Campaign was presented at the luncheon telling of donor opportunities where Legacy Circle patrons will be remembered on the Donor Wall in the building.

For information, call Terri Sullivan at 215-1136 or terri@shelbycountyartscouncil.com for support opportunities.

After the luncheon, the First Lady visited the SCAC on Mildred Street to see “The Quilt Exhibit,” which features handmade quilts of local artists from early 20th century up to present day.

The exhibit also displays one of Mrs. Bentley’s quilts.

Mrs. Bentley loves to quilt and textile art. During the governor’s campaign, Mrs. Bentley would quilt while her husband campaigned all over the state.

To commemorate this special time, Mrs. Bentley would stitch parts of the ties that the governor wore on the campaign trail into quilt squares.

The First Lady’s tie quilt is on display at the exhibit Feb. 1-Feb. 28.

The Quilt Exhibit is one of Cowboy Day’s special features.

The fifth annual Cowboy Day is Feb. 16, starting at 10 a.m. and Cowboy Parade at 1 p.m.

The Quilt Exhibit Opening Reception is Friday, Feb. 15, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and will be open on Cowboy Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and also Feb. 23, same times, day of the Alabama Cattleman’s Rodeo.

The exhibit features heirloom quilts as well as hand-made quilts by Agnes Poole, Judy Elliott, Sarah Atchison, Duffie Morrison and Sheila Gallops. In addition, Quilts of Valor, Elizabeth Matthews executive director, and Columbiana Quilts 4 Kids, Agnes Poole and Sheila Gallops, co-leaders, will be on display.

Bronze Remington statues celebrating the lifestyle of the south, cowboys, and the Wild West will complete this special quilt exhibit.

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