Art exhibit featuring Selma-area children's work on display Saturday at Old Depot Museum

The creativity of dozens of Selma-area children will be on display this Saturday as the Old Depot Museum hosts a special exhibit featuring artwork created through the All Across Alabama Art Program.

The exhibit will be held June 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at the museum. The artwork will be displayed on lines stretched throughout the building, allowing families to view the pieces before children take them home. Old Depot Museum Director Beth Spivey said the museum, which is normally closed on weekends, is opening especially for the event.

The exhibition grew out of a yearlong project led by Selma artist Jo Taylor, who was selected by the Alabama State Council on the Arts as one of the teaching artists for the All Across Alabama Art Program. The initiative was created after state leaders learned that nearly 40 percent of Alabama students receive no arts education. Artists were assigned to legislative districts across Alabama and tasked with teaching art lessons in libraries, museums and community centers.

Taylor chose to focus much of her work in her home district, leading sessions at the Selma-Dallas County Public Library and with the Edmundite Missions New Youth Possibilities Program. About 40 local children participated, joining more than 3,000 students statewide.

The program concluded with a student exhibition at the Alabama State Capitol in April, where two Selma students had their artwork selected for display.

One was Ever Colburn, whose artwork transformed a snake into the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Taylor said Colburn described the piece as a combination of local heritage and the natural environment.

The second selected artist was Libby Irwin, who created a beach scene that continued to evolve throughout the project, eventually featuring umbrellas, swimmers and even a family of sharks.

Taylor said she wanted the remaining artwork from Selma students to receive recognition as well. Rather than simply returning the pieces to families, she partnered with Spivey to create a local exhibit where the children's work could be celebrated.

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The artwork reflects a wide variety of perspectives on what makes Alabama unique. One student painted the Edmund Pettus Bridge floating among clouds. Another created a space-themed work inspired by NASA's presence in Huntsville. One child drew the Alabama River and listed favorite summertime activities enjoyed there, while another focused on the Selma Police Department and included the message, "God loves you."

Other works feature Alabama beaches, wildlife, landmarks and scenes from everyday life.

Taylor said the program encouraged children to explore their own ideas instead of following a set template.

"Every piece is different because every child chose what Alabama means to them," she said.

The exhibit coincides with Selma's First Saturday activities downtown, which organizers hope will bring additional families into the museum.

Taylor said she hopes the State Arts Council continues the program next year, noting that several parents have already expressed interest in having their children participate again.

Organizers said light refreshments may be available during Saturday's exhibit.