Sarah Carlisle Towery started her professional career at the University of Montevallo with Dawn Kennedy and Marya Werten. She studied at various schools in the United States as well as at schools and programs in Europe and Mexico.  Her art credentials are listed on the right.

Sarah was a charter member of the World Art Workshop, which was organized in Mexico in 1972. The purpose of the organization is to travel, study and paint in unusual and unfamiliar places. Members of the group painted for two summers in Greece on the islands of Samos and Paros. Sarah was one of three artists to exhibit in Samos. The group also painted in Mallorca, Spain, as well as for many years in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

A teacher for many years, Sarah taught at the Demonstration School at the University of Montevallo, Southern Union College in Wadley, Alabama,  various public schools, as well as private classes and workshops in her studio.  Several large murals in her hometown of Alexander City, Alabama, were executed by Sarah:  The First Methodist Church, Stephens Elementary School and Specialty Services Co. Her works have been widely exhibited. She had one-woman shows in New York, Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Wilmington, North Carolina. Sarah’s paintings are in private collections in the United States, Mexico and abroad.

In 1999 she was awarded The Alabama Governors Award for the Arts. Sarah was one of six people in the State who were recognized for contributions to the arts. Sarah’s three children started the Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony on Lake Martin. In 1992 five members of the World Art Workshop were the first participants. In the past few years enrollment has reached over 50 and included instructors and students from all over the United States, as well as Canada, France and Australia. Many dedicated citizens of Alexander City and surrounding communities have been responsible for carrying on the legacy.