ELKMONT ARTIST IS RECOGNIZED

Inside the Alabama Center for the Arts, spectators will get a glimpse into the lives of the artists during the third annual Faculty and Alumni Show. Unveiled Monday, the newest exhibit to the downtown Decatur gallery features 96 pieces from 32 artists.

There is a photograph of a young woman wearing a firefighter’s uniform called “Overcoming All Obstacles” by Julie Odom, of Elkmont.

“This is my daughter. She is 22 and is a member of Ardmore’s volunteer fire department,” Odom said. “I love to take photographs of her in her suit, but she does not like being the subject of photos at all. In most of the photos, she is making a goofy face or rolling her eyes at me.”

Not in the one Odom selected for the exhibit. In “Overcoming All Obstacles,” Odom’s daughter faces the camera, her hands clutching the helmet with the identifying words “Ardmore” and “Odom.” A sense of calmness and focus appear on her face.

“I get emotional when I see the photo because she’s not only overcome being a female in a male-dominated occupation, she has overcome her anxiety and issues with confidence,” Odom said. “When she steps into that suit and helps someone, a calmness and confidence comes over her.”

The photograph is one of 26 pieces honored as a juror’s choice selection. The recognized works span all mediums — photography, acrylic, oil, watercolor, pen and ink, bronze, mixed media, jewelry and sculpture.

Where: Alabama Center for the Arts, 133 Second Ave. N.E., Decatur

When: Today-Sept. 29, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays to Thursdays, 8 a.m. to noon, Fridays.

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