AUBURN, Ala.- The City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department is proud to announce its 25th annual Adventures in Art program, presented in collaboration with the Alabama State Council on the Arts. This year’s theme is “Adventures in Art: My Muscle Shoals” and will take place Aug. 25-29 for all Auburn City Schools fifth-grade students. A gallery exhibition open to the public will take place Aug. 25-Sept. 13.

This year, the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC) welcomes Muscle Shoals musician and music educator Russell Gulley from Fort Payne, Alabama. His educational program will guide students through a live music performance and historical tour of Muscle Shoals along with a unique and engaging hands-on music writing workshop. JDCAC staff will also lead students in designing vintage-inspired music posters. Along with both hands-on workshops, students will have the opportunity to tour The Gallery exhibition featuring the classic photographic works of artist Dick Cooper.

The JDCAC is honored to showcase the work of Dick Cooper, who began his photography career in Muscle Shoals as a reporter in the early 1970s. Mentored by legendary music producer Jerry Wexler, Cooper built a distinguished career capturing images of renowned musicians such as Bob Dylan, Etta James and Jason Isbell. The gallery show will be open to the public Aug. 25-29 from 12:30-5 p.m. and Aug. 30-Sept. 13 during normal gallery hours. Please note, the Adventures in Art program (Aug. 25-29 from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) is not open to the public.

Adventures in Art is partially funded by a grant through the Alabama State Council on the Arts. Auburn Parks and Recreation extends a heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, hosts and community members for their support of and contribution to the Adventures in Art program. Special thanks to: Alabama State Council on the Arts, Auburn Arts Association, FAME Recording Studio, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, Auburn Area Community Theater, Russell and Dennis Gulley and Dick Cooper.

If you have any questions regarding the Adventures in Art program, please contact Emillie Dombrowski, Art Education Specialist at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center at (334) 501-2944.

Adventures in Art is one of many programs the City of Auburn and its community partners present for students from Auburn City Schools. Over the years, Adventures in Art has become an anticipated arts education program. For more information, contact Emillie Dombrowski, art education specialist, at edombrowski@auburnalabama.org.