The Chilton County Arts Council is putting the finishing touches on its first Artists’ Showcase and Fall Festival on Oct. 29 and 30 at Jefferson State Community College.

All are invited to attend the debut of what the council hopes will be an annual event featuring art- and craftwork from local and visiting artists.

“The variety of artists is just outstanding,” said President Elizabeth Byrd. “We are bringing to the community people from other places. We want it to be something that people talk about.”

Byrd said the council fulfilled the minimum booth requirement for having a full showcase with about 34 booths.

“We’re excited about that,” Byrd said. “Not only is this a place to purchase items, but it’s going to be a place to just feel real ‘artsy.’

“We want this to be different,” she said. “It shouldn’t be just your run-of-the-mill arts and crafts show.”

Whistlestop Combo and another local band will perform during the two-day event, and Byrd said Anna Curtis, professional ballet instructor at the Chilton County YMCA, will perform or bring some of her students to perform.

“I really think it’s going to be a fabulous weekend,” Byrd said. “I love fulfilling missions the arts council has created and bringing economic benefit to the community.”

Children will be able to help paint a mural, create art on-site and have their faces painted.

The council will hold a raffle ($5 per ticket) for a quilt made and donated by a local family.

The winner of the quilt raffle will be announced in the final hour of the event on Oct. 30 and does not have to be present to win.

The event will be on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 30 from 1-6 p.m. at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center at Jefferson State Community College located at 1850 Lay Dam Road in Clanton.