ArkansasArtists beware of picture purchase scam!

Someone named M. Landry contacted several artists through our web-site
Supposedly from the UK. She gave them a shipping contact with elite shipping that did not have a phone number just an -email contact. We called elite shipping in the UK and they do not have a branch where this one is supposed to be. M. Landry wants to send a check for 3 paintings and 2500.- for shipping. She wants the artist to pay the 2500.- to the shipping company when they come and pick up the paintings. Supposedly the paintings and some larger items are to be picked up and the artist is paying for all that shipping out of the money she sends the artist a check. I am assuming this is a good copy of a non-valid check so by the time the bank would figure out it is fake they would be gone not only with several paintings but also with a valid 2500$ check from the artist to the fake moving company. The FBI showed no interest according to a phone conversation one of our artists. So far M. Landry has contacted three of our artists but if anyone has any questions or has been contacted by this lady e-mail Heike Talbert at HeikeET@aol.com or call her at 821-2055 or 690-0669

Mid-Southern Watercolorists Meeting 7-9 PM

Mid-Southern Watercolorist, one of the largest artist societies in the South and headquartered in Little Rock, is having a special meeting on Wednesday, November 14th at the Arkansas Arts Center that is open to all artists and the public.
The meeting will feature Barry Thomas (www.barrythomasart.com ) and Bob Snider (www.bobsniderwatercolors.com ) who will be painting a live portrait of TV personality Tiffany Butler of KARK, Channel 4. The paintings and MSW will be featured on KARK at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 15th.
Mid-Southern Watercolorists has over 220 members from ten states in our region. The artists of MSW are active supporters of art education, having donated over 1,650 hours of instruction to students and adults. Over the past three years, the artists of MSW have donated over 175 paintings in a total value exceeding $160,000 to 75 charities in our state.
The MSW Annual Exhibition, which is one of Arkansas' most prominent juried art competitions, will be held at the Historic Arkansas Museum from May 9 through August 10, 2008.

Wild Evening to benefit Turpentine Creek Wild Life Refuge

Tickets are now on sale for the 6th Annual “Cats are Coming” Evening of Animals and Art, sponsored by Hot Springs artists, Lisa and D. Arthur Wilson. Dr. Marion Smith’s generous donation of the historic Hamilton House Bed & Breakfast Estate will be the location for a Wild Evening to benefit Arkansas’ own Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, in Eureka Springs on Thursday, November 8, 2007, from 6 – 9pm. A favored event by the locals, the Hamilton House will be transformed into a gallery setting from the heart of Africa itself, with D. Arthur’s expressionistic Wildlife Art, to Lisa’s soulful, passionate Abstract Art, as well as a rare opportunity to purchase originals of their unique Collaborative art. Both have recently been named as selected artists to be represented by the Donald Trump Art Collection which premiers October 1, 2007, see trump.com for more information.
Flaming torches will light the night as International Wildlife artist D. Arthur puts charcoal to canvas to sketch the “Special 700-pound Feline Guest” from the refuge, as African music plays on. Along with the art, each sketch will be available for purchase as well as gift merchandise from the Refuge, Weekend-Getaway packages for Lodging at the newly completed Zulu Safari Lodge at the refuge, with profits directly benefiting Turpentine Creek. Along with admission to the event, savory hors d’ oeuvres, decadent desserts and fine wine will be included in the ticketed price, and a cash bar will be open.
The Wilson’s became temporary residents of the refuge this past spring when their efforts from last year’s benefit proved to be lucrative enough to begin building their dream contribution of the Zulu Safari Lodge. “I just asked Scott what was at the top of their wish list for the refuge,” D. Arthur states, “and he said they were in need of lodging. So, I simply said, they should have a great Safari Lodge….and he said, ‘when would you like to start’!” After meticulous architectural design and execution, the Wilson’s have successfully completed the first three of five African style “tented cabins”, luxuriously furnished with original art, cozy fireplaces; one cabin boasts a double cedar lined shower and among other amenities comes with snuggly Spa robes for the guests. The cabins border the 40’ octagonal deck centered around the gazebo and fire pit, while the hot tub is always ready, and the background of the carols of the big cats is mesmerizing. “TCWR has truly been an honor to be a part of,” Lisa says, “The extraordinary work that the staff at TCWR does is amazing. Everyone from the interns to the secretary give 100% to creatures that otherwise would not even be alive.” After living at the refuge the better part of four months, the Wilson’s saw first hand a fraction of the unceasing amount of work that goes into the daily routine at the refuge. “Sometimes I’d see Tanya and she’d already have been up since 3am!” says Lisa.
For more information contact Wilson Studios at 501-525-4245. To purchase tickets contact Wilson Studios 501-525-4245 or Hamilton House 501-520-4040. To visit Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, see turpentinecreek.org.

Art and Soul is a benefit show for Easter Seals

Friday evening November 2nd from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Pleasant Ridge Open Air Mall on Cantrell in front of M2 Gallery, Easter Seals presents its benefit show “Art and Soul”. There will be a huge tent set up in front of the M2 gallery, and they will be auctioning off around 50 pieces of artwork from various local artists, as well as 50 pieces of Easter Seals' Children’s artwork that we have framed up for the event. Imagine will be catering the event (with a very tasty menu) and Glaziers will be providing the drinks for the evening (Martinis, Cosmos, Red/White Wine, Beer, and non-alcoholic offerings as well). M2 will have live music, as well as a gallery filled with new artwork, and several artists present. Tickets for the event are available at the gallery ahead of time for a $35 donation to Easter Seals, or $40 the night of the event. Tickets are also available through Easter Seals. Easter Seals is one of the main charities that M2 Gallery partners with throughout the year, and this is one of their biggest fund-raising events of the year. Please come out and support a worthy cause, get some great artwork and food, and HAVE FUN!!! We will see you Friday! Call Mac, Ashley, John or Kim at 225-6257 to reserve your tickets or you can purchase them on-line at http://ar.easterseals.com

Ark. artists compiled in 2008 art calendar

BY JOHN LOVETT The Sentinel-Record

Those who buy the newly released 2008 Arkansas Artists Calendar will notice most of the paintings are by Hot Springs artists, or those who show in Hot Springs; names such as D. Arthur Wilson, Richard Stephens, Longhua Xu, Steve Griffith, Suzi Dennis, Nancy Dunaway, Arden Boyce, Jim Oberst, Barbara Siebel, Marlene Gremillion, Warren Criswell, Lynette Cox, Debi Fendley, James Hayes, Heike Ta l b ert and Matt McLoed. It is more because the city has the highest concentration of fine art galleries�� and possibly artists :�� than any place in the state. Is��s not because Bess Sanders, owner of Gallery Central, waved a wand and made it that way. The Arkansas Arts Council appointee says she did borrow the idea from Highland and University Park in Dallas, but did not jury the 270 submissions. That honor was left to two out-of-town art critics, Sanders said. In a rare moment of Arkansas art history, all 88 artists chosen for the calendar got together for a party at the Arkansas Governor��s Mansion to celebrate the release. A sign of the calendaqမs popularity is that in the first 10 days of being out, more than 1,500 of the 6,000 made have been sold for the $20 asking price. The colorful variety of art includes portraits, still lifes, landscapes, and sculpture. Since the books were already paid for through sponsors, (25 from Hot Springs alone), all of the proceeds go to build the first permanent Arkansas Art Collection, which will be housed at the governor��s mansion. "Wd��re hoping that people will send them to out-of-state relatives to show off all our artists," Sanders said. The mansion, 1800 Center St., schedules tours on an individual basis. Requests may be made to tour by calling 501-324-9805. To urs are scheduled according to house availability, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. No tours are scheduled in the evenings or on weekends. The tours consist of the public rooms (living room, dining room, foyer, east conference room) and the Grand Hall, Atrium, and Courtyard Cafe. There is no admission fee. "Not all of these paintings are going to the Governoq��s Mansion," Sanders said. "The fund will be able to purchase a few of them, the cover pieces at the very least. The most exciting thing, aside from these artists being given recognition, is that these pieces will be purchased. So many times artists are asked to donate their work to something like this, and finally thex��re getting paid for it." For the next calendar, submissions of photography and student works will be requested. Sanders will join Arkansas First Lady Ginger Beebe on 18 of the 20 city stops to promote the 2008 Arkansas Artists Calendar. Beebe will be at Gallery Central for the Nov. 2 Hot Springs Gallery Walk. An Arkansas Governoq��s Mansion Association art committee solicited sponsors at $500 a page. The sponsors are listed in the back of the book. Following is a list of locations in Hot Springs where the book is available. American Art Gallery, 724 Central Ave.; Artist Workshop Gallery, 810 Central Ave.; Blue Moon Gallery, 718 Central Ave.; Gallery Central, 800 Central Ave.; Justus Fine Art Gallery, 827-A Central Ave.; Linda Palmer Gallery, 800-B Central Ave.; Legacy Fine Art, 804 Central Ave.; Tayl o rမs Co n t emporanea, 205 Exchange St.; XU International, 610 Central Ave.
ARKANSAS ART: Matt McLoec��s oil painting "Capi tal Traffic" decorates the cover of the newly released 2008 Arkansas Artists Calendar, a project from the Governoqမs Mansion Associa tion to fund a permanent Arkansas Art Collection. McLoed shows at Blue Moon Gallery in Hot Springs. The books are $20 at most local galleries.

Have a Happy LULAV Halloween!!

It's a Halloween COSTUME PARTY !

When: This Saturday October 27
Time: 8:00PM Until the GHOSTS Vanish !

$3 Infused VODKA Martinis (Is it infused with blood)
FREE Appetizers for All Costumed Guests
$20 Lounge Dinner Specials

$100 Gift Certificate for the BEST Costume !



Lulav "A Modern Eatery"

An Exotic Culinary Experience for the Mind, Body and Soul

220 W 6th St ~ Little Rock, AR ~ 501.374.5100

THEA's Art Closet

THEA Foundation

THEA's Art Closet - Providing Art Supplies for the 100 Public School Art Teachers in Pulaski County

The THEA Foundation needs several volunteers with a van or pick-up truck to move materials for THEA's Art Closet. SanLori of Little Rock has donated materials that will be distributed to Art Teachers all over Pulaski County and we need several volunteers with a truck to pick up these materials and deliver them to the three school district warehouses in Little Rock. This should not take more than two hours to complete.

To Volunteer Please Call:

Paul Leopoulos or Jo Paulus
501-833-8304

THEA Foundation P.O. Box 94234 North Little Rock AR 72190

This Week at Starving Artist Cafe'

This Week at Starving Artist Cafe' Tuesday, October 211:30-1:30pmPainter Ludwik "Koz" KozlowskiKoz is a retired MD from Poland, and his works are actively collected in the United States, Poland, and Germany. His miniatures are some of the most popular pieces we sell at the cafe'.

Thursday, October 411:30-1:30pmPainter Ludwik "Koz" KozlowskiKoz is a retired MD from Poland, and his works are actively collected in the United States, Poland, and Germany. His miniatures are some of the most popular pieces we sell at the cafe'.

Saturday, October 66:30-8:30pmCollage Artist Byron WernerByron's "psychedelic eye candy" collages are made from gift wrap paper and are collected worldwide. All dates subject to change. Please call to confirm.

Artists with Works For Sale At Starving Artist Cafe'

Chef's Table Thursday Night Each Thursday we offer an exclusive Chef's Table for $50 all-inclusive (food, wine, tax, gratuity). Chef Jason will serve you and chat with you, and your dinner will be fabulous!Click Here for Menu

Reservations Required by 5pm Wednesday. 372- 7976.

Call for Artists Attention Artists! We have openings to paint/create during lunch or dinner in October. Put out a tip jar, bring other works for sale, get some great exposure, and have lunch or dinner on us! Artists get 100% of the retail price when you're here creating. Call Paula for availability: 372-7976.

Make this Holiday Season Special !!!

Make this Holiday Season Special !!!

LULAV
"A Modern Eatery"


Available for groups of 6 – 200

Reserve our intimate wine cellar or the entire restaurant

A Culinary experience Designed for your event

Prices starting at $7.00 per person (butler passed appetizers & wine)

Basic Buffets to Wine Themed Dinners

Party at the office? LULAV will come to you.

Call for sample menu or to further discuss your event
Complimentary tastings available


LULAV (est. 2004) is a four star restaurant serving California Mediterranean Cuisine. LULAV offers the very comfortable VLounge with over 100 wine selections, 30 wines by the glass, Expansive vodka selection, and live entertainment 3 nights per week.


220A W. 6th St. ~ Little Rock, AR 72201 ~ 501.374.5100

Last Night at M2 Gallery in the Pleasant Ridge Mall

Last night at M2 Gallery in the Pleasant Ridge Mall excitement was in the air as Drew Pickens soothed everyone’s ears with light jazz and contemporary sounds from his guitar. The main event was the outstanding new art from featured artists Nathan Beatty, Megan Chapman, Sean Fitzgibbon, Christina Mariotti, and Eric Smith.

The gallery was filled with new amazing works from the NW corner of the state, and I got to talk to several of the new artists who were present. Aside from the fantastic music and art, the owners Mac Murphy and John Magee provided an assortment of libations and appetizers that were extremely delicious. When I got their John was sitting in for Drew Pickens and entertained the crowd. I got to speak with artist Sean Fitzgibbon about his intriguing work with mixed media and how he created his piece Inner Workings, which seemed to be a combination of drawing and digital overlay that pulled you into the picture and stimulated your imagination. I also spoke with Megan Chapman another outstanding artist whose abstract work was exceptional and seemed to come alive with texture and color.

A good time was had by all and especially me after meeting some friends and moving over to Crew for continued libations. Many thanks go out to Mac and Ashley Murphy and John and Kim Magee as well as all the attendees, for making M2 Gallery’s Friday night event one of their best.

Thursday’s exhibit at T. Lamar Interiors

Thursday’s exhibit at T. Lamar Interiors was an outstanding event with food, libations and wonderful art featuring Tonya McNair, Richard Sutton, Mat McCloud and Virginia McKimmey (all pictured above). Melissa Morgan, VP of Sales & Marketing was there to greet the crowd and offer expertise in showing me around their wonderful establishment while pointing out some outstanding designer furnishings and exquisite art. Mat McCloud is also featured on the cover of Arkansas Governors Mansion new calendar picture book which also includes one of Tonya McNair’s stunning pieces. Richard Sutton was there showing off his intriguing and delightful pin and ink renditions, while Virginia McKimmey showed me her excellent portraits, with vivid colors of expressions in oil on canvas.

Petit Jean Mountain Workshop Registration Extended!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED:
The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute has extended the registration deadline
for their Fall 2007 Art Escapes Program to Thursday, October 4, 2007.
The program includes an Acrylics Workshop by MSW member, Charles Harrington, AWS, ISAP.

Workshop dates: October 11 - 14, 2007

Don't miss this opportunity to sharpen your painting skills while enjoying October at the beautiful WRI facilities on Petit Jean Mountain.

For more details or to register, contact:
Julie Hall
Program Coordinator
Winthrop Rockefeller Institute
University of Arkansas System
Petit Jean Mountain
Phone: 501-727-6220
jhall@uawri.org

Gallery Central TWO PERSPECTIVES OF YOSEMITE

The First Friday Art Walk October 5th in beautiful downtown Hot Springs, Gallery Central will present TWO PERSPECTIVES OF YOSEMITE featuring artists Bill Garrison - Oils and Gloria Garrison - Watercolors. You will not want tho miss seeing Yosemite from these artist's perspectives.

Mansion Art Calendar Book Signing Tour

Saturday, Sept. 8- 2:30-4:00
The Mall at Turtle Creek
3000 East Highland DriveJonesboro, AR 72401


Sunday, Sept. 9- 2:00-4:00
University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public ServiceSturgis Hall1200 President Clinton Ave. Little Rock, AR 72201

Monday, Sept. 10- Searcy, Newport 10am-12pm

Searcy
Heart & Soul Gift Store 1627 Beebe Capps ExpresswaySearcy, AR 72143

Newport Time: 2pm-4pm

Darling's 1303 McLain Street Newport, AR 72112


Tuesday, Sept. 11- Conway and Russellville

Russellville 11am-12:30-
Location: Russellville River Valley Arts Center
1001 East B Street
Russellville, Arkansas 72801


Conway 2pm-4pm

Hastings
Fax 501-336-8425
1360 Highway 64
Conway, AR 72023


Monday, Sept 17-Paragould and Blytheville

Paragould: Ima’s in Paragould- Time: 12-1:30
Ima’s
309 West Garland, Paragould AR 72450

That Bookstore in Blytheville Time: 3:30-5:00
716 W. Main
Blytheville, AR 72315


Monday, Oct. 1- Rogers, Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville
Fayetteville 11am-12pm
Fayetteville Library
401 W. Mountain St., Fayetteville, AR 72701

Springdale Time 1-2
Jones Center
922 E Emma AveSpringdale, AR 72764

Rogers Time: 3-4:30
Poor Richards Art
116 South First Street
Rogers, AR 72756


Bentonville 5-6pm
Bentonville- Bentonville Public Library
125 W Central Ave # 100Bentonville, AR 72712


Tuesday, October 2-Texarkana
11:00-12:00 Lonoke Baptist Church
1500 Kline Street, Texarkana





Thursday, October 18th- North Little Rock and Fort Smith

North Little Rock 10:00-11:30am
Red Door Gallery
3715 John F Kennedy BlvdN Little Rock, AR 72116
Fort Smith 5:30-7:30
Fort Smith Art Center
423 North 6th Street
Fort Smith, AR





Monday, October 22- Warren, Lake Village, Dumas and Pine Bluff

Warren Time: 10:30-12:00
Martins Department Store
200 S Main StWarren, AR 71671
Lake Village : 1:30-2:30
Paul Michael Co.
Home Décor Warehouse OutletHwy 65 & 82

Dumas 3:30-4:00
The Gift Shop 535 E. Farmer Street Dumas, AR 71639

This Friday Atypical Affair Playing at Lulavs

You are invited to join
A Typical Affair in celebrating the
release of their new cd
'Alone Feels Alive'

Friday, September 7th 8:30 p.m.
At Lulav located in downtown Little Rock
220 W. 6th St.

Join A Typical Affair in previewing their new
cd, followed by an acoustic performance of
selected tracks.

There will be no cover. Appetizers will be
provided, as well as drink specials all night.
CD's will be for sale.

This Week at Starving Artist Cafe

This Week at Starving Artist Cafe'
Thursday, September 6
6:30-8:30pm
Painter Courtney Crews
Courtney Crews is a 16-year-old junior at Episcopal Collegiate School. Most of her work is either Mixed media or Pen and Ink. She has taken many classes in Painting, Darkroom Photography, Figure Drawing and several different design classes. She has also attended two Summer College programs-- one being the California State Summer School of the Arts program at CalArts in Valencia, CA. It is a 5 week program that only accepts about 12 out of state students every year and is one of the highest awards a high school art student in California can receive. Her artwork has won several statewide awards. She is looking forward to pursuing a career in the fine arts as an illustrator, and perhaps in pursuing music since she also loves singing. She is an accomplished classical singer and available to sing at weddings or other events.

Saturday, September 8
5:30-8:30pm
Collage Artist Byron Werner
Bryon's "psychedelic eye-candy" work is actively collection worldwide.

Attention Artists! We have openings to paint/create during lunch or dinner in September. Put out a tip jar, bring other works for sale, get some great exposure, and have lunch or dinner on us! Artists get 100% of the retail price when you're here creating.
Call Paula for availability: 372-7976.


Artists with Works For Sale At Starving Artist Cafe'



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chef's Table Thursday Night
Each Thursday we offer an exclusive Chef's Table for $50 all-inclusive (food, wine, tax, gratuity). Chef Jason will serve you and chat with you, and your dinner will be fabulous!


Reservations Required by 5pm Wednesday. 372- 7976.

Last Saturday Night Grand Opening of Stephano's Gallery

"If I make a painting, it should be seen for what it's set out to do too. A lot of the things that I do, it's not all art. Some of it's design, some of it's illustration, some of it's graphics, some of it's concept, some of it's business and some of it, hopefully, is art." -----Ken Done Quotes

Greetings Artists and Patrons of ArkansasArtists.com

Last Saturday night’s grand opening of Stephano's new Gallery in the Heights was standing room only. I got to talk with many of the artists who are apart of the gallery. D. Arthur and Lisa Wilson, Kelly Edwards, Diana Ashley and Stephano. All were extremely busy talking with art patrons and sharing stories about their work. Libations and appetizers were abundant as well as live music; the gallery was alive with excitement and merriment.

When the musicians took a break Stephano took the microphone and invited the participating artists up for introductions. After the introductions of the artists Linda Leopoulos, the founder of the THEA Foundation, gave a very moving speech about her late daughter, her unfulfilled artistic dreams and the Foundation’s accomplishments and their goals in promoting the arts through out the schools in our state. If you want to learn more about helping promote the arts through the THEA Foundation you can visit their web site at www.theafoundation.org.

After leaving Stephano’s Gallery Grand Opening we headed to the Underground Pub for more libations, food and music from the Crisis Classic Rock Band. A good time was had by all and who attended and I got to talk with many interesting people, not to mention the leader of the band Gregg Herning. To him music is all about fun and getting the crowd involved which they did many times with the dance floor packed during their sets. You can learn more about the band by clicking on their logo on ArkansasArtists.com under the musicians tab.

Remember this next Friday will be the First Friday Art Walk in beautiful downtown Hot Springs. I will be looking for you there.

Tonight M2 Gallery Presents the Woman and Chlildren's First Chairty Event

The Woman and Children’s First Charity event was outstanding tonight at M2 Gallery and I was ecstatic just to be a participant of the event. The art was outstanding and I got to interview one of M2s newest additions Amy Laser of Little Rock. Her work is as exquisite as her personal beauty. She is a trainer at the Studio Wellness in the Heights and if she can get you looking as wonderfully fit as she looks than it is well worth the money. She is beautiful with a pleasant personality and very in to her art. She works in mixed media with some print and deco plague thrown in that makes it intriguing, as well as interesting, drawing the viewer in and capturing their attention as they become consumed by the beauty which she has created. She is one of he most talented artists I have viewed in the past few months whose originality is so distinctive that it will take your breath away. If you want to view her art drop by M2 Gallery on Cantrell and Mac or Ashley will give you the grand tour. They have some of the finest artists in Little Rock, and the Pleasant Ridge shopping plaza is a great place to spend the afternoon. Mac and Ashley Murphy and John and Kim Magee are some of the best art promoters in the state with one of the finest galleries in west Little Rock. Tonight’s event raised money for a worthy cause and promoted talented artists from our state. I want to personally thank them for their efforts in showcasing artists from our great state. ArkansasArtists.com is privileged to have them as a sponsor.

M2 Gallery Presents the Woman and Chlildren

The Woman and Children’s First Charity event was outstanding tonight at M2 Gallery and I was ecstatic just to be a participant of the event. The art was outstanding and I got to interview one of M2s newest additions Amy Laser of Little Rock. Her work is as exquisite as her personal beauty. She is a trainer at the Studio Wellness in the Heights and if she can get you looking as wonderfully fit as she does than it is worth the money. She is perky, beautiful, pleasant and very in to her art which is mixed media with some print and deco plague thrown in that makes it intriguing, as well as interesting, drawing the viewer in and capturing their attention as they become consumed by the beauty which she has created. She is one of he most talented artists I have viewed in the last few months whose originality is so distinctive that it will take your breath away. If you want to view her art drop by M2 Gallery on Cantrell and Mac or Ashley will give you the grand tour. They have some of the finest artists Little Rock and the Pleasant Ridge shopping plaza is a great place to spend the afternoon. Mac and Ashley Murphy and John and Kim Magee are some of the best art promoters in the state with one of the finest galleries in west Little Rock. Tonight’s event raised money for a worthy cause and promoted talented artists for our state. I want to personally thank them for their efforts in showcasing artists from our great state. ArkansasArtists.com is privileged to have them as a sponsor.

Stephano's Fine Art Gallery Grand Opening

Little Rock,AR- August 5th, 2007 - Well known, local artist Stephano has recently announced the opening of his new gallery, Stephano's Fine Art Gallery located on Kavanuagh Blvd. . Stephano will feature established artist, as well as, some new up and coming faces in the art world. Stephano's Fine Art Gallery officially opened August 1st, 2007 . The GRAND Opening will be held Saturday, August 25th, 2007 starting at 6PM and is open to the public. To find out more about the artist, please visit www.stephanostudios.com or call 501.563.4218 to schedule a private viewing.

M2 Gallery Event to benefit Women and Children First Arkansas -- The Center Against Family Violence.

The event will be Thursday, August 23, from 6-9 p.m. and will benefit Women and Children First Arkansas -- The Center Against Family Violence.

The show will feature new works by ALL of our artists and we will also be introducing a new artist for the first time. She's been voted Best Artist for several years in Northwest Arkansas and will be making her Little Rock debut!

This Art and Appetizers event will have a $10 donation at the door to attend, and we will have appetizers supplied by Crew Restaurant. We will also supply wine and other refreshments. Drew Pickens will be playing guitar in the gallery, and 10% of all sales will be donated to Women and Children First. We will have several artists present that evening, and a lot of GREAT artwork. This is your chance to get that perfect piece of artwork, while also helping a great cause!

If you would like more information about the charity, please visit their website at www.wcfarkansas.org

We hope to see you August 23rd!

-Mac, Ash, John and Kim

A three day "Art Escape" on beautiful Petit Jean Mountain

I’m not an abstractionist. I’m not interested in the relationship of color or form or anything else. I’m interested only in expressing basic human emotions: tragedy, ecstasy, doom, and so on.
……. Mark Rothko



A three day "Art Escape" awaits you at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute of the University of Arkansas System.

Choose from these three great workshops, each taught by a working artist: Landscapes in Pastel with Jack Hetterich; Loosen Up with MM Kent: Impressionist Oil Painting; Acrylics: A Watercolor Alternative with Charles Harrington. The artists will provide 16 hours of instruction, including individual assistance and critiques. Meals and evening programming will allow more time for students and instructors to interact. Registration deadline is September 26. Space is limited. For more information, visit www.uawri.org or call 501.727.6220.

M2 Gallery Presents "Icons and Archetypes"

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”------Scott Adams


Greatings Artists and Patrons of ArkansasArtists.com

Friday evening July 27th M2 Gallery presented the “Icons and Archetypes” exhibit and I have to say that I was amazed, captivated and awestruck by the excellent creations of artists Cathy Burns of North Little Rock and Lea Barton of Flora, Mississippi. Mac and Ashley Murphy put on an exquisite exhibit and the crowd was ecstatic with excitement. The weather was perfect and guitarist Dru Pickens entertained the guests with his combination jazz/classical style as they entered the gallery. Dru’s music featured a laid back eclectic blend that soothed the soul and excited the imagination. Upon entering the exhibit I got to speak with Cathy Burns who explained her mixed media work with such enthusiasm and emotions that it made me feel as if I were apart of the her creation. Lea Barton’s work bordered on spiritualism and was very enlightening as each peace seamed to pull you in to the creation. Mac and Ashley always provide refreshing libations and exquisitely delicious appetizers to partake as you make your way through all their excellent artist’s creations.

After we left the exhibit we treated ourselves to an outstanding dinner at the new Bonefish Grill on the other side of the plaza. The crab cake appetizers were “to die for” and for my main course, I had the grilled Chilean Sea Bass which was absolutely wonderful. This restaurant is an absolute “must go to” place for exquisite dining and esthetic atmosphere, but be sure you stop in and say hello to Mac and Ashley at M2 Gallery before you have dinner and you will have the makings of an outstanding evening.

I will be sure to look for you at the First Friday Art Walk next week in beautiful downtown Hot Springs, I here it will be one to remember, but until then I hope you have a wonderful week and from all of us at ArkansasArtists.com we appreciate you allowing us to bring you closer to some of the most talented artists in the great state of Arkansas.

Cantrell Gallery and Mid-Southern Watercolor Exhibit

“A sincere artist is not one who makes a faithful attempt to put on to canvas what is in front of him, but one who tries to create something which is, in itself, a living thing.” -----William Dobell

Greetings Artists and Patrons of ArkansasArtists.com

Sunday July 14th Helen, Cindy and Clarke at Cantrell Gallery featured the Mid-Southern Watercolor Artists Event. The event started with a reception for the artists and friends with a wonderfully delightful spread of wine, cheese, fruit and other delisious finger foods. Everyone who attended had a wonderful time and I got to visit with Arkansas Artists: Marlene Gremillion, Diane Ziemski, Terry and Debi Bean, Duane Hada and many others. Most of the artists present were entrants and winners of the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion Association art calendar competition that was announced several weeks ago. ArkansasArtists.com play an important roll in helping organize, create and run the competition along with Ginger Beebe and many other wonderful volunteers from the Governor’s Mansion Association.

Helen tells me that the watercolorist’s exhibit will be displayed for several months so please make it a point to drop by Cantrell Gallery to see all the wonderful art created by some of the most talented artists from our state. Also, join me in congratulating all the artists that participated in the gallery exhibit and I promise you will be captivated by all the exquisite art, not to mention that Helen, Cindy and Clarke are delightful conversationalists so you will not be disappointed when you stop in to view their collection. Cantrell Gallery will soon be one ArkansasArtists.com’s coveted sponsors and we want to welcome and thank them for being part of Arkansas’s best website that showcases Artists from the great State of Arkansas.

"My emotions, dreams and feelings transformed into the colors and images on the canvas are my paintings."::: Nick Japaridze :::

Greetings Artists and Patrons of ArkansasArtists.com,

My apologies for being remiss in my postings but we have been busy with the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion Art Calendar Competition which is finally coming to an end with the calendar picks being announced this weekend.

Thursday June the 28, I had the pleasure of attending a reception for the newly formed Partners Insurance Agency at Lulav’s Modern Eatery. I got to talk with the President of Partners Insurance Morgan Pile as well as Jay Davidson and the lovely Jennifer Davis. I talked with Matt Lile who is also one of the owners of Lulav. There was an excellent selection of wine, beer, cocktails and some amazing appetizers that were created by the head chef at Lulav which were magnificently delicious. A great time was had by all who attended, as seen above, and the esthetics of the building and the ambiance of the restaurant were delightful. Matt told me he could accommodate as many as 200 people in their reception area and restaurant. After the reception I set with some friends who were eating on the restaurant side and they said the service was awesome and the entrees were absolutely exquisite. They were on they way to see “The Full Monty” which I got a chance to enjoy the last night of the season a week later and I must say, it was a fabulous presentation which had us rolling with laughter in our seats. This coming “Second Friday Art Walk” in beautiful downtown Little Rock you will find me finishing the evening at Lulav restaurant for some of the downtown areas finest dining. I hope to see you there.

Second Friday Art Walk Downtown Little Rock

Greetings Artists and patrons of ArkansasArtists.com:

The weather was perfect for the Second Friday Art Walk in beautiful downtown Little Rock. The streets were bustling with anxious art patrons and people generally just out for a well earned good time at the end of their busy work week. The trolleys were glistening by in reds and yellows and as you walked by you could hear music and merriment beaming from each establishment. Their were street musicians, dancers and a living Michael Jackson statue (my personal favorite) as you navigated through the multitudes making you way down Clinton Avenue.

It was a business as usual scene at the local art galleries with wine, soft drinks and appetizers but much to my chagrin, I did not get to talk with any featured artists this evening. Feeling rather vexed we moseyed over to Rumbas for a bite to eat out on the back porch where Barrett Baber supplied a delightful repertoire of originals and his renditions of many famous artists. His acoustic guitar sounded awesome and his voice was reminiscence of Dave Mathews. All in all, a great time was had by all who were there.

I had Rumbas’ Cuban style Ahi Tuna with black beans and rice which was absolutely exquisite and the top-shelf margaritas’ were outstanding. We stayed for two or three of Barrett’s sets and bid beautiful downtown Little Rock adieu. So until next time, we hope your glasses stay filled and your expectations are gratified.

M2 Gallery Grand Opening

M2 Gallery Grand Opening

We have been remiss in posting the last three to four weeks because of the immense flow of art entrees we have had to process for the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion Art Competition. With that said, thank goodness the dead line for entries was Friday June 1st so now we can concentrate on ArkansasArtists.com.

M2 Gallery had their Grand Opening featuring two distinguished Arkansas Artists; V.L. Cox and Jason Gammell. John and Kim Magee, and Mac and Ashley Murphy, the owners of M2 Gallery in the new Pleasant Ridge Town Center on Cantrell in Little Rock, were present and I spoke with them about the interesting artists and the exquisite art on display. M2 is a prestigious gallery with some great artists from our state and around the world. They had live music, wine, beer and some awesome appetizers, so all who attended had a wonderful time.

I got to speak with Jason Gammell about his intriguing style and the way he manipulates his acrylic medium to produce his exceptional abstract renditions of time, space and dimension that seem to draw you into his creation.

I also had the pleasure of visiting with the delightfully perky V.L. Cox who is always a pleasure to talk with. She is one of the most assiduously creative artists that I know, whose genius blend of acrylic, mixed media and excitingly unusual objects will capture you gaze for hours. Each of her pieces is like a marvelous novel that you just can not put down, one that captures your imagination as you try to visualize her inner most emotions.

After our immensely enjoyable tour of the M2 Gallery we walked next door to one of Little Rocks newest sensational restaurants called Crew for an exquisite dinner. I had the delectable grilled yellow fin tuna which was presented in an art like form. The food and the wine were both excellent and the service was outstanding bringing our evening of art, music and dining to a delightful end. I hope to see you next Friday at the 2nd Friday Art Walk in beautiful downtown Little Rock.

Al Hooks Gallery in Eureka Springs Grand Opening

Al Hooks had the Grand opening for his signature gallery in Eureka Springs the 2nd week in May. The Hooks Gallery is at 7 Center Street in the beautiful down town area of Eureka Springs.

Al is one of our premier artists at ArkansasArtists.com. The next time your in Eureka Springs visit Al's fabulas new gallery and let him know you heard about it here at ArkansasArtists.com.

Friday Night at Cantrell Gallery, May 4, 2007

Greetings Art Patrons and Arkansas Artists:

Friday night May 4, 2007 was an outstanding night at Cantrell Gallery

The Cantrell Gallery is at 8206 Cantrell in the strip center across from Pavilion in the Park in Little Rock. This evening’s exhibit could have been called City of Angels with an awesome display by Virginia Williamson from Junction City. Virginia, pictured above next to one of her pieces, works in a mixed media of acrylic and oil pastels. This particular piece is done on a sheet of tar paper which makes it particularly unique. I loved her use of a technique double layering acrylic paint then dripping alcohol on it to create beautiful expressions of colors. She also incorporates crushed paper soaked in latex paint and for additional effects she uses scrap pieces found at the local scrap metal yard for emphasis.

Cantrell Gallery was packed for the event and I got to speak with Helen Scott who owns Cantrell Gallery along with her husband Norman. Helen has hundreds of exquisite art works from many different Artists from the State of Arkansas. She is also one of the many galleries’ sponsoring the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion Association art competition project to raise money to purchase art for display in the Governor’s Mansion. ArkansasArtists.com hopes to have Cantrell Gallery as one of our sponsors’s to keep ArkansasArtists.com, the premier web site that showcases Artists from our State, free to our Artists.
After a wonderful visit at the Cantrell Gallery exhibit we went journeyed to the downtown area that was bumper to bumper, after which we decided to sojourn our way to Loco Luna’s for a delightful meal. I had the Voodoo Stew which was delicious, and my son had the Brick Oven Pepperoni Pizza which he claims is the best pizza in town. As we bid you farewell we are looking forward to another wonderful 2nd Friday Art Walk May the 11th in beautiful downtown Little Rock.