Bruce Andrews brings wealth of talent, experience to Shelby County Arts Council

By Katie McDowell

Photos by Jon Goering and Contributed 

Bruce Andrews has held many jobs during his adult life.

He’s owned a gallery/coffee house, worked in sales and at Starbucks. First and foremost, though, he’s an artist and musician. Those other jobs have provided the financial means for him to pursue his twin passions of painting and music.

“I’ve always been an artist,” he said. “Figuring out how to make a living with that has always been a (challenge.)”

Bruce now finds himself in a new role as executive director of the Shelby County Arts Council, a Columbiana-based non-profit organization. In this new position, Bruce gets to draw upon experience as a professional artist and share that knowledge with a new generation.

The timing is perfect. The SCAC is looking to expand its reach, and recently launched a capital campaign to raise funds for a state-of-the-art performing arts center in Columbiana. For Bruce, the position offers a chance to use his passion for the arts and experience as a professional artist for a good cause.

“Sometimes you take jobs because you need the money. Sometimes you take jobs because you have to move,” he said. “And then every once in a while it’s the right place, right time. You say to yourself, ‘This is obviously what I need to be doing.’ I’d say it’s the right place, right time.