By STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – The Shelby County Arts Council is wrapping up its annual Instructor/Student Art Exhibit, which has more than 100 pieces of art on display and highlights the instructors and students who participate in classes at the arts council throughout the year.

The council will host a reception for the exhibit Aug. 22 from 4-7 p.m., where people can meet the instructors behind the classes and learn about new class offerings this fall.

Director of Arts and Education Susan Dennis Gordon said the annual exhibit usually has about 100-125 pieces on display and showcases everything from portraits to watercolors, acrylics, oils, landscapes, floral arrangements, pottery bowls, serving bowls and sculptural work.

The works on display are often available for purchase, and it’s a way for the arts council to showcase what students and instructors are capable of doing, Gordon said.

“There’s a lot of really great work,” she said. “There are a lot of paintings, a lot of pottery, just a really good mix of work.”

Gordon said the exhibit gives students and instructors a chance to participate in a free exhibit for the month of August. Anyone who has taken a class within the last 12 months is allowed to participate, she said.

At the reception, instructors will also hand out information about fall classes, and Gordon said there are several new ones, including a Raku pottery class that will begin Sept. 10, a palette knife painting class Oct. 12 and a new children’s pottery class that will begin after Labor Day.

Music instructors who have taught lessons at the arts council will also perform during the reception.

The exhibit continues through the end of August in the Shelby County Arts Council gallery space, located at 104 Mildred Street in Columbiana. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.  For more purchasing information or information about upcoming classes, call 669-0044 or visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com.