At a glance
— A 33-piece art collection created by local artists returns to city ownership after years of relocation, storage and uncertainty about its future.
— Originally displayed at the old Gurnee Avenue City Hall, the collection reflects Anniston’s cultural history and the legacy of its artists.
— City leaders pledge to preserve and publicly display the artwork, ensuring it remains accessible and meaningful to the community for years to come.
ANNISTON — A long-overlooked collection of locally created artwork has returned to city hands, reconnecting Anniston with a piece of its cultural history that nearly faded from public view.
During a ceremony March 24 at the Anniston Meeting Center, city officials formally accepted custody of a 33-piece art collection originally assembled more than two decades ago for public display at the former City Hall on Gurnee Avenue.
The building that once housed the collection was demolished to make way for the federal courthouse, leaving the artwork without a permanent home for years.
The collection traces back to an idea conceived around 1999 by Anniston native Judy Draper, who sought to create a city-owned gallery featuring works by local artists.
“It was about 25 years ago that it came to me that Anniston was blessed to have many talented artists,” Draper said. “Some were close friends. I went to the City Council and asked if they would support me … and the council agreed, and I went to work.”
With the city’s backing, Draper gathered 33 donated works and was named honorary curator in April 2000. The collection was first displayed in the then-newly renovated City Hall chambers on Gurnee Avenue.
For years, the artwork remained a quiet but meaningful fixture of city government — until it was eventually removed and scattered.
Ed Isom, a local attorney and civic volunteer, said Draper later discovered the collection had been taken down, with some pieces stored and others placed in offices.
“It was intended for public display,” Isom said. “It’s not important for the city to stack it in a storeroom someplace or to fan it out to private offices.”
Concerned about deterioration and the risk of pieces being lost, Draper regained custody of the collection and, with help from Isom and others connected through the Calhoun County Historical Society, began searching for a suitable public home.
Over time, the artwork was displayed at the Anniston Public Library and later at the Stewart Building, where it remained for several years before space constraints forced another move.
With Draper’s health declining and no permanent location secured, the collection was eventually placed in climate-controlled storage by Isom.
“I’ve got the collection in my storage facility … but it’s not mine,” he said. “It belongs to the city. It belongs to the people.”
That sentiment ultimately led to Tuesday’s ceremony, where Draper formally returned the collection to the city.
“Thank you … for retaking possession of the collection and committing to its protection, preservation and its display to the general public,” Draper said. “The collection is part of a legacy of the artists — our friends and neighbors, many of whom are no longer living.”
Isom emphasized that the artwork carries both cultural and historical value, noting that most pieces were created by local artists, with two works donated through Anniston’s sister city relationship with Shingu-Cho, Japan.
“This is the legacy of local people,” he said. “We need to tell history … and remember the artists, some of whom are now deceased.”
City Manager Matt Caballero opened the ceremony by welcoming attendees and recognizing the significance of Draper’s efforts, while also highlighting Isom’s decades of service to the community.
About 25 people attended the event, where the artwork was displayed on easels throughout the meeting chamber, allowing visitors to view the pieces up close.
Mayor Ciara Smith-Roston said the experience underscored the importance of preserving Anniston’s cultural identity.
“Art is an important part of Anniston’s culture and identity,” Smith-Roston said. “We are so grateful … that Miss Draper is entrusting us with these beautiful pieces, and we hope to display this throughout the city for years to come.”
She added that learning about the city’s international connection was a highlight.
“I had no idea that the city of Anniston had a sister city in Japan,” she said.
As the ceremony concluded, attendees lingered to study the artwork — a visual reminder of the city’s past and a renewed commitment to its future.
For Draper, the moment marked both an ending and a beginning.
“Keeping the collection before the public will be, at the same time, honoring the artists and enhancing the quality of life in our city,” she said.
