The Shelby County Arts Council plans to host three events during the month of December. All of the events will take place at the Arts Council’s office building in Columbiana.

The 5^th annual Holiday Artist Market will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is included as a stop in the city of Columbiana’s Tour of Homes. Local artists who are members of the Shelby County Arts Council will set up booths at the Arts Council’s gallery and Black Box Theatre.

According to printmaker and Shelby County Arts Council Secretary Lindsay Dyess, visitors can purchase pottery, paintings, drawings, photographs and gourd art at an affordable price. Wooden Spoon Bakery in Columbiana will also sell baked goods. Dyess also said the Holiday Artist Market encourages Shelby County residents to support local businesses.

“It shows people that we have a lot of artists in the area that they might not know about. It encourages people to come here and buy local art, rather than just going to a corporate store, and purchase something really unique,” Dyess said. “It’s a lot of fun, and you can find a lot of really unique pieces.”

The event will also serve as a recruitment tool for new council members. For the first time, the Arts Council will set up a booth with information about council membership.

On Friday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. local Elvis Impersonator Terry Padgett will perform Christmas songs at the Shelby County Arts Council’s Black Box Theatre. The event is sponsored by Lewis Lakes Vineyards. Tickets cost $20 and can be orderedat shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

“People really enjoy it. It’s exciting to see Elvis onstage,” Dyess said.

Local bluegrass band Three On A String will also perform at the Black Box Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. According to Shelby County Arts Council Executive Director Bruce Andrews, Three On A String has played music for about 40 years in the Birmingham area. Andrews said the content is family friendly and takes place during the daytime for those who prefer not to drive at night.

Andrews said tickets to their performances have sold out in the past, but they are currently still available at shelbycountyartscouncil.com for $20. A complementary beverage reception is included in the ticket price. The Three On A String concert is sponsored by Living Water Services.

“If there was ever a popular regional act, they’re it. They’re sort of a new take on vaudeville. They’re funny, musically accomplished and they have a diverse set list,” Andrews said. “It’s superbly entertaining. The only thing it doesn’t have is a mosh pit.”