After about nine months of waiting and wondering, the Chilton County Arts Council has received a document allowing it to operate without having to pay federal income taxes.

The council is incorporated as a non-profit organization, and now, all donations made to the council are tax deductible.

“It’s a turning point for the organization because we (had) to write an application, provide the bylaws and define the purpose of the organization,” said council member Albert Byrd. “It takes a while.”

With a huge weight lifted off its shoulders, the council is organizing its second annual artists’ showcase for the end of October at the Clanton Performing Arts Center at Jefferson State Community College.

Council members will also run a booth at Chilton Medical Center’s Annual Spring Fling/Health Fair on May 12, as well as help with Clanton’s citywide cleanup April 21.

“We’ve getting involved with local community activities,” Byrd said.

The Chilton County Arts Council meets the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at the Chilton-Clanton Public Library.

“You don’t have to be an artist to be a member,” Byrd said. “We’d love to have people come.”

Anyone interested in membership can simply show up at a meeting.