There are several local opportunities for you to take in some great artwork. Some of these exhibits would be perfect for visiting during upcoming school breaks if you are staying in town.

The first is the Youth Art Month Exhibit showing in the lobby of the Alabama Center for the Arts on Second Avenue in Decatur. One hundred and twenty local students in grades K-12 had their work chosen for this exhibit, which runs through March 29. There are all kinds of media such as paper collage, watercolor, pen and ink, charcoal, photography, ceramics and mixed media. The gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m.-noon.

You can also take in the Youth Art Month exhibit at the Huntsville Museum of Art through April 21. This exhibit also features the art of talented school-age children from the north Alabama area. There are several other exhibits including “Sound and Vision—Monumental Rock and Roll,” through May 5; “Lois Mailou Jones—A Life in Vibrant Color,” through March 31; Huntsville Photographic Society: 2012 Members Showcase, through Sunday and “The Art of Seeing: The Docent’s Point of View,” through April 7. Hours are Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

Another great art exhibit to take in this month is the Scottsboro Boys photography exhibit at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center. These rare photographs of the Scottsboro Boys Trial let you take a glimpse back in time and are an excellent visual of history. Carnegie hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Coming to the Hartselle Fine Arts Center next month will be the Watercolor Society of Alabama’s 72nd National Exhibition. The show will run April 7 to May 26. More than 100 paintings by artists from across the United States will be on display. Stan Miller, from Spokane, Wash., an internationally recognized juror, will select 110 pieces for this juried showcase. Richard Stephens of Hot Springs, Ark., will serve as judge of awards.

The exhibit is free and open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. The Hartselle Fine Arts Center is on 307 College St.

Art on foot

During the month of April, you can learn more about the architecture and history of Decatur by taking a guided walking tour. The tours are a one-hour trip through the past. You will be guided by a knowledgeable escort through old Decatur historic districts and hear about the architecture of the surrounding neighborhoods and buildings.

The walking tours are on April 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 10 a.m. The tours starting at the Old State Bank are free. For more information, please call the Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 256-350-2028.

Decatur freelance columnists Wendy Lang and Shelley Sedlak rotate writing Chatterbox. Send your events and more, along with high-resolution photos, to chatterbox@decaturdaily.com.