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.