MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Mountain Valley Arts Council volunteers have installed the 2026 exhibit of local artists’ artwork in Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth’s office suite in Montgomery, where it will be appreciated by hundreds of legislators and visitors through May 2026. The exhibit includes the work of Howard King from Cullman.
“This exhibit is the eighth thanks to Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth and his former Secretary of Staff Judy Miller of Arab,” the MVAC said in a media release. “This exhibit is shortened since the State House will be razed later this year.”
The exhibit is especially diverse with the five different art mediums. Featured MVAC artists include Elizabeth Brown of Guntersville, with a stained glass piece called “Tennessee River Valley;” Emily Busby of Guntersville, with a ceramic bowl; Howard King of Cullman, with three wood-turned pieces called “The Soul of Wood,” “Pyro Opus 33” and “Pyro Opus 34;” Becky H. Scheinert of Warrenton, with “Stars & Stripes” collage; and MJ Venrick of Albertville, with a large acrylic painting, “Lay Lady Lay Lake,” that is in the waiting area, an abstract acrylic called “A Light in My Heart” and ink and watercolor called “Dragonfly,” which was purchased as the exhibit was going up.
The office staff commented that the art is a constant source of conversation by visitors and raises MVAC artists’ visibility. A large oil painting (from an earlier exhibit) by Marty Bibee, formerly of Guntersville, is permanently on exhibit in Ainsworth’s personal office. Each artist receives a certificate commemorating his or her artwork’s exhibit.
