Finding an outlet for expression is easy in Prattville. There are many ways residents here immerse themselves in the arts, whether it's painting, sculpture or live performances. Surrounded by inspiring architecture and natural beauty, artists here find inspiration at every turn.

Get Creative

Along with a collection of galleries, events and exhibits throughout the city, there are places where works of art are created. Among the most popular is Studio 101, a pottery studio and gallery. Run by Teresa Olson, the studio offers classes for both adults and children and holds several exhibitions throughout the year.

The Prattauga Art Guild works to bring fine arts and art education to the entire region. This includes classes for children in various art forms. The Creative Arts Center is home to the guild's permanent collection, featuring works by Prattville's own internationally known artists such as Charlie "Tin Man" Lucas, Russell Everett, and Nancy Ria.

Special events also help nurture the local arts scene, including ARTrek, which takes place each September and spans several locations in the River Region. The guild holds an annual Prattauga Art Guild Juried Fall Show and participates in the annual Prattville CityFest, marshalling cadres of artists to paint outdoors during the event. And those who want to try out their own creative skills need only stop by the Creative Arts Center. The downtown art gallery offers classes year round, both for kids and for adults, as well as operates a summer camps for kids.

Sing Out, Act Up

Performing arts are also on the menu in Prattville. Young and old can enjoy the Way Off Broadway Theatre, which offers performances, lessons and special events. The theater was founded in 2002 as part of the Prattville Creative and Performing Arts Council. The community theater launches approximately four productions annually, including drama and musical theater. Past performances include Steel Magnolias, Little Shop of Horrors, The Lion in Winter and You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. The Prattville Community Chorus and Prattville Pops also help keep residents entertained with their distinctive musical stylings.

Steeped in History

In the 1830s, Pratt bought 1,000 acres of land to build a cotton gin manufacturing plant along Autauga Creek. Today, the Daniel Pratt Historic District covers 140 acres and includes 154 buildings, with architecture ranging from Greek Revival to Italianate and Bungalow styles. Grand residences are also part of the landscape in Prattville. The Bell House, completed in 1893, is a two-story Queen Anne beauty that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Buena Visa, a distinctive Greek Revival home, has attracted admirers for nearly two centuries. It’s said that Andrew Jackson liked the staircase so much he built one at the Hermitage in the same style.

Natural Resource

Prattville’s reputation as a nurturing community stretches back to a previous era, when the town was known as “The Fountain City” and people came for miles around to drink from the artesian wells. An artesian well is an aquifer whose water flows upward without the need for pumping. The refreshing clear liquid is still running at a number of modern-day well sites, including the Prattaugan Museum/Heritage Center and Heritage Park overlooking Autauga Creek.