By JENNIFER MAIER / Community Columnist

Fashion, food and fun was enjoyed by those that attended the Shelby County Arts Council Fashion Show on March 12 at the First Baptist Church of Columbiana.

This much-anticipated annual event is the largest fundraiser for the arts council, with all proceeds from the sale of tickets and the art sale going to benefit the non-profit organization.

The show is a combined effort of three GFCW-Alabama Clubs in Shelby County: Culture Club, Vignette Club and Novella Club.

The emcee for the event was Clare Huddleston, a reporter for WBRC Fox 6 News.

This was the first year that a creative hat contest was part of the event.

Several women from each of the clubs decorated hats to wear as part of the “Hats Off to the Arts” contest.

Those in attendance were able to cast monetary votes for the best hat.

Competition was stiff as each contestant brought their own unique creative spirit to the event.

I was honored that my bird’s nest themed hat was chosen as the winner.

The contest raised $344, with all proceeds going to benefit the arts council.

Bruce Andrews, executive director of the Shelby County Arts Council, spoke to the crowd about the importance of art to improving the quality of life in a community.

He premiered a new video, created by Phillip Pritchard of Video Visions, which highlighted the Art Abilities outreach program. Art Abilities is a program designed specifically for children with special needs.

A tribute was paid to Edna Sealy, who has been the teacher of this program since its inception.

Candice Chenault presented Sealy a work of art created by her students at the Warrior Center, which serves students with special needs in the Alabaster school system.

“I have also personally benefitted from Art Abilities as a mom,” explained Chenault, who has a child that has grown up through the program. “I am president of the Edna Sealy fan club.”

While enjoying a lunch catered by Nancy Drakos of the Fish Market restaurant, attendees of the event watched a fashion show with women’s clothing from Bella’s, Cato, Chico’s, Davis Gift and Sassy Sisters.

The child models stole the show in their outfits from Sew Precious and Maggie Rae’s.

Special guest models included Hayley Barber, Miss Shelby County; Kyra Callens, Miss Shelby County Outstanding Teen; Isabella Powell, Miss Circle City; and Sara Jo Burks, Ms. Senior Shelby County.