The Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) invites you to view the 2026 Emerging Artists Exhibition, featuring Calhoun Community College and Athens State University students who take classes at the Alabama Center for the Arts. This free exhibit is now open to the public in the Center’s Walking Gallery.
This year’s exhibit will feature the works of 15 students with a total of 38 pieces of art, many of them available for purchase with 100% of the proceeds going to the artist. The Exhibition is held in conjunction with the River Clay Fine Arts Festival held in historic downtown Decatur on the grounds of City Hall.
The River Clay Fine Arts Festival brings together people from across the region to celebrate the visual arts in all its forms. The juried fine arts festival includes an artist market featuring local and national artists, children’s art activities, student art exhibits, music, food trucks, and much, much more. Situated on the beautiful, park-like setting of Decatur, Alabama’s City Hall Campus, the festival offers a destination for visiting art enthusiasts and area residents to spend time sharing ideas, purchasing art and immersing themselves in the artistic experience.
The Alabama Center for the Arts will have special weekend hours during the River Clay Fine Arts Festival to coordinate with the festival’s hours:
- Saturday, October 24: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, October 25: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Emerging Artists Exhibition will close on Wednesday, October 28. For guests visiting the ACA during the River Clay Fine Arts Festival, the Main Gallery will feature the 8th Juried ACA Faculty & Alumni Art Exhibition through October 29.
During normal hours, the Alabama Center for the Arts is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm and on Friday from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. Admission to the ACA is free and open to the public.
For more information about the River Clay Fine Arts Festival, please visit: https://www.riverclay.org/