Central Alabama Arts Alliance - Serving Chilton County Through the Arts

At the Central Alabama Arts Alliance, our mission is rooted in creating equitable access to the arts for all members of our community—especially those who are underserved. We envision becoming a central hub for artistic expression in Chilton County by promoting inclusive participation in the Visual, Performing, and Literary Arts. Our goal is to uplift marginalized voices and foster creativity that reflects the diverse cultural fabric of our region.

Having established roots in Chilton County, Vice President Russell Lawlis (of Lawlis Music) and President Deanna Lawlis (of The Artsy Bean) brought with them a deep history and passion for the arts. Drawn to the area's charm and cultural richness, we quickly recognized a need for accessible arts programming, particularly for families and individuals who have historically lacked exposure to or resources for arts engagement.

Soon after relocating, we immersed ourselves in community work. Russell began offering guitar instruction throughout the region—covering electric, acoustic, and bass guitar—while Deanna contributed as a community columnist for the Clanton Advertiser and led children's art classes through various local arts councils.

Out of our shared commitment to community enrichment, we launched the Central Alabama Arts Alliance with the express purpose of bringing high-quality, inclusive arts education to all ages and income levels. We have actively sponsored children from underserved families to participate in our art and music programs, ensuring that economic hardship does not limit creative opportunity.

Our nonprofit, which officially became a 501(c)(3) organization on December 5, 2023, was formed specifically to expand our capacity to offer free or low-cost arts education and cultural events to underserved communities in Chilton County. Every grant and dollar raised is directed toward eliminating barriers to participation in the arts.

Our partnerships reflect this mission. In collaboration with the Chilton-Clanton Public Library, we developed The Gallery on 1st, providing a space for emerging local artists to exhibit their work, and the Color Our World Free Paint Party invites 50–70 children from all backgrounds to explore visual art at no cost. We also work with Piper Peach Radio to celebrate Juried Exhibit winners, with Minooka Park to promote local plein-air artists through the Minooka Art Walk, and with Relay For Life to support children in need during the holidays.

Additionally, we sponsor and host two annual Artist Markets, free to both artists and attendees, creating direct-to-community platforms for local creatives to sell their work. We also write the monthly Artist Spotlight column in the Clanton Advertiser and engage with local schools, senior groups, and businesses to further promote the arts.

To date, nearly all of our earnings have been reinvested into scholarships for underprivileged children, event sponsorships, and support for emerging artists. Our growth has been organic and community-driven, and we remain fully committed to serving those who need us most.

At the Central Alabama Arts Alliance, we believe that art is not a luxury—it is a right. Through strategic collaborations, community outreach, and grassroots programming, we are actively building an arts ecosystem that welcomes everyone, regardless of background or income.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue this work and for your consideration in supporting our efforts to enrich the lives of Chilton County’s underserved communities through the transformative power of the arts.

At the Central Alabama Arts Alliance, we are proud to offer a wide variety of inclusive, affordable arts programs designed to enrich the lives of children, adults, and families throughout Chilton County. Whether you're just starting your creative journey or looking to sharpen your skills, there’s something here for everyone.

MUSICAL ARTS – Through Lawlis Music
Taught by Russell Lawlis

Private Music Lessons in Acoustic, Electric, and Bass Guitar, Ukulele, and Beginner Drums

Tuesdays & Wednesdays

$80/month (Four 30-minute sessions)

All Ages | All Skill Levels | All Styles

Contact: 334-294-9234



VISUAL ARTS – Through The Artsy Bean Studio

Weekly Classes

Jellybeans (Ages 2–4): A toddler “Me + 1” introduction to Visual and Musical Arts

Mondays, 9:00am–10:00am | $70/month


Sketch Club (Ages 12–16): Weekly sketching technique and illustration training

Mondays, 4:00pm–5:00pm | $70/month


ARTiculate (Ages 5–11): Hands-on exploration in painting, sculpting, fabric, and mixed media

Mondays, 5:00pm–6:00pm | $70/month


Expressions Paint Sessions (Ages 12–15): Beginner paint class inspired by Bob Ross & others

Thursdays, 4:00pm–5:30pm | $85/month – All materials provided


One-on-One Instruction (Ages 5–110): Personalized visual arts coaching

$100/month – Message us for scheduling



All children’s classes include access to a Private Parent Group for sharing student work and class updates.

Monthly & Special Events

1st Friday Paint Night (Ages 5–12):

First Friday each month, 6:00pm–8:00pm | $30 per child – Snack included


Muses & Mediums Adult Paint Class (Ages 16–110):

Saturdays, 10:00am–12:00pm | $85/month – All supplies included


Mobile Paint Parties: We bring the art to you!

$30 per person – Great for birthdays, groups, and special events



Workshops & Guest Artists

Saturday Specialty Workshops: Rotating sessions taught by guest artists

Age groups and costs vary – Follow us for upcoming dates and details



Community Programs & Collaborations

Gallery on 1st: A rotating exhibit in partnership with the Chilton-Clanton Public Library, showcasing artists of all ages.

Publicly Juried Exhibits: With Piper Peach Radio announcing community-selected winners.

Outreach Support: Proud partners of Color Our World, Pop Look & Company, Crowd of Three (via Lawlis Music), and Toad Stroke Studios.

Community Voice: We write the Artist Spotlight column in the Clanton Advertiser, celebrating local talent.



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Join us in celebrating creativity, self-expression, and community through the arts.
For registration, sponsorship opportunities, or mobile event inquiries, please reach out—we’d love to hear from you!

The Central Alabama Arts Alliance has created meaningful and lasting impact throughout the Chilton County community by making the arts accessible, engaging, and community-driven. Through our work, we have provided transformative cultural experiences to hundreds of children, families, and seniors—many of whom would otherwise have limited or no access to the arts.

Our commitment to inclusion and community uplift is evident in the many ways we serve:

Free Community Events: We have organized and sponsored free art-based events, including paint parties for seniors, offering creative expression opportunities and social engagement for an often-overlooked population.

Charitable Participation: We have actively taken part in multiple fundraising efforts for local charities, offering time, talent, and resources to uplift community causes.

Youth Sponsorships: We have contributed financial support to sponsor local children’s involvement in school, sports, and arts activities—ensuring that financial hardship does not limit a child's potential or creative growth.

Arts Access for Underserved Youth: Through dedicated scholarships and outreach, we have sponsored the participation of under-resourced children in both Visual and Musical Arts classes, opening doors for creative exploration and personal development.

Support for Local Businesses: Our team has contributed to the success of locally owned businesses by providing free face painting and window mural art at community events, increasing foot traffic and community engagement.

Economic Impact: Beyond programming, we make a point to support small, local businesses with our purchases and operational needs, thereby reinvesting in the local economy.


Through these initiatives, we have not only elevated artistic expression in Chilton County but also strengthened community connections, nurtured creativity across generations, and contributed to the overall economic and social vitality of our region. Our work is not simply about art—it’s about access, empowerment, and community resilience.

We remain deeply committed to building an inclusive arts ecosystem that reflects and serves the heart of Chilton County.