Jan Smith and Janice Falkner view the Alabama School of Fine Arts Exhibit at the Shelby County Arts Council in Columbiana on Oct. 6. | Katie McDowell

By KATIE MCDOWELL / Lifestyles Editor

COLUMBIANA – Students from the Alabama School of Fine Arts exhibited their work at the Shelby County Arts Council Oct. 6.

More than 40 visual arts students displayed their paintings and drawings at the exhibition.

Jaronda Little, ASAF recruiting specialist, said SCAC board president Terri Sullivan first approached the school about the exhibition.

“Terri Sullivan thought it would be a great idea for residents of Shelby County to learn about ASFA right here in their own neighborhood,” Little said.

Several of the school’s students and teachers attended the exhibition, including Darius Hill, the chair of ASAF’s visual arts department.

Hill said the students enter competitions across the state and country, but they typically exhibit their work in Birmingham.

While ASAF is located in Birmingham, Little said they have many students from Shelby County.

“We jumped at the chance,” Hill said of the SCAC exhibit.

ASAF, which was established in 1971, is a public school that serves about 130 students in grades seven through 12. The school is free to all Alabama residents, and charges tuition for out-of-state residents.

ASAF has six areas of study: writing, dance, music, math and science, visual arts and theater.

“What’s different about us is the kids have to audition,” Little said.

The auditions allow school officials to help discover a student’s skill level and passion.

For more information about ASAF, visit Asfa.k12.al.us.