Lynn Dodson to mark 10th teaching anniversary with SCAC exhibit

Story by Lindsay Dyess

Photograph Contributed

The Shelby County Arts Council has been fortunate to host a wealth of great artists over the years.

Whether they are visiting, taking classes or teaching, we get to be a part of their creative world if only for a short time.

One such artist is Lynn Dodson. Dodson has spent many years inspiring students and fellow artists at the Shelby County Arts Council.

Now the gallery proudly opens its doors to a very special exhibit of Dodson’s work celebrating her 10^th anniversary of teaching for the SCAC.

Dodson’s love of painting began when she was just a teenager. She was not pleased to leave her friends behind when her family moved from Homewood to Shelby County.

Her mother contacted a family friend and artist, Orville Allen, and asked if he had room in his painting classes for one more student.

“His reply was, ‘I’ll make room!’ … and he did,” says Dodson. “I’ll always be indebted to him.”

After those first painting classes she went on to get a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Montevallo and has worked full-time as a freelance artist since then.

She draws inspiration for her work from a variety of sources.

“Light on an object, shadows, colors, textures, fabrics, songs … and the list goes on,” says Dodson. “Visiting galleries and museums also charges my creative battery.”

Dodson began teaching painting at the SCAC 10 years ago. Since then she has gone on to teach numerous students and produce countless works of art.

“Over the years I have taught painting classes, drawing classes, mixed-media workshops, youth art camps and even an overnight painting retreat. I’ve been blessed with so many wonderful students and I have learned so much through teaching them,” Dodson says. “The exchange between student and teacher is very gratifying to me.”

“Art by Lynn Dodson” opens Thursday, Nov. 3 at the SCAC gallery. The opening reception will be from 6-8 p.m.

Come see an incredible collection from Dodson’s long career and meet the artist herself.

“I hope everyone will come out to the opening,” says Dodson. “I’ve worked hard to deliver a body of work that will hopefully be exciting to experience. Who knows, it might even spark you to sign up for a class.”

Dodson also has some advice for all creative types: “Do what you love and love what you do. Don’t be afraid of hard work. Practice makes perfect, so practice, practice, practice. It’s OK if every attempt doesn’t result in a masterpiece. Learn from every experience. Never stop learning!”