By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON/For the Reporter

COLUMBIANA – Since 2005, the Shelby County Arts Council, a 501 c3 non-profit, has strived to fulfill its mission “to support, nurture, and promote the arts and cultural opportunities to Shelby County.”

The accomplishments have been far-reaching, including arts and music classes and outreach programs – from a small, rented storefront in downtown Columbiana. The SCAC is ready to move to the next phase – a state-of-the-art, 26,000-square-foot Performing Arts and Education Center located on 1.5 acres of land in the heart of Columbiana.

The SCAC held a capital campaign launch party Dec. 15 to raise funds the proposed center. Executive Director Bruce Andrew served as emcee storyteller Dolores Hydock and film maker Andy Erwin were the special guests.

SCAC founder Terri Sullivan shared the vision for the new arts center which will house a 450-seat black box performance theater, dressing rooms, orchestra rehearsal hall, practice rooms, art gallery, catering kitchen, pottery room, visual arts room and photo/music room. The facility will also be available for private events as wedding receptions and parties.

The silent phase of the capital campaign has raised approximately half of the money needed for the new building as the public phase now launches. Naming opportunities are available for large donations.

The 3,000 for $1,000 “Building for our Future” campaign has been established, which would complete the funding for the building. If 3,000 people each give $1,000, the arts center could be built to enrich the citizens of Shelby County. That is only $333 for three years or $28 a month for 36 months.

Hydock told stories how the power of art, theater, reading and music has enriched her life. Erwin, a Shelby County native who produced “October Baby” with his brother, John, shared his love of Alabama and working in the South.

Sullivan also shared the economic benefits of the arts center. She said Columbiana is the perfect setting for the center because it is centrally located between Interstate 65 and U.S. 280, has plenty of parking, is safe and would provide new audience opportunities.

Call 205-669-0044 or email Terri@shelbycountyartscouncil.com to donate a tax-deductible gift.