Council District three

Crestwood South, East Avondale, Five Points South, Forest Park/South Avondale, Glen Iris, Highland Park, Redmont Park

District Three Councilor

Valerie A. Abbott

Birmingham City Councilor Valerie A. Abbott is Chair of the Planning and Zoning Committee, and a member of the Budget and Finance and Community Development Committees.

Contact Me

Biography

With the future of the City of Birmingham at the forefront, Councilor Abbott has been a champion of The Comprehensive Plan. The plan will set out a 20-year policy and strategic framework for the City of Birmingham.

Her seemingly endless schedule of neighborhood meetings and community events is her way of learning about the needs and concerns of citizens throughout Birmingham and ensures that she is knowledgeable when issues affecting various neighborhoods come before the City Council.

Councilor Abbott serves on the boards of the Birmingham Planning Commission, Birmingham Tree Commission, Birmingham Historical Society, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and has served as Chairman of the Board of the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham.

She has collaborated with her fellow councilors and city staff to revise ordinances regulating noise, smoking, and fences. An avid gardener and nature enthusiast, her pursuit of neighborhood health and revitalization has resulted in two community gardens, including a national award-winning project in East Avondale. She is a proponent of all things green, including Birmingham’s recycling program, which is experiencing a rebirth.

Her credentials include a Bachelor’s Degree from the School of Architecture and Fine Arts at Auburn University and a Masters Degree in Public and Private Management from Birmingham Southern College. As an employee of AT&T Services, Inc. for the past 44 years, Councilor Abbott has deep roots in the community’s business sector as well as within its neighborhoods. The recipient of numerous volunteer awards from groups ranging from the Civitan Club to the Birmingham Tree Commission, Councilor Abbott was named Birmingham’s “Unsung Hero” in 1993.

District Contact Info

For District Information

Contact Councilor Abbott's Office

Call (205) 254-2355E-Mail Us

For Scheduling

Contact Darryl Lee

Call (205) 254-2355E-Mail to Schedule

For District Schools

 MARY BOEHM, BOARD MEMBER, DISTRICT 3

SCHOOLS:

Avondale Elementary

Glen Iris Elementary

Website

Committee Links

District Related Events

Current Month

Birmingham 365 Events


Space One Eleven's City Center Art After School Classes, Grades 2-12

05-12-2025

Presented by Space One Eleven at Space One Eleven, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Tue, Apr 22 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 23 @ 12:00 am Sat, Apr 26 @ 12:00 am + 9 more dates and times

Mon, Apr 28 @ 12:00 am Tue, Apr 29 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 30 @ 12:00 am Sat, May 03 @ 12:00 am Mon, May 05 @ 12:00 am Tue, May 06 @ 12:00 am Wed, May 07 @ 12:00 am Sat, May 10 @ 12:00 am Mon, May 12 @ 12:00 am - less dates and times

City Center Art is Space One Eleven’s afterschool studio art program for students of all skill levels and is designed to build visual communication skills and foster creative thinking. Through individually conceived projects and...

[more+]

City Center Art is Space One Eleven’s afterschool studio art program for students of all skill levels and is designed to build visual communication skills and foster creative thinking. Through individually conceived projects and collaborations, young artists learn the elements of art and principles of design, strengthen foundation skills, and further their understanding of art criticism, art theory, and art history.

Grades 2-3: Tuesday, 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Grades 4-5: Monday, 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Grades 6-8: Wednesday, 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Grades 9-12: Saturday, 10:00am - 1:00pm

[less-]
Tags:   Classes + Workshop Design Elementary Family + Camps For Teens Great for Families Pre-Teens Visual ArtsArt + Stage

"Art on the Inside" Exhibition

04-25-2025

Presented by Birmingham Public Library at The Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Tue, Apr 22 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 23 @ 12:00 am Thu, Apr 24 @ 12:00 am + 1 more dates and times

Fri, Apr 25 @ 12:00 am - less dates and times

On view in the First Floor Gallery, "Art on the Inside" features works in an array of media, including watercolor, pencil, pastel, mixed-media collage, and handmade paper. The largest work in the show is an eye-catching collaboration among APAEP...

[more+]

On view in the First Floor Gallery, "Art on the Inside" features works in an array of media, including watercolor, pencil, pastel, mixed-media collage, and handmade paper. The largest work in the show is an eye-catching collaboration among APAEP artists, nationally renowned artist Tameca Cole, and New Orleans-based Brendon Palmer-Angell. The present exhibition marks the unveiling of the mural, which is titled "Can You See You?".

Based at Auburn University, the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project works to create spaces where currently and formerly incarcerated individuals can practice meaningful engagement with the arts and develop their own artistic voices. Founded with the knowledge that creativity is an essential trait of humanity, the program has grown from one poet teaching one class in one facility to hundreds of classes that have reached thousands of students at over 12 facilities. This exhibition is made possible by a grant awarded to the Friends Foundation of BPL by the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

[less-]
Tags:   Libraries Visual ArtsArt + Stage

SENIOR FIT MORNINGS

04-25-2025

Presented by Railroad Park at Railroad Park, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Tue, Apr 22 @ 8:00 am Fri, Apr 25 @ 8:00 am

This class focuses on strength, flexibility, endurance and balance. The group exercise setting provides a wonderful opportunity to stay healthy and meet new people while having fun.

This class focuses on strength, flexibility, endurance and balance. The group exercise setting provides a wonderful opportunity to stay healthy and meet new people while having fun.

[less-]
Tags:   Outdoor RecreationHealth + Wellness

"Issues: New Paintings by Jourdan Truth McGowan"

04-25-2025

Presented by Birmingham Public Library at The Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Tue, Apr 22 @ 9:00 am Wed, Apr 23 @ 9:00 am Thu, Apr 24 @ 9:00 am + 1 more dates and times

Fri, Apr 25 @ 9:00 am - less dates and times

"Issues" is a series of new canvases by local artist Jourdan Truth McGowan. The featured paintings are imagined covers of iconic magazines, in which McGowan makes bold commentaries on culture, politics, religion, and other topics. The paintings...

[more+]

"Issues" is a series of new canvases by local artist Jourdan Truth McGowan. The featured paintings are imagined covers of iconic magazines, in which McGowan makes bold commentaries on culture, politics, religion, and other topics. The paintings invite viewers to engage in meaningful reflection and dialogue on the pressing challenges of our time.

Jourdan Truth McGowan is a full-time artist from Enterprise, Alabama, who brings his own experiences and cultural heritage into every brushstroke of his paintings. By telling stories that are both inspirational and deeply human, his art speaks to people of all backgrounds, transcending barriers to connect on a universal level. For more information about McGowan, www.artoftruth.guru.

This exhibition is made possible by a grant awarded to the Friends Foundation of BPL by the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

[less-]
Tags:   Libraries Visual ArtsArt + Stage

Once Upon a Storytime

04-29-2025

Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates: Tue, Apr 22 @ 10:00 am Tue, Apr 29 @ 10:00 am

(Preschool) Lots of dancing and singing will be had with Miss Cheyenne’s storytime perfect for energetic toddlers.

(Preschool) Lots of dancing and singing will be had with Miss Cheyenne’s storytime perfect for energetic toddlers.

[less-]
Tags:   Libraries Pre-KFamily + Camps

Graphic Design on Canva for Teens

04-22-2025

Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates: Tue, Apr 22 @ 1:00 pm Tue, Apr 22 @ 4:00 pm

(4th-12th Grade) Learn to do basic graphic design for things like bookmarks, social media, and posters! Bring a flash drive if you want to take your work with you, we won’t provide any. Computers will be available in the lab but spots are...

[more+]

(4th-12th Grade) Learn to do basic graphic design for things like bookmarks, social media, and posters! Bring a flash drive if you want to take your work with you, we won’t provide any. Computers will be available in the lab but spots are limited. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org. 

[less-]
Tags:   For Teens LibrariesFamily + Camps

Vuorovesi Trio

04-22-2025

Presented by Birmingham Art Music Alliance at Alabama School of Fine Arts, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Tue, Apr 22 @ 3:40 pm

The Birmingham Art Music Alliance and Alabama School of Fine Arts present the Vuorovesi Trio, one of the leading woodwind trios of the combination of flute, oboe and clarinet. The program includes music by Alabama composers Michael Coleman,...

[more+]

The Birmingham Art Music Alliance and Alabama School of Fine Arts present the Vuorovesi Trio, one of the leading woodwind trios of the combination of flute, oboe and clarinet. The program includes music by Alabama composers Michael Coleman, Monroe Golden, Gavin Green, Holland Hopson, Joseph Landers, and William Price.

This activity is supported by Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Vuorovesi Trio (Finnish for “tide”) is comprised of University of Alabama School of Music faculty members Diane Boyd Schultz, Mary Lindsey Bailey, Osiris J. Molina, the trio specializes in the unique repertoire for that combination, and has already garnered significant critical acclaim. Their recent performances include a special concert at the historic Cervantes Hall in Havana, Cuba, and as featured performers at the most recent International Double Reed Society Conference, National Flute Association Convention, and the International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest.

[less-]
Tags:  Art + Stage

Drawing Exploration & Mixed Media w/ Sam Roberts

04-22-2025

Presented by UAB Art's ArtPlay at ArtPlay House: Community Art Education, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Tue, Apr 22 @ 5:00 pm

In this class by Sam Roberts, kids will explore a variety of fun visual art activities using varied materials to create unique works of art while learning the basic elements that make up the creations we see every day. Focusing on process-based...

[more+]

In this class by Sam Roberts, kids will explore a variety of fun visual art activities using varied materials to create unique works of art while learning the basic elements that make up the creations we see every day. Focusing on process-based art, students will enjoy the experience of creating, paying attention to the steps and moments that lead to the final product. Through these activities, budding artists will have the opportunity to express themselves, make choices, discover new things, and learn about the materials and techniques that shape their creative process. Artist Bio: Sam Roberts is a Birmingham-based interdisciplinary artist, educator, and curator. Their creative process blends organized chaos with research, helping them explore themes of healing trauma, identity, and connection. Through a balance of conceptual planning and intuitive practices, Sam delves into layered approaches to art, using their work to process emotions, thoughts, and understand the world around them.

[less-]
Tags:   Family + CampsElementary

Space One Eleven's City Center Art After School Classes, Grades 2-12

05-12-2025

Presented by Space One Eleven at Space One Eleven, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Tue, Apr 22 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 23 @ 12:00 am Sat, Apr 26 @ 12:00 am + 9 more dates and times

Mon, Apr 28 @ 12:00 am Tue, Apr 29 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 30 @ 12:00 am Sat, May 03 @ 12:00 am Mon, May 05 @ 12:00 am Tue, May 06 @ 12:00 am Wed, May 07 @ 12:00 am Sat, May 10 @ 12:00 am Mon, May 12 @ 12:00 am - less dates and times

City Center Art is Space One Eleven’s afterschool studio art program for students of all skill levels and is designed to build visual communication skills and foster creative thinking. Through individually conceived projects and...

[more+]

City Center Art is Space One Eleven’s afterschool studio art program for students of all skill levels and is designed to build visual communication skills and foster creative thinking. Through individually conceived projects and collaborations, young artists learn the elements of art and principles of design, strengthen foundation skills, and further their understanding of art criticism, art theory, and art history.

Grades 2-3: Tuesday, 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Grades 4-5: Monday, 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Grades 6-8: Wednesday, 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Grades 9-12: Saturday, 10:00am - 1:00pm

[less-]
Tags:   Classes + Workshop Design Elementary Family + Camps For Teens Great for Families Pre-Teens Visual ArtsArt + Stage

"Art on the Inside" Exhibition

04-25-2025

Presented by Birmingham Public Library at The Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Tue, Apr 22 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 23 @ 12:00 am Thu, Apr 24 @ 12:00 am + 1 more dates and times

Fri, Apr 25 @ 12:00 am - less dates and times

On view in the First Floor Gallery, "Art on the Inside" features works in an array of media, including watercolor, pencil, pastel, mixed-media collage, and handmade paper. The largest work in the show is an eye-catching collaboration among APAEP...

[more+]

On view in the First Floor Gallery, "Art on the Inside" features works in an array of media, including watercolor, pencil, pastel, mixed-media collage, and handmade paper. The largest work in the show is an eye-catching collaboration among APAEP artists, nationally renowned artist Tameca Cole, and New Orleans-based Brendon Palmer-Angell. The present exhibition marks the unveiling of the mural, which is titled "Can You See You?".

Based at Auburn University, the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project works to create spaces where currently and formerly incarcerated individuals can practice meaningful engagement with the arts and develop their own artistic voices. Founded with the knowledge that creativity is an essential trait of humanity, the program has grown from one poet teaching one class in one facility to hundreds of classes that have reached thousands of students at over 12 facilities. This exhibition is made possible by a grant awarded to the Friends Foundation of BPL by the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

[less-]
Tags:   Libraries Visual ArtsArt + Stage

SENIOR FIT MORNINGS

04-25-2025

Presented by Railroad Park at Railroad Park, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Tue, Apr 22 @ 8:00 am Fri, Apr 25 @ 8:00 am

This class focuses on strength, flexibility, endurance and balance. The group exercise setting provides a wonderful opportunity to stay healthy and meet new people while having fun.

This class focuses on strength, flexibility, endurance and balance. The group exercise setting provides a wonderful opportunity to stay healthy and meet new people while having fun.

[less-]
Tags:   Outdoor RecreationHealth + Wellness

"Issues: New Paintings by Jourdan Truth McGowan"

04-25-2025

Presented by Birmingham Public Library at The Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Tue, Apr 22 @ 9:00 am Wed, Apr 23 @ 9:00 am Thu, Apr 24 @ 9:00 am + 1 more dates and times

Fri, Apr 25 @ 9:00 am - less dates and times

"Issues" is a series of new canvases by local artist Jourdan Truth McGowan. The featured paintings are imagined covers of iconic magazines, in which McGowan makes bold commentaries on culture, politics, religion, and other topics. The paintings...

[more+]

"Issues" is a series of new canvases by local artist Jourdan Truth McGowan. The featured paintings are imagined covers of iconic magazines, in which McGowan makes bold commentaries on culture, politics, religion, and other topics. The paintings invite viewers to engage in meaningful reflection and dialogue on the pressing challenges of our time.

Jourdan Truth McGowan is a full-time artist from Enterprise, Alabama, who brings his own experiences and cultural heritage into every brushstroke of his paintings. By telling stories that are both inspirational and deeply human, his art speaks to people of all backgrounds, transcending barriers to connect on a universal level. For more information about McGowan, www.artoftruth.guru.

This exhibition is made possible by a grant awarded to the Friends Foundation of BPL by the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

[less-]
Tags:   Libraries Visual ArtsArt + Stage

Once Upon a Storytime

04-29-2025

Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates: Tue, Apr 22 @ 10:00 am Tue, Apr 29 @ 10:00 am

(Preschool) Lots of dancing and singing will be had with Miss Cheyenne’s storytime perfect for energetic toddlers.

(Preschool) Lots of dancing and singing will be had with Miss Cheyenne’s storytime perfect for energetic toddlers.

[less-]
Tags:   Libraries Pre-KFamily + Camps

Graphic Design on Canva for Teens

04-22-2025

Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates: Tue, Apr 22 @ 1:00 pm Tue, Apr 22 @ 4:00 pm

(4th-12th Grade) Learn to do basic graphic design for things like bookmarks, social media, and posters! Bring a flash drive if you want to take your work with you, we won’t provide any. Computers will be available in the lab but spots are...

[more+]

(4th-12th Grade) Learn to do basic graphic design for things like bookmarks, social media, and posters! Bring a flash drive if you want to take your work with you, we won’t provide any. Computers will be available in the lab but spots are limited. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org. 

[less-]
Tags:   For Teens LibrariesFamily + Camps

Vuorovesi Trio

04-22-2025

Presented by Birmingham Art Music Alliance at Alabama School of Fine Arts, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Tue, Apr 22 @ 3:40 pm

The Birmingham Art Music Alliance and Alabama School of Fine Arts present the Vuorovesi Trio, one of the leading woodwind trios of the combination of flute, oboe and clarinet. The program includes music by Alabama composers Michael Coleman,...

[more+]

The Birmingham Art Music Alliance and Alabama School of Fine Arts present the Vuorovesi Trio, one of the leading woodwind trios of the combination of flute, oboe and clarinet. The program includes music by Alabama composers Michael Coleman, Monroe Golden, Gavin Green, Holland Hopson, Joseph Landers, and William Price.

This activity is supported by Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Vuorovesi Trio (Finnish for “tide”) is comprised of University of Alabama School of Music faculty members Diane Boyd Schultz, Mary Lindsey Bailey, Osiris J. Molina, the trio specializes in the unique repertoire for that combination, and has already garnered significant critical acclaim. Their recent performances include a special concert at the historic Cervantes Hall in Havana, Cuba, and as featured performers at the most recent International Double Reed Society Conference, National Flute Association Convention, and the International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest.

[less-]
Tags:  Art + Stage

Drawing Exploration & Mixed Media w/ Sam Roberts

04-22-2025

Presented by UAB Art's ArtPlay at ArtPlay House: Community Art Education, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates: Tue, Apr 22 @ 5:00 pm

In this class by Sam Roberts, kids will explore a variety of fun visual art activities using varied materials to create unique works of art while learning the basic elements that make up the creations we see every day. Focusing on process-based...

[more+]

In this class by Sam Roberts, kids will explore a variety of fun visual art activities using varied materials to create unique works of art while learning the basic elements that make up the creations we see every day. Focusing on process-based art, students will enjoy the experience of creating, paying attention to the steps and moments that lead to the final product. Through these activities, budding artists will have the opportunity to express themselves, make choices, discover new things, and learn about the materials and techniques that shape their creative process. Artist Bio: Sam Roberts is a Birmingham-based interdisciplinary artist, educator, and curator. Their creative process blends organized chaos with research, helping them explore themes of healing trauma, identity, and connection. Through a balance of conceptual planning and intuitive practices, Sam delves into layered approaches to art, using their work to process emotions, thoughts, and understand the world around them.

[less-]
Tags:   Family + CampsElementary