Words by Marla Price | Photos by Al Blanton, Marla Price, and courtesy of WCAC
The Winston County Arts Council (WCAC) was founded with a simple but powerful goal: to give the children of Winston County access to fine arts instruction. Co-founder Theresa Snoddy knew that arts education was more than just drawing or painting—it was a key to unlocking creativity and academic growth.
“Students don’t realize how instruction in the arts helps in academic subjects like math and even science,” Snoddy said. “Facets of art affect people in so many important ways. Art feeds the soul.”
Mrs. Snoddy earned a fine arts degree from The University of Alabama and then taught art and English for decades, spending most of that time at Winston County High School. She was the first teacher in Winston County to earn National Board Certification, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in teaching. Mrs. Snoddy is empowered by that same dedication, combined with a tireless work ethic, to better the lives of students through the WCAC.
From its inception in 2007, the WCAC has grown into a thriving organization that impacts every corner of the county. The primary mission has always remained the same: to provide educational opportunities in the arts for Winston County students. Art instruction has now influenced students in all communities, especially at the elementary level.
Sharon Fike, music teacher at Lynn, is sharing the joy of creating beautiful melodies and harmonies with her students. A lifelong music instructor, Fike has worked with students at Lynn for several years through the after-school program. She is now eager to have the chance to teach students during the regular school day, as she understands the importance of music education in child development.
Students at Meek have enjoyed pottery for the last several years thanks to Sandra Heaven, a WCAC board member and volunteer. After retiring from Wallace State Community College, she jumped at the chance to establish a pottery workshop at Meek, where she continues to teach seventh and eighth grade students. Heaven also offers classes on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday evening to adult students.
Still, Heaven expressed concerns about the limited number of art teachers in the area. “Right now, I’m the only pottery teacher,” she noted.
The WCAC is currently seeking more art instructors to expand program offerings.
A different kind of expansion is happening for the WCAC through the purchase of the Looney’s Amphitheater Complex in 2023. The facility provides space for creative expression and community gatherings, as well as increased tourism and economic opportunities for the area. Mrs. Snoddy described how it was always a dream to have Looney’s going again, both for students and for the people of Winston County.
“This is for all people to enjoy,” Mrs. Snoddy said.
The purchase of Looney’s and its renovation was made possible through legislative support, donors, and grants.
J.D. Snoddy, chairman of the WCAC, has been integral in securing the funding and expressed his thanks to those individuals who have helped this dream become a reality.
“There’s no way we could have done this without all of the support from our community,” said Mr. Snoddy. “We have come a long way, but we still have much to do.”
First on the list of projects was the renovation of the 300-seat Dual Destiny Theater, where the WCAC hosts bluegrass concerts on the first Saturday of each month. Community groups have also used the theater, the most recent being the North Alabama Dance Theater’s “Blue Diamond Dancers.” Students at Addison plan to take to the stage in February, when they will perform Crushed, a one-act play directed by Addison Elementary Principal Cindy Hastings and her husband, Addison Head Football Coach Mark Hastings.
Additional plans include the construction of dressing rooms in Dual Destiny and the restoration of a putt-putt golf course, featuring scenes depicting the history of Winston County. A gift shop and a museum of Winston County will showcase regional history. Additional outdoor seating behind the Lodge will provide guests a scenic overview of the 1500-seat amphitheater. There have even been discussions on constructing a classroom space to be used by school groups and community members.
Continuing with the focus on education, all Winston County and Haleyville fourth graders, including homeschooled students, learned more about their local heritage during History Days on October 27 and 28. This is the WCAC’s third year to provide this unique experience, where students rotate through eight stations, each of which provides lessons on both the past and present of Winston County.
The WCAC is planning similar programs for different grade levels for 2026.
Exciting events are always on the calendar for the WCAC and Looney’s. The band “Three on a String” played a concert on Thursday, October 30th. This Alabama Music Hall of Fame entertained guests with original songs and humorous vignettes.
Looney’s also hosts bluegrass concerts on first Saturdays of the month, beginning at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. This week’s concert will feature the Rice Family and Alan Sean and the Renfroe Valley Medicine Show.
To get in the holiday spirit, come enjoy Looney’s Country Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 6 from 10 am to 2 pm. Guests can hop on a train ride, cozy up around a fire pit with s’mores and hot chocolate, experience live music, sample vendors, and share their wish list with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
WCAC is also bringing back Empty Bowls on Thursday, February 5 at the Double Springs Municipal Building. The event supports both the WCAC and Main Street Ministries, a food bank located in Double Springs. Along with sampling dozens of soups made by local individuals and businesses, attendees will receive an “empty” bowl, a piece of handmade pottery fashioned by volunteers and students, to remind them of the work of the WCAC and Main Street Ministries.
For in every piece of pottery formed, in every note sung, and in every child inspired, when art feeds the soul, a community flourishes. 67
