By JENNIFER MAIER / Community Columnist

Actress and story performer Dolores Hydock will take the stage on Feb. 25, 2017 for the Imagine*Create*Inspire Luncheon benefitting the Shelby County Arts Council.

This is the largest fundraiser for the Shelby County Arts Council, and is an annual collaboration among the three Federated Women’s Club of Columbiana: Columbiana Culture Club, Novella Club and Vignette Club. All of the proceeds go to the Shelby County Arts Council.

The three clubs rotate organizing the event each year, with the Culture Club heading up the planning for this year. Chairman for the event is Judy Quick.

“The three AFWC service clubs are honored to host this fundraiser every year and appreciate the support of the community,” said Quick.

The performance by Hydock is a departure from the usual fundraiser, which in the past involved a fashion show featuring local women’s clothing stores, along with models from each of the three clubs.

“The fashion show was popular and very well received,” explained Quick. “After a number of years of fun with that event, a creative idea popped up that would help keep the event fresh as well as highlight the type of entertainers that perform at the Shelby County Arts Council.”

Hydock has performed at the Shelby County Arts Council Black Box venue in Columbiana several times, always to a sell-out crowd. The title of this year’s performance is “Don’t Make Good Potato Salad: Stories of Strong Suggestions and Friendly Advice.”

Emcee for the event is former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Patti Smith.

Funds from the event are used by the Shelby County Arts Council to fund a variety of programming throughout the year. Some programming, such as musical performances and gallery exhibits, are just a small part of the impact the arts council has on the community.

Outreach programs such as ArtAbilities, Writing Our Stories and the Juvenile Detention Center are the heart of what the arts council is about and are constantly evolving and expanding, furthering the impact of the arts council.

Bruce Andrews, executive director of the Shelby County Arts Council, will provide an update about the arts council during the event. Expect to hear some exciting news about the new performing arts center that will be built in Columbiana at Old Mill Square.

Tickets can be purchased from members of the three clubs, or at Busy Hands and the Shelby County Arts Council. Individual tickets are $25, and a reserved table for eight is $250.

The luncheon will take place at First Baptist Church of Columbiana. Doors will open at 10 a.m., at which time attendees can peruse a selection of locally-made art. Lunch will begin at 11 a.m. and is provided by the Fish Market of Hoover.

For more information about the Shelby County Arts Council, visit Shelbycountyartscouncil.com. Those with questions regarding the luncheon can call Judy Quick at (205) 669-6862.