Art, History, and Culture Abound in Covington County

All areas of the arts.

The nonprofit Andalusia Ballet Association, Inc. was founded in 1982 by Meryane Murphy and a small group of arts supporters whose vision was to bring the art of dance to the Covington County area. Area businesses, corporations and charitable foundations, the Alabama State Council on the Arts, and the generous donations of its membership support the Association.

Andalusia Ballet, the performing group sponsored by the Association and based in the Church Street Cultural Arts Centre, presents several performances each year and represents the community at workshops, festivals, and competitions across the country. The Ballet sponsors numerous workshops, scholarships, and outreach events each year.  

The Academy at Andalusia Ballet, considered south Alabama’s premier dance studio, focuses on quality technical training in classical ballet and related dance forms. The Ballet regularly brings professional dancers, teachers, and choreographers to work with the students.

Church Street Cultural Arts Centre

In 2010, through a partnership between the Andalusia Ballet Association, Inc. and the City of Andalusia, renovations began to transform the former Church Street Elementary School into the Church Street Cultural Art Centre. In the spring of 2020, the second phase of renovations added 9,000 square feet to the facility. In addition to dance, the Centre houses a variety of music, art and wellness classes, presents gallery showings and small musical concerts, and provides meeting spaces for civic groups.

LBW Dixon Center for the Performing Arts

Located on the Lurleen B. Wallace Community College campus, the LBW Dixon Center for the Performing Arts hosts the Andalusia Ballet and many other concerts and productions.

A self-guided art and history walking tour takes you along the Andalusia Mural Trail to downtown shopping and dining venues, an art gallery, and local museums. A map showing the location of each of the seven murals on the trail and other points of interest can be obtained by stopping by the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce office.

The Mission of the Lower Alabama Arts Coalition is ​"to encourage community participation in the arts through diverse exhibits, programs, and educational experiences." Various classes and exhibitions are held throughout the year.

The circa 1899 historic train station in Andalusia has been converted into the Three Notch Museum, featuring railroad memorabilia, old photographs, handmade lace and linens, depression glass, handwoven baskets, farm implements, an authentic log cabin, corn crib, one-room country store, early post office, and railway cars. Outside is a large Norfolk Southern Caboose, a small CSX motorcar, and an L&N bay window-type caboose. Kids will enjoy the Tommy the Tank layout designed just for them.

One of the area’s most exquisite mansions is nestled on 3.8 acres on the eastern edge of Andalusia’s Downtown District. The 5,630-square-foot home, surrounding buildings, and the scenic city-owned park provide the perfect setting for community events such as July Jamz, a summer concert series held on Thursday nights in July showcasing local musicians and a giant foam cannon for kids.

During the month of December, the estate transforms into “Christmas in Candyland,” a winter wonderland complete with an ice skating rink, dozens of play cottages to spark the imagination, a steam locomotive ride, and daily snow shows.

The Opp Cultural Arts Council promotes the visual and performing arts through different activities, workshops, and events. It also hosts a juried art exhibit each year during Opp Fest.