By Oniska Blevins | The Selma Times-Journal

Alabama born artists have been preparing for ArtsRevive’s 16th annual juried art show, Alabama Artists: Roots and Wings.

The art show has grown in popularity, and this year it garnered 178 entries. A jury of four selected the top pieces that will be displayed Friday, April 27 at the art show’s opening reception at the Carneal Building located at 3 Church St.

The show will start at 6:30 p.m., and refreshments will be served.

ArtsRevive executive director Becky Youngblood said the show just keeps getting better with time.

“I think the quality of work this year is really good,” she said. “As the show has grown over the years, the quality of work has improved as well.”

The name, Alabama Artists: Roots and Wings, has a special meaning. The “roots” artists are those who currently live in Alabama and the “wings” are artists that are from Alabama but now live and work elsewhere.

“You have to have an Alabama connection,” Youngblood said.

Youngblood said she is happy with the forward progression she is seeing.

“Overall I think it’s gone pretty well,” she said. “It’s coming together.”

The opening reception is for members only, but membership forms will be accepted at the door or people can join ahead of time by visiting ArtsRevive’s website.

“The opening reception is for ArtsRevive members only; however, you can join at the door,” she said.

The membership fee for an individual is $30 and $50 for a family and will be valid for one year. ArtsRevive president Gale Bedgood said art and art shows like this one opens a new world of possibilities for children and helps them dream outside the norm for their future.

“I think that’s phenomenal that you open up an avenue they might not have thought of,” Bedgood said.

She said there are bigger and more important things in the world that can be accomplished through art.

“I think that art is a unifier,” Bedgood said. “I think diversity can come to a common good through art.”

This year, the art show was sponsored by First Cahawba Bank, and both Youngblood and Bedgood said they are happy for the collaboration.