Many great artists begin their journey with art at a young age, when given the opportunity.

The Chilton County Arts Council is providing that opportunity once again with a new art show exclusively for children under the age of 18.

The Arts Council’s Rose Gallery will feature children’s art during the month of October, allowing the young artists’ work to be displayed for family, friends and the community.

There is no entry fee, and there will be no contests during the art show.

Rose Gallery Director Sue Anne Hoyt said this is the first time the Arts Council will display exclusively children’s work, but she expects a good turn-out after a successful youth summer art camp.

“It’s an exhibition, an opportunity for them to showcase their talents,” Hoyt said. “It is different seeing your work in the context of a gallery rather than on a school wall or at home.”

All media is accepted, and artwork may be 2D or 3D.

Media options include, but are not limited to, paint, chalk, pencil, pastel, charcoal, watercolor, finger paint, crayon, clay and wood.

“We’re not partial to extravagant pieces, and it doesn’t have to have a fancy frame,” Hoyt said. “We will accept all artwork, no matter whether the child is a beginner or an experienced artist. We’re trying to make it as inclusive as possible.”

2D work must be ready to hang, meaning that either it should be framed or at least have a firm backing such as foam-core.

Media such as pencil, charcoal and pastel should be covered in acetate, plexi or glass to protect it.

A label should be attached to the back of each piece with the name of the artist, title of artwork, age of artist and type of media.

If an artist chooses to sell a piece, he or she may also include a price.

Hoyt said the arts council strives to provide the youth of Chilton County with artistic opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.

“We try to use all of our members’ talents when working with children,” Hoyt said. We see the children as our future, and we are incorporating more and more kid-friendly elements into our art activities.”

In preparation for the children’s gallery, Hoyt said the council is looking for new members and volunteers to help out with this project, as well as various other tasks throughout the year.

There will be a special opening on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 2-4 p.m., allowing the community to view the children’s art show.
The Rose Gallery is also open to the public every Thursday from 1-3 p.m.

“We wanted to honor the kids,” Hoyt said. “We’re planning to make it an annual event.”

Entry forms can be found online at www.chiltoncountyartscouncil.com, at the Rose Gallery or on the Rose Gallery’s Facebook page.

Artists can drop off their artwork at the Rose Gallery on Oct. 1 from 4-6 p.m. or on Oct. 2 from 1-4 p.m.

In addition to the art show, the council will also hold multiple art classes beginning Sept. 8.

Scarlett Teel will teach a children’s art class every Monday night from 6-8 p.m., and an adult class every Tuesday from 6-10 p.m.

For more information on the art show and the Chilton County Arts Council, contact the council at 205-217-3027 or chiltoncountyartscouncil@hotmail.com.