Senior Citizen Classes

Art enrichment classes are held in Senior Centers, strategically located in Alabaster, Heardmont Park, and Pelham. Our programs run the gamut of enrichment classes including art, photography, and individual music lessons, enabling these seniors to gather in social settings. The Shelby County Arts Council will continue to add classes and expand to other Senior Centers as funding becomes available.

At-Risk Youth

Art and Music Therapy is a great way for youth to express themselves and stimulate creativity. In our program called Take Back our Kids, we serve the county’s at-risk youth, age 12-18, at the Shelby County Juvenile Detention Center in Columbiana, the Alternative High School in Alabaster and through scholarships to classes at the Arts Council. Take Back Our Kids is more than art and music classes. It is a way for students to channel their energy through positive and creative self expression. This program/project is funded in part by the Support the Arts License Tag Fund

Special Needs Classes

In 2008-2009, the Shelby County Arts Council taught weekly art classes in 3 elementary schools and 1 high school. Students in these classes were physically and mentally challenged. The classes were tailored to meet their individual needs and give them a positive learning experience. Students eagerly looked forward to “their” special art class each week. As funding becomes available, the Shelby County Arts Council will continue to support and grow these programs at schools in Shelby County.

In School Programs

Through our arts enrichment program, the Arts Council sends musicians, visual artist, performing artists, and authors to schools for workshops across the county as a supplement to their existing arts education. The Arts Council also organizes field trips for Shelby County students to events such as Art Train and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Young People’s Concert. These opportunities are not available through the regularly funded school curriculum.