Multi–talented Beth Chapman is a woman who wears many hats.

Her many diverse hats include: wife for 21 years; mother of two sons; author of four books; stand-up comedian; businesswoman; University of Montevallo alum; UM outstanding alumni achievement award winner; magna cum laude master’s graduate from UAB; award-winning writer, whose awards include the George Washington Medal of Honor for her first book, “The Power of Patriotism,”; member of many boards, including the Shelby County Arts Council; former state auditor; and currently, the 51st Alabama secretary of state.

Recently, she emceed the Third-Annual Have a Heart for the Arts fashion show and luncheon to a sold-out crowd of 300 women who were entertained by her good, clean humor. Very few people know Chapman was voted wittiest and campus clown in high school and was a professional stand-up comedian who has opened for such famous acts as Jeff Foxworthy, Carrot Top and Sinbad.

Chapman has combined her love of humor and her hobby of writing with her newly released fourth book, “If God Makes Spiritual Fruit, Then Why Am I a Nut?”

“This book is a comical view of life, my growing up in a small town in the South, having children – teenagers, working in politics, loving gospel music, growing up in the church,” said Chapman. “It is Christian comedy. I wrote the book to share the lighter side of my life. People think I am so serious and I am extremely serious when I need to be. I am very much a business person. But there is a fun side of me, too.”

“If laughter is good medicine, Beth’s book is like a jar full of Carter’s Liver Pills,” said Bill “Bubba” Bussey from the Rick and Bubba Show, quoted on the back cover of the new book.

You are invited to hear the funny side of Chapman on Sunday, May 16, 2010 from 2-3 p.m. at Columbiana United Methodist Church. Admission is $25, which includes one seat for the show, reception following to meet Chapman and an autographed copy of her new book, “If God Makes Spiritual Fruit, Then Why Am I a Nut?” One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the Shelby County Arts Council.

Tickets are available at the SCAC, 104 Mildred St., Columbiana. For information call SCAC at 669-0044 or e-mail info@shelbycountyartscouncil.com. Seating is limited.

Phoebe Robinson can be reached by e–mail at phoeberobinson@bellsouth.net.