The Lower Alabama Arts Coalition has decided to combine an art show reception and book signing for the first time ever.

Gallery Manager Sheila Rhea said that it was mostly due to scheduling conflicts between the artist and author, but they were able to work things out.

“We approached both of them and asked if they could schedule a different day,” Rhea said. “But then they decided that it would be better if they had it on the same day. They said it would be a fabulous idea to have it together and that it would increase the number of people who attended the event.”

Rhea said that she came into contact with Lisa Patton, the author having the book signing, through Kathi Bennett, her literary agent.

“I have known Kathi for a while and she said that Lisa’s subject matter in her book would be appropriate for our community,” Rhea said. “It covers a lot of different things like race relations. Kathi really loves Andalusia, so she wants us to be a regular stop for her authors.”

Patton’s book is “Rush,”

Rhea said that LAAC board president Steve Hubbard directed her towards bringing Janet Hinton, the artist whose work is being featured at The Gallery in October.

“Steve recommended to me that we bring her for a show,” Rhea said. “She is a really good friend of Misty Purvis, who teaches art at LBW. I was able to see some of her work and she really has some beautiful pieces. I am really looking forward to it.”

Hinton grew up in Attalla, Ala., and earned her MFA degree in art from the University of Alabama, majoring in printmaking with minor concentrations in painting and ceramics.

She was on the art faculty at Wallace Community College in Dothan, teaching both studio and art history courses. Hinton lives in Fairhope, where she maintains a studio.

She works in printmaking, painting, drawing, clay and photography and occasionally teaches.

She exhibits in solo and group exhibitions and her works are included in private and public collections.

The book signing and art show reception is set for 5:30 until 7 p.m. Thursday, October 4, at the LAAC gallery.