By CATHERINE LEGG / Community Columnist

It’s a great treat to visit Montevallo’s Parnell Memorial Art Gallery when there is an exhibit by a hometown artist. Art lovers and friends alike will enjoy the very interesting award-winning abstract art of Cecily Orr Hulett, known to family and friends as “Cissy,” currently on display there until June 30.

Hulett grew up in Montevallo and graduated from Montevallo High School in 1960. Her grandfather retired as dean of UM (then Alabama College), and her father was a local dentist who served many years as mayor of the city. Orr Park was named in honor of Mayor Orr.

On graduating from MHS, Hulett went on to gain a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Alabama. She also attended UM, Birmingham Southern and Converse College. She taught school for a few years, lived in Germany for three years and then moved to Montgomery where she now lives. She spends time at the Gulf Coast and in Tennessee where her children and grandchildren live.

In 1997, the artist turned her attention to her art as a profession. Her abstract paintings of beautiful, bold colors and textures have been shown in many southeastern and New England galleries. She won the best of show award at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Exhibition sponsored by the city’s art guild.

A gallery talk and reception honoring Hullet were held at the Montevallo Gallery on May 22. Many of her friends and family were there and enjoyed viewing her paintings and visiting with each other.

Upcoming gallery events sponsored by the Montevallo Arts Council include exhibits of the works of: Donna Chieves, July 5 – Aug. 26; the Arts Council, Aug. 29 – Oct. 20; and Donna McCray, Oct. 24 – Dec. 22. Another of the Arts Council’s projects includes a watercolor workshop led by artist Troy Crisswell scheduled for Sat., July 30 at the library. The cost is $85, which included the workshop, snacks and lunch.

For information regarding the Arts Council’s activities, go to info@montevalloartscouncil.org, For more information about the current artist, go to her website, CecilyHulett.com, or her Facebook page.

She is also on the gallery sites of Galleryonefineart.com and Montystablegalleries.com.

The Library Gallery is open during regular library hours.

Catherine Legg can be reached at clegg2@bellsouth.net