By LINDSAY DYESS / Community Columnist

The Shelby County Arts Council kicks off each new year with the annual Fine Folk Art Exhibit.

Curator Teresa Wamble hand-picks each artist for this event.

The artists come from all over the Southeast and, although they are all folk artists, their styles are uniquely their own.

This year’s exhibit will feature the work of artists Mary Ann Casey, Deron Harris, Brian Bohanan, Carter Sanders, Scott McQueen, Ben Smith and Teresa Wamble.

Their work ranges from gourd art to woodwork to painting on non-traditional surfaces and more.

Although each artists’ work is uniquely their own, they are all steeped in the richness and culture of the Southern tradition.

Fine Folk Art V opens on Friday, Jan. 18, from 6-8 p.m.

There will be refreshments, artists talks and live music performed by Rick Carter.

This event is free and open to the public.

The Shelby County Arts Council gallery is located at 104 Mildred St., Columbiana.

For more information on these and other upcoming events, visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com or follow us on Facebook.