SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

The Academy of Fine Arts of Shelby County was recently awarded a grant of $35,000 for marketing expenses and tuition assistance.

The grant was approved by the board of directors of The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.

The grant will enable the Academy of Fine Arts of Shelby County to create a greater awareness of the premier arts education classes that it currently offers in its Columbiana facility, spokespersons said. Moreover, the tuition assistance will allow children from all socio-economic levels to participate in the arts, music and theatre classes and camps.

&8220;We are most grateful for the support of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham,&8221; said Terri Sullivan, president of the board of directors of the Academy of Fine Arts of Shelby County. &8220;Our organizations share the goal to reach out to underserved populations. Through the awareness campaign and tuition assistance, more people will know of our amazing classes and camps and will now be able to participate in them.&8221;

New arts education classes are available each month for children and adults. In the summer of 2006 children can participate in a number of art and music camps and in the Missoula Children&8217;s Theatre production of &8220;Betty Lou and the County Beast&8221; in Columbiana (July 24-29) and in &8220;Alice in Wonderland&8221; in Calera (July 31- Aug. 5).

The long-term goal of the Academy of Fine Arts of Shelby County (AFASC) is to build a world-class arts education and performance facility to serve the citizens of Shelby County with premier arts programs. Research conducted for the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham shows that there is a strong interest in providing increased opportunities for people (including families and children) to experience arts and culture closer to home, within their own neighborhoods and communities.

Their study showed that new facilities are needed. The AFASC can address those needs. Also, since there is no arts council in Shelby County, the AFASC intends to take a leadership position to help bring arts groups and the community together.

The plans are to continue strengthening programs throughout 2006-2007 and begin a capital campaign in 2007 with construction to begin in 2008