Vickie Stoudenmire is trying to change Selma for the better.

She wants to let everybody in the world know that this is the place to be for artists.

That’s why she co-founded Arts Revive.

“The thing is, Selma’s really pretty,” she said. “You don’t realize that growing up here.”

Three years ago, the Selma native was still marveling over the rediscovered beauty of her hometown when she and a friend, A.C. Reeves decided to do something about it.

Being an artist herself, Stoudenmire felt the best way to promote the city was to let every artist she could find know about the Queen City.

Reeves and Stoudenmire decided to plan workshops, to attract artists to the city.

“It’s kind of happening on its own,” she said.

The group grew from there, and they’ve been a part of the Black Belt School of Art ever since.

They’ve been holding workshops and get togethers for artists all over the South, drawing talent in locally, and as far away as Atlanta.

Every year, Arts Revive holds a show at the Harmony Club, which has become one of the premier gatherings of the year.

Still, for Stoudenmire, it’s all about supporting Selma.

“When you go to other towns, you see what Selma has,” she said. “It’s just a shame to let Selma go down.”

Stoudenmire feels the infusion of artists into the area will help the city grow economically.

“Artists are an industry in themselves,” she said.

Selma, Stoudenmire said, is perfect for artists.

It’s inspirational setting and inexpensive housing is a paradise for painters and sculptors of all kinds.

“It becomes a tax base,” she said.

Stoudenmire also said the infusion of artists into the community gives Selma something to advertise to incoming industries.

“A lot of artists need small jobs as a subsidy,” she said. This provides an attractive workforce for any industry, according to Stoudenmire.

Stoudenmire said her love of art started when she was a child.

While she was still in middle school, she entered a drawing contest at the Selma Mall. She didn’t win first place, but she got the bug.

She continued drawing through high school, selling portraits to friends for a little extra pocket money, and now she’s a full time artist working hard for the city.

Arts Revive received non-profit status from the IRS this year, and Vickie will continue to make sure the volunteer organization grows as President.

She said the organization is currently seeking more members and is happy for anyone to join.

For more information about supporting Arts Revive, call 418-6999.