The Play Music Hall was abuzz with action Friday night as the Black Belt Benefit Group (BBBG) hosted its annual Art Jam. The funds raised from the event go toward further the organization’s work in the community to promote art and culture.

The space was appropriate for an artistic showing and the brick walls were adorned with a variety of art from artists throughout the community.

“That’s kind of what we’re about, getting an eye on some of these places that need it,” BBBG member Carl Bowline said of the eclectic space. “It’s nice to have the culture and feel of these events.”

Potter Jo Taylor was stationed in a corner beside a beaming space heater crafting on-site beneath a small light.

“Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes it’s easy,” Taylor said of her work. “You never can tell.”

Taylor’s work was on display as the centerpiece to the tables reserved for the sponsors’ dinner that took place earlier in the evening. The dinner gives BBBG members an opportunity to thank the variety of sponsors that contribute to their work throughout the year, including the Alabama State Council on the Arts, Bush Hog, Tally-Ho, Main Street Family Urgent Care, Vaughan Regional Medical Center, International Paper and a variety of others.

Among the art displayed on the walls were enormous, dripping paint renderings of guitars by Chastane, vivid folk art from Charlie Lucas and a variety of work from three generations of Selma natives.

AC Reeves was displaying her work, one piece which featured pieces from the old Woolworth building, as was her mother, Anne Strand, whose work manipulated quilt pieces to create a canvas. Ann Smith Reeves, AC’s daughter, was also displaying work, one piece which featured the likes of Spider Man, Disney princesses, Frida Khalo and Fred Rogers.

“We’re all very creative,” said AC with a smile.

Bowline reminisced on the growth of the organization and its work, which he has been a part of since 2013.

“It’s just kind of ebbed and flowed based on the names and faces of who’s in town,” Bowline said. “The community support has always been phenomenal.”

Bowline recalled how the group was able to wrangle a performance from Jason Isbell before he ascended to national fame. He also celebrated the younger people who are now taking control of the organization, saying that they “keep the energy going.”

Musical performances cranked up later in the evening, with Rick Carter of “Rollin’ in the Hay” fame followed by Willie Sugarcapps, a combination of a number of individually acclaimed musicians from Alabama.