Smart art

Most people think of music when they think of Muscle Shoals, home of the renowned FAME Studios.

But thanks to the Muscle Shoals school system, the town also is becoming known for its art - and a new exhibit at the board of education office is proof.

"We are very proud of the fact that we now have art taught in every grade," said Debbie Bradford, director of the Muscle Shoals Education Foundation, "and that we have so many artists who have come through Muscle Shoals schools and gone on to make names for themselves. We thought that an exhibit would show the public how much Muscle Shoals schools value and support art."

Bradford organized the display that features works by Muscle Shoals art teachers and former students.

The exhibit, in a meeting room in the Muscle Shoals Board of Education offices, 3200 S. Wilson Dam Road, is open for viewing weekdays during normal business hours.

Artists represented include Jean Schulman, the first art teacher at Muscle Shoals High School, who was recently named Alabama Retired Arts Teacher of the Year; Ronnie Riner, a student of Schulman's and the current high-school art teacher; Tambra Howard, art teacher at Muscle Shoals Middle School; Randall Holland, a potter who was a student at Muscle Shoals High School in the 1970s; and Michael "Nick" Nichols, a National Geographic photographer who also attended Muscle Shoals High School.

More works are on the way, including some by Walt Disney World character-sketch artist Walt Vandiver, who was a student of Riner's at Muscle Shoals High School in the mid-1990s.

Several of the artists have won awards and had their works exhibited throughout the state - and beyond.

"One the neatest things about Muscle Shoals art is how connected everyone is," Bradford said.

For example, also on display are works by Anna Riner, Ronnie Riner's daughter and a graduate of Muscle Shoals High School, in the style of Schulman's batiks. Schulman is nationally recognized for her batiks, which she makes with natural clays. Some are even at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Passing that legacy of art from one generation to another is important, Ronnie Riner said.

"Art is very important to our children in so many ways. It gives them a chance to tell their story and to tell the world who they are. It also provides a release for their emotions in much the same way as music helps to express their uniqueness," he said. "As for us older artists and artists as a whole, I believe it is our responsibility to continue the legacy of inspiration to younger students who desire to become future artists."

Howard agreed.

"Art skills can be learned. Students learn to accept themselves when creating art, because art is personal and distinctive to each student. By accepting that we all make different products in art and each is an acceptable solution, we learn to accept ourselves as individuals and to respect differences," she said.

Vandiver is pleased to be included in the exhibit, he said.

"It's a great idea to have a permanent collection to showcase artwork from already established artists in the area and it's a great opportunity for younger artists to have their works be seen.

I just really appreciate that they asked me to be a part of it."

Cathy Wood can be reached at 740-5733 or cathy.wood@timesdaily.com