8th annual Riverchase Loves Artists Art Show

The eighth annual Riverchase Loves Artists Art Show, sponsored by the Riverchase Women’s Club, will be Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Notable artists from around Alabama will be exhibiting and selling their work in a variety of mediums, including oil and watercolor paintings, jewelry, metal, wood, pottery, glass, photography and fiber art. Admission is free.

“I think the reason it has become a favorite is that our mixture of artists brings something for everyone,” said Lynne Cooper, art show chairman. 

Cooper said this year’s show will feature new and returning artists and said a wide range of talents will be represented.

“From jewelry to pottery to paintings and furniture to glass and textiles, we have searched our area for the best of the best,” Cooper said.

In addition to buying art, Cooper said guests will have the opportunity to enjoy food and drink while they shop.

“Having the show indoors is another big plus,” Cooper said. “Patrons can shop, eat and even enjoy a glass of wine.”

Cooper said that what makes the Riverchase Loves Artists show unique is that all proceeds benefit three local charities: Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, the Amelia Center and the Exceptional Foundation.

Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama is a nonprofit organization serving patients, caregivers and professionals. The Exceptional Foundation offers social and recreational activities to individuals with special needs.

The Amelia Center was created by one of the art show’s featured artists.

 “Since our show benefits three charities, it takes on a very special dimension,” Cooper said. “One of our artists, George Elliott, founded the Amelia Center, a grief counseling center, when his daughter, Amelia, was killed in a car accident.” 

Elliott is a photographer based in Vestavia Hills and is also the former executive director of the Nonprofit Resource Center of Alabama. His daughter Amelia, who died at age 17, inspires his photography.

“Often I take photographs of our world for her,” Elliot said of his daughter, “because she didn’t have a chance to see all she should have. I share them because she would want you to see the beauty around us each day and tell you to take it all in.”

Artist Michael Davis has been with Riverchase Loves Artists since the very beginning and has been accepted into numerous art shows and exhibitions. 

He paints watercolors inspired by the southern landscape. New artists featured at the show this year include Susan Baird and Paula Reynolds. Baird is a Birmingham-based artist whose drawings and paintings reflecting nature have been featured at Alabama Symphony Show Home. Reynolds creates pottery and sculptures and is co-owner of Artists Incorporated Art Gallery in Vestavia Hills.

Cooper hopes the community will come out and support all the artists and local charities.

“It is a fun show to look and buy,” Cooper said. “It also allows our entire community to come together for a worthy cause.”

Visit riverchaselovesartists.com.