By Sarah Cook

The Selma Times-Journal

 

After serving as president of the Selma Art Guild for four years, Sally Jordan is stepping down, but she won’t be abandoning her love of art.

During her four years as president, Jordan has launched programs and increased membership at the Art Guild, a place where local artists can proudly display their talents.

“It’s been busy because we’ve had different programs and tried to spruce up the Art Guild and make it look better inside and outside,” Jordan said.

Jordan has taught classes in pine needle basket-making, watercolor painting, mosaics and many other areas of art.

“One time with the pine needle basket-making workshop that I taught, one person said they really liked it and a couple of other people said they now knew they wouldn’t want to do that,” Jordan recalled with a smile.

Her love of art developed from her role as mother and teacher. Jordan said, while raising children and teaching a school class, art often played a big part.

“I’ve always liked art and I’ve always had an artistic flair,” said Jordan, who was a full-time mother for 17 years before she became a teacher. “You get to teach art as an elementary teacher, and when I was a mother at home, I was always doing art projects with my children.

Jo Taylor, Art Guild board member, said Jordan’s leadership in the Art Guild has been invaluable.

“Sally’s wonderful,” Taylor said. “She has started programs and opened up the program so much. With her as president, membership has increased and members have become more active in community events.”

One of her favorite events, Jordan said, is the artist of the month program, which features a different artist and their form of media.

“This month we have a man from Montgomery,” Jordan said. “It’s always interesting and I like that.”

Jordan also said she feels that the Art Guild plays a vital role in bringing outsiders to Selma.

“When people come in to the area, they stop and buy gas, they eat lunch, but I think they also appreciate the beauty of Selma,” Jordan said. “And that is what the Art Guild does.”

Jordan said her reason for stepping down as president is mainly to gain more personal time and focus on her artwork.

“I am going to try and do some local shows,” Jordan said. “So I have to get some inventory for that. I really just need some time to get some creativity back.”

Jo Pate and Louella Clements will serve as the Guild’s new co-presidents. Jordan said she knows they will do a great job and looks forward to seeing what they do for the Guild.

“I think the Art Guild will certainly continue to be a vital part of the community,” Jordan said.