The Selma Times-Journal

For the February &8220;Hobby in the Lobby&8221; event, the Selma-Dallas County Public Library will be commemorating Black History Month with a series of events featuring local African-American crafters and artisans.

Twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays. a Dallas County resident will show off their skills to the general public. The public is invited to come, watch, and ask questions.

Crystal Dyer, circulation coordinator for the Selma-Dallas County library, said anyone and everyone who is interested is welcome to attend. Dyer said the 4-5 p.m. time slot is so students and other individuals who have daytime obligations can attend the events.

The series kicks off with Annie Walker, who a cake decorator with Lachae&8217;s Bakery on 8th Avenue. Next will be Barbara Douglas, a newcomer to Selma who will be crocheting. Douglas will be teaching sign language classes in the future, Dyer said.

Winnie Coleman will be showing how to paint art on glass and pillowcases, and a later crafter, Juanita Spivey, will be showing how to sew decorative pillows.

Lafawnda Watson will show the art of jewelry making with necklaces, earrings and bracelets, and Robert Baynes, Selma artist, will be creating work onsite at the library. Janice Hudson of All-in-One restaurant on Broad Street will show her talent for flower arrangement. Individuals who made need help with flowers for special events are encouraged to come.

Dyer said past Hobby in the Lobby participants have gone on to start their own businesses, after the success of their presentations.

As part of Black History Month, the library will also hold featured authors&8217; events that include Julia Cass, Millie Lee Dulaney and Donald P. Stone, and will feature artists Nate Brown, Sheila Lammie Mitchell, and Vernon Spicer.

There will be books available on the Hobby in the Lobby crafts and black history for people to check out.

Hobby in the Lobby is now in its second year. &8220;It&8217;s a lot of fun,&8221; Dyer said. &8220;People really enjoy it.&8221;