After twelve years at the helm of the Shelby County Arts Council (SCAC), Executive Director Bruce Andrews recently stepped away from his position, leaving behind a thriving arts community, strengthened regional identity, and model of collaboration that has drawn attention far beyond Columbiana. For Bruce, the milestone is less about personal achievement and more about what can happen when a community agrees to dream together.
“If I had to pick one major accomplishment,” says Bruce, “ it would be leading a collaborative effort between our nonprofit arts organization, a municipal government, county government, and a strong array of donors and grantors.” Many communities, he notes, are still asking how SCAC managed to build such a robust arts system in a small town. His answer always begins the same way: pointing to the people. “I’m proud of the organization as a whole, and it always begins with bragging on the city of Columbiana and on those who saw fit to share the vision of enhancing the quality of life in the area and for the community,” he says.
Bruce Andrews
Musician Bobby Horton, left, is seen chatting with Bruce Andrews at the Shelby County Arts Council in Columbiana.
From Artist to Administrator
Bruce’s journey to arts leadership was anything but linear. Before becoming an administrator, he spent decades as a working artist and musician, experiences that gave him a rare dual perspective. “There were times in my life when I had to meet the needs of art clients just to pay my bills,” he says. “Knowing that side of the creative coin is valuable.”
His understanding of community arts deepened when he was invited to design and teach an arts program in the county’s juvenile detention center, a program that continues today. “It was amazing to see the redemptive aspect of creative activity.” Writing the grant narrative that extended the program became his unexpected entry into nonprofit work. Running a growing arts organization demanded sacrifices. “I never completely balanced my creative pursuits with administrative work,” Bruce says. “Much of my personal art had to be set aside.” However, he feels the trade-off was worth it. Like anyone who leads an organization, the work requires an all-in commitment—and Bruce is proud of the results.
Bruce Andrews
Transforming the Arts Culture
During the past decade, Bruce watched the Shelby County arts scene expand dramatically. Data backs that growth, but stories illustrate it. One of SCAC’s most notable accomplishments is the Song Theater, a venue that has drawn audiences from across the country. While most patrons live within 100 miles, roughly half come from outside the county. For Bruce, this demonstrates a powerful truth. “People will drive to a small town to see their favorite artist—and they’ll spend money in the community when they do,” he says. Some of the venue’s success stories have become part of local lore, including early performances by the Red Clay Strays, now CMA Award winners and one of the hottest rock bands in the country.
Bruce Andrews
Bruce with Grammy winner Bobby Rush
Programs that Change Lives
When asked which SCAC programs have had the greatest impact, Andrews doesn’t hesitate: “That’s easy—all of them!” Still, certain moments stand out. He highlights classes for adults with disabilities from the ARC of Shelby County—taught by Chris Cruz—as especially meaningful. (“They love her!” says Bruce.) Outside his former office, he listened to the “refreshing and inspirational” sound of music teachers coaching student musicians one-on-one. And he speaks with pride about the pottery community and the campus’s full metal arts foundry led by master craftsman Nelson Grice, whose sculptures—including the “Miss Fancy” elephant at Avondale Park—are visible all over town.
Bruce Andrews
Bruce with Southern Rock legend Jimmy Hall
Looking Ahead and Letting Go
As SCAC begins its search for a new executive director, Bruce hopes to see someone who not only embraces the mission, but also lives it. “We believe the infusion of arts and culture into a community raises the value of that community at every level,” he says. The next leader must be able to create, launch, nurture, and fund arts programs, and also collaborate with city, county, and state stakeholders. “The nucleus of our organization is a viable community of artists, and if that community is nurtured and grows, everything we need to bless the community grows out of that.”
Bruce resists talk of legacy. “As long as I’m a good husband, father, grandfather, and friend—that would be cool,” he says. But he’s confident he gave SCAC his best effort. “I believe God assigned me to it, and now it’s time to pass that baton.” He looks forward to returning to his creative roots: watercolor painting, songwriting, and perhaps finally writing the illustrated book he has long imagined. Or maybe, he jokes, he’ll simply enjoy a cup of coffee while staring at the horizon.
A Message to Future Creatives
To young artists and aspiring arts leaders, Bruce offers clear advice: Create opportunities for people to gather. “Community is more important than ever,” he says. “AI is growing and could be a good assistant for creativity, or it could be considered a replacement to human creativity. It’s vital to counter that by being hands-on, transparent, and engaging.” Do that, he says, and “you have something that can grow.”
For more information about the Shelby County Arts Council, visit shelbycountyartscouncil.com.