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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 Schools
MARY BOEHM, BOARD MEMBER, DISTRICT 3
SCHOOLS:
Avondale Elementary
Glen Iris Elementary
WebsiteCommittee Links
District Related Events
Current Month
Birmingham 365 Events
Space One Eleven's City Center Art After School Classes, Grades 2-12
01-11-2025
05-12-2025
Presented by Space One Eleven at Space One Eleven, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Mar 31 @ 12:00 am
Tue, Apr 01 @ 12:00 am
Wed, Apr 02 @ 12:00 am
Sat, Apr 05 @ 12:00 am Mon, Apr 07 @ 12:00 am Tue, Apr 08 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 09 @ 12:00 am Sat, Apr 12 @ 12:00 am Mon, Apr 14 @ 12:00 am Tue, Apr 15 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 16 @ 12:00 am Sat, Apr 19 @ 12:00 am Mon, Apr 21 @ 12:00 am Tue, Apr 22 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 23 @ 12:00 am Sat, Apr 26 @ 12:00 am 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 Arts, Art + Stage
"Art on the Inside" Exhibition
02-07-2025
04-25-2025
Presented by Birmingham Public Library at The Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Mar 31 @ 12:00 am
Tue, Apr 01 @ 12:00 am
Wed, Apr 02 @ 12:00 am
Thu, Apr 03 @ 12:00 am Fri, Apr 04 @ 12:00 am Sat, Apr 05 @ 12:00 am Mon, Apr 07 @ 12:00 am Tue, Apr 08 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 09 @ 12:00 am Thu, Apr 10 @ 12:00 am Fri, Apr 11 @ 12:00 am Sat, Apr 12 @ 12:00 am Mon, Apr 14 @ 12:00 am Tue, Apr 15 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 16 @ 12:00 am Thu, Apr 17 @ 12:00 am Fri, Apr 18 @ 12:00 am Sat, Apr 19 @ 12:00 am Mon, Apr 21 @ 12:00 am Tue, Apr 22 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 23 @ 12:00 am Thu, Apr 24 @ 12:00 am 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 Arts, Art + Stage
"Issues: New Paintings by Jourdan Truth McGowan"
01-13-2025
04-25-2025
Presented by Birmingham Public Library at The Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Mar 31 @ 9:00 am
Tue, Apr 01 @ 9:00 am
Wed, Apr 02 @ 9:00 am
Thu, Apr 03 @ 9:00 am Fri, Apr 04 @ 9:00 am Sat, Apr 05 @ 9:00 am Mon, Apr 07 @ 9:00 am Tue, Apr 08 @ 9:00 am Wed, Apr 09 @ 9:00 am Thu, Apr 10 @ 9:00 am Fri, Apr 11 @ 9:00 am Sat, Apr 12 @ 9:00 am Mon, Apr 14 @ 9:00 am Tue, Apr 15 @ 9:00 am Wed, Apr 16 @ 9:00 am Thu, Apr 17 @ 9:00 am Fri, Apr 18 @ 9:00 am Sat, Apr 19 @ 9:00 am Mon, Apr 21 @ 9:00 am Tue, Apr 22 @ 9:00 am Wed, Apr 23 @ 9:00 am Thu, Apr 24 @ 9:00 am 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 Arts, Art + Stage
Virtual Library Yoga with Jackie Tally
03-03-2025
03-31-2025
Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Mar 31 @ 2:00 pm
Take time out of your busy schedule for our free yoga classes sponsored by Homewood Library. A gentle workout of 15 minutes in the chair, 15 minutes standing with chair, 15 minutes on the mat. All levels of fitness welcome. Register...
[more+]Take time out of your busy schedule for our free yoga classes sponsored by Homewood Library. A gentle workout of 15 minutes in the chair, 15 minutes standing with chair, 15 minutes on the mat. All levels of fitness welcome. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
[less-]Tags: Health + Wellness, Libraries, Get Healthy
Oil Painting
03-31-2025
03-31-2025
Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Mar 31 @ 2:00 pm
(6th-12th Grade) Learn how to paint beautiful paintings with oil paints. All supplies are provided. Please make sure to wear something you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
(6th-12th Grade) Learn how to paint beautiful paintings with oil paints. All supplies are provided. Please make sure to wear something you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
[less-]Tags: Family + Camps, For Teens, Libraries, Visual Arts, Art + Stage
Creative Clubhouse
03-31-2025
03-31-2025
Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Mar 31 @ 4:00 pm
(2nd-5th Grade) Let your imagination fly and join us for S.T.E.A.M./creative-based read aloud where we will discuss and make a craft based on the book. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
(2nd-5th Grade) Let your imagination fly and join us for S.T.E.A.M./creative-based read aloud where we will discuss and make a craft based on the book. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
[less-]Tags: Family + Camps, Libraries, Elementary
Adult Hip Hop
02-10-2025
05-05-2025
Presented by Red Mountain Theatre at Red Mountain Theatre Art Campus, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Mar 31 @ 5:30 pm
Mon, Apr 07 @ 5:30 pm
Mon, Apr 14 @ 5:30 pm
Mon, Apr 21 @ 5:30 pm Mon, Apr 28 @ 5:30 pm Mon, May 05 @ 5:30 pm - less dates and times
Come learn one of the fastest growing forms of contemporary dance in this high-energy class that infuses the latest styles of street dancing, breaking, popping, and locking. Classes will encourage students to step outside of the box by bringing...
[more+]Come learn one of the fastest growing forms of contemporary dance in this high-energy class that infuses the latest styles of street dancing, breaking, popping, and locking. Classes will encourage students to step outside of the box by bringing their own individual style and personality to the movements, backed by awesome music.
[less-]Tags: Dance, Classes + Workshop
Snap to Stunning: Creative Photography for Digital Camera Owners w/ Leann Hill
02-24-2025
04-21-2025
Presented by UAB Art's ArtPlay at ArtPlay House: Community Art Education, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Mar 31 @ 5:30 pm
Mon, Apr 07 @ 5:30 pm
Mon, Apr 14 @ 5:30 pm
Mon, Apr 21 @ 5:30 pm - less dates and times
Ready to move beyond Auto mode? Join photographer Leann Hill in “Snap to Stunning” and dive into the exciting world of digital photography, transforming everyday snapshots into captivating works of art! This hands-on course covers the...
[more+]Ready to move beyond Auto mode? Join photographer Leann Hill in “Snap to Stunning” and dive into the exciting world of digital photography, transforming everyday snapshots into captivating works of art! This hands-on course covers the essentials of composition, lighting, and editing, with practical tips on retouching, posing, and capturing landscapes and architecture. Bring your digital camera with manual control capability, a sturdy tripod, and a computer with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Whether you’re photographing friends, scenery, or structures, this interactive class will help you create images you’ll be proud to share! Artists Bio: Leann Hill is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) specializing in cinematic portraiture and commercial photography. Her work is characterized by dramatic scenery with bold, deep colors and features on-location studio lighting for adventurous and epic backdrops. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Leann’s portrait and landscape work has been nationally published in Climbing Magazine’s 50th Anniversary edition, Paddling Magazine, and the Sheriff’s Star Magazine. Her personal projects include long-exposure nature shots, macro photography of flora and fauna, and candid portraits of individuals aged 50 and above.
[less-]Tags: Crafts + Makers, Classes + Workshop
Space One Eleven's City Center Art After School Classes, Grades 2-12
01-11-2025
05-12-2025
Presented by Space One Eleven at Space One Eleven, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Mar 31 @ 12:00 am
Tue, Apr 01 @ 12:00 am
Wed, Apr 02 @ 12:00 am
Sat, Apr 05 @ 12:00 am Mon, Apr 07 @ 12:00 am Tue, Apr 08 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 09 @ 12:00 am Sat, Apr 12 @ 12:00 am Mon, Apr 14 @ 12:00 am Tue, Apr 15 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 16 @ 12:00 am Sat, Apr 19 @ 12:00 am Mon, Apr 21 @ 12:00 am Tue, Apr 22 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 23 @ 12:00 am Sat, Apr 26 @ 12:00 am 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 Arts, Art + Stage
"Art on the Inside" Exhibition
02-07-2025
04-25-2025
Presented by Birmingham Public Library at The Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Mar 31 @ 12:00 am
Tue, Apr 01 @ 12:00 am
Wed, Apr 02 @ 12:00 am
Thu, Apr 03 @ 12:00 am Fri, Apr 04 @ 12:00 am Sat, Apr 05 @ 12:00 am Mon, Apr 07 @ 12:00 am Tue, Apr 08 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 09 @ 12:00 am Thu, Apr 10 @ 12:00 am Fri, Apr 11 @ 12:00 am Sat, Apr 12 @ 12:00 am Mon, Apr 14 @ 12:00 am Tue, Apr 15 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 16 @ 12:00 am Thu, Apr 17 @ 12:00 am Fri, Apr 18 @ 12:00 am Sat, Apr 19 @ 12:00 am Mon, Apr 21 @ 12:00 am Tue, Apr 22 @ 12:00 am Wed, Apr 23 @ 12:00 am Thu, Apr 24 @ 12:00 am 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 Arts, Art + Stage
"Issues: New Paintings by Jourdan Truth McGowan"
01-13-2025
04-25-2025
Presented by Birmingham Public Library at The Birmingham Public Library, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Mar 31 @ 9:00 am
Tue, Apr 01 @ 9:00 am
Wed, Apr 02 @ 9:00 am
Thu, Apr 03 @ 9:00 am Fri, Apr 04 @ 9:00 am Sat, Apr 05 @ 9:00 am Mon, Apr 07 @ 9:00 am Tue, Apr 08 @ 9:00 am Wed, Apr 09 @ 9:00 am Thu, Apr 10 @ 9:00 am Fri, Apr 11 @ 9:00 am Sat, Apr 12 @ 9:00 am Mon, Apr 14 @ 9:00 am Tue, Apr 15 @ 9:00 am Wed, Apr 16 @ 9:00 am Thu, Apr 17 @ 9:00 am Fri, Apr 18 @ 9:00 am Sat, Apr 19 @ 9:00 am Mon, Apr 21 @ 9:00 am Tue, Apr 22 @ 9:00 am Wed, Apr 23 @ 9:00 am Thu, Apr 24 @ 9:00 am 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 Arts, Art + Stage
Virtual Library Yoga with Jackie Tally
03-03-2025
03-31-2025
Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Mar 31 @ 2:00 pm
Take time out of your busy schedule for our free yoga classes sponsored by Homewood Library. A gentle workout of 15 minutes in the chair, 15 minutes standing with chair, 15 minutes on the mat. All levels of fitness welcome. Register...
[more+]Take time out of your busy schedule for our free yoga classes sponsored by Homewood Library. A gentle workout of 15 minutes in the chair, 15 minutes standing with chair, 15 minutes on the mat. All levels of fitness welcome. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
[less-]Tags: Health + Wellness, Libraries, Get Healthy
Oil Painting
03-31-2025
03-31-2025
Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Mar 31 @ 2:00 pm
(6th-12th Grade) Learn how to paint beautiful paintings with oil paints. All supplies are provided. Please make sure to wear something you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
(6th-12th Grade) Learn how to paint beautiful paintings with oil paints. All supplies are provided. Please make sure to wear something you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
[less-]Tags: Family + Camps, For Teens, Libraries, Visual Arts, Art + Stage
Creative Clubhouse
03-31-2025
03-31-2025
Presented by Homewood Public Library at Homewood Public Library, Homewood
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Mar 31 @ 4:00 pm
(2nd-5th Grade) Let your imagination fly and join us for S.T.E.A.M./creative-based read aloud where we will discuss and make a craft based on the book. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
(2nd-5th Grade) Let your imagination fly and join us for S.T.E.A.M./creative-based read aloud where we will discuss and make a craft based on the book. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.
[less-]Tags: Family + Camps, Libraries, Elementary
Adult Hip Hop
02-10-2025
05-05-2025
Presented by Red Mountain Theatre at Red Mountain Theatre Art Campus, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Mar 31 @ 5:30 pm
Mon, Apr 07 @ 5:30 pm
Mon, Apr 14 @ 5:30 pm
Mon, Apr 21 @ 5:30 pm Mon, Apr 28 @ 5:30 pm Mon, May 05 @ 5:30 pm - less dates and times
Come learn one of the fastest growing forms of contemporary dance in this high-energy class that infuses the latest styles of street dancing, breaking, popping, and locking. Classes will encourage students to step outside of the box by bringing...
[more+]Come learn one of the fastest growing forms of contemporary dance in this high-energy class that infuses the latest styles of street dancing, breaking, popping, and locking. Classes will encourage students to step outside of the box by bringing their own individual style and personality to the movements, backed by awesome music.
[less-]Tags: Dance, Classes + Workshop
Snap to Stunning: Creative Photography for Digital Camera Owners w/ Leann Hill
02-24-2025
04-21-2025
Presented by UAB Art's ArtPlay at ArtPlay House: Community Art Education, Birmingham
Upcoming Dates:
Mon, Mar 31 @ 5:30 pm
Mon, Apr 07 @ 5:30 pm
Mon, Apr 14 @ 5:30 pm
Mon, Apr 21 @ 5:30 pm - less dates and times
Ready to move beyond Auto mode? Join photographer Leann Hill in “Snap to Stunning” and dive into the exciting world of digital photography, transforming everyday snapshots into captivating works of art! This hands-on course covers the...
[more+]Ready to move beyond Auto mode? Join photographer Leann Hill in “Snap to Stunning” and dive into the exciting world of digital photography, transforming everyday snapshots into captivating works of art! This hands-on course covers the essentials of composition, lighting, and editing, with practical tips on retouching, posing, and capturing landscapes and architecture. Bring your digital camera with manual control capability, a sturdy tripod, and a computer with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Whether you’re photographing friends, scenery, or structures, this interactive class will help you create images you’ll be proud to share! Artists Bio: Leann Hill is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) specializing in cinematic portraiture and commercial photography. Her work is characterized by dramatic scenery with bold, deep colors and features on-location studio lighting for adventurous and epic backdrops. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Leann’s portrait and landscape work has been nationally published in Climbing Magazine’s 50th Anniversary edition, Paddling Magazine, and the Sheriff’s Star Magazine. Her personal projects include long-exposure nature shots, macro photography of flora and fauna, and candid portraits of individuals aged 50 and above.
[less-]