Joe Shelton of Columbus is known in the blues world for his vocals, harmonica work and songwriting skills. But he is talented in the art world as well.

An exhibit of his photo digital collages, titled “Cryptic Intent,” opens Sunday, Jan. 12 in the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts in West Point with a reception from 2-3:30 p.m.

“These manipulated photo digital collages were created using Photoshop computer software to create an illusion of seamlessly blended reality,” explained Shelton. “The Mannequin Series are manipulated photo digital collages depicting a surreal fantasy world inspired by an antique mannequin discovered at a yard sale,” he continued.

“Some of the figures are juxtaposed within an environment reminiscent of the classical paintings of Renaissance masters, while the African masks pay homage to Picasso’s fascination with them in many of his works,” Shelton said.

Shelton began his artistic journey while a student at East Mississippi Community College, where he was encouraged by his mentor Jon Whittington. Shelton continued studies in studio art at Mississippi State University, where he was awarded the Undergraduate Painting Award at the 1975 Mississippi Collegiate Competition, and as a graduate student in printmaking at Northern Illinois University, where he held a graduate teaching assistant position.

Shelton is a two-time Mississippi Arts Commission’s Artist Fellowship recipient, a member of the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Artist’s Roster and a member of the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Folk Life/Folk Art Directory. For 30 years, his glass studio, Mid-South Stained Glass, has created stained, beveled, etched and leaded glass panels for churches, businesses and homes throughout the region.

Known as recording artist Big Joe Shelton, he is also a musical collaborator with a number of other blues musicians in the Black Prairie region, including the late Alabama-based guitarist and vocalist Willie King. The harmonica player has done several “Blues in the Schools” programs in Mississippi with King and drummer Bill Williams.

Shelton is included on the Columbus/Catfish Alley Mississippi Blues Trail Marker, and the title track of his 2012 release, “The Older I Get The Better I Was,” garnered a nomination for Song of the Year at the Blue Foundation’s 33rd Blues Music Awards.

His music has been at the top of numerous worldwide radio charts and received praise in national and international blues publications. The Columbus native has performed at festivals and clubs throughout the United States. He also has toured England, France, Belgium, Bulgaria and the Netherlands.

Sponsored by the West Point/Clay County Arts Council, the exhibit will hang through Feb. 28. The arts center will be staffed on some Wednesdays 1-4 p.m. For more information or to schedule a tour at another day or time, contact Kathy Dyess at 662-494-5678, or Julie Gray at 662-295-0461.