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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

Art Quest is coming to the Chilton County Arts Council, kicking off with March Gourd Madness.

Organizer Mack Gothard said the events will be a way to bring more attention to the arts council, while providing a place for local artists to display and sell their work.

Monthly events will feature classes, exhibits and vendors at the Arts Council building, 500 Fifth Avenue N in Clanton, on the first Friday of each month March to November. Each day will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The return of March Gourd Madness will be the first of these events on March 4 and 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

Gourd art will be on display and for sale. Those interested in learning the art form or trying a new project can take one of the classes.

Karen Stone will be teaching a class on pointillism to make an owl on a gourd on March 4. On March 5, the class will be about making Santa Claus and gnome ornaments from gourds. Each class is $45 and includes the supplies needed for the project. Space is limited, so registration is required by calling 205-245-9441 or emailing chiltonartscouncil@gmail.com.

Other gourd artists will be onsite doing demonstrations and answering any questions attendees might have.

“A lot of people in our area go to estate sales and different yard sales on Friday mornings, so I said let’s try Friday morning and see how works,” Gothard said.

While galleries and art classes will be available in the Arts Council building, arts and crafts vendors will be set up outside. The vendor fee for members is $15. The fee for non-members is $20.

Those interested in participating in any of the first Fridays as a vendor or teaching a class can contact Gothard at 205-245-9441 or chiltonartscouncil@gmail.com.

Themes for upcoming months are still being set.