Exhibitions and Meet the Artist Receptions
A new exhibition opens each month in the gallery with a public reception which is a great time to enjoy exceptional works of art, an opportunity to meet the exhibitiing artist, hear a short, informative gallery talk, ask questions, mingle with other artists and art patrons and enjoy refreshments. Introduce younger children to artists and a cultural experience that can form a lifelong love for the arts.
Gallery Exhibit Opening Receptions are held at the Arts Center, 1001 East B Street, Russellville on the first Sunday of each month from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
During this time you can join your children for a Sunday Funday where supplies and instructor are provided for them to make crafts. Viewing the exhibits, refreshments and Funday are free of charge and open to the public.
A new exhibition at two other venues offer monthly rotating exhibitions: Pope County Library and Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor Center. Local art is also on exhibit at Russellville Regional Airport and Russellville Country Club.
Annual shows in the gallery include CenturyLINK's Collegiate Exhibition and Competition open to any college student in the state, a statewide High School Exhibition and Competition, also sponsored by CenturyLINK, and Local Artist Invitational. Other exhibits are from area students, local, state and nationally renowned artists.
To be considered as an exhibitor in the Arts Center's Gallery, submit good quality photographs of 2-or 3-d works or an actual piece of art along with your biography to the Visual Arts Committee. This Committee reviews and schedules exhibits several months in advance. There is also the opportunity to exhibit in the classroom gallery or lobby. These additional exhibits usually draw as large a viewing audience as the Gallery so each exhibit enhances the other.
November 2009
Roberta Katz-Messenger, Stained Glass Artist
Roberta Katz-Messenger is a stained glass artists from Clinton, Arkansas. Her love of stained glass began with two years experience working in a glass studio in Denver, Colorado before moving to Clinton in 1972. She has recently explored fused and painted glass, drawing on studies with Dick Millard, Milford Zornes and others.
"Stained glass has a compelling fascination; every nuance in lighting is transmitted or reflected in the glass. Rich, subtle, demanding, fragile and powered by the sun; working in glass is like painting with light," she said.
December 2009
Hannah New and Young Arkansas Artists
Hannah New, herself a young Arkansas artist, will be joined by the traveling Young Arkansas Artists exhibition. Hannah graduated from Dover High School and atteded Arkansas Tech University last year before transferring to art school in Memphis. She is the 2008 overall winner of the CenturyLINK sponsored Collegiate Exhibition and Competition held here at the Arts Center last February. Hannah is an outstanding young artist who's pure talent and creativity are very evident in her work in painting, sculptures and design.
The Young Arkansas Artists Exhibit represents work by 17 Arkansas students, including Jared Floyd a student at Pottsville Junior High School. This is a juried exhibition and travels around the state for a year after being selected.
Janaury 2010
Angela Teeter East
Angela Teeter East is a talented artist from the Clarksville area. In addition to exhibits, her paintings have graced the pages of an artist calendar and homes.
February 2010
Collegiate Competition and Exhibition
All students enrolled in a fine arts course in any college or university in the State of Arkansas is eligible and invited to enter the CenturyLINK sponsored Collegiate Competition and Exhibition. This juried show gives the students a professional critique of their work, an opportunity to have a professional exhibit, recognition and win cash awards. "I am always impressed with the quality of work that we receive from both college students and the high school students that exhibit in the March competition," said Ann Adams, Visual Arts Committee chairman.
March 2010
High School Competition and Exhibition
Students in grades 9-12 in any school in the state, plus home schooled high-school aged, are eligible and encouraged to enter the CenturyLINK sponsored High School Competition and Exhibition. This is also a juried exhibition where students can be recognized for their talents and abiities by professional artists who serve as jurors and win cash awards. The public and accomplished artists are invited to show their support to these young, aspiring artists, visit with them, answer their questions and enjoy their works of art.
April 2010
Doug Gorrell
Doug has traveled and painted from the east to the west coast in the United States. He spent a year in Sicily, and has made numerous trips to France, Italy, Spain and Mexico. His work has been featured in many National shows and is in numerous private and corporate collections. His statement reflects his love of the art:
“The thrill of painting is creating something that has meaning to others, and enriches their lives. As a Colorist and Impressionist, my intent is to create works with harmonious color and to simplify my subject matter to its fundamental and poetic form. A Plein-air enthusiast, I paint on location whenever possible, inspired by a direct attachment with nature.”
May 2010
James Hayes
James discovered glassblowing at the Arkansas Arts Center and immediately fell in love. In 1993 he formed the James Hayes Art Glass Company with a hot shop and showroom. James makes the following statement about his colorful, very popular art: "I use nature, everyday observations and experiences and my emotions as inspiration for my art glass. My art glass is playful, adventurous, colorful and distinctive. When I am making something, I always begin with the end in mind. However, during the glass making process, the design can change or a happy accident will occur. Bowls are my favorite object. They symbolize sharing and friendship,"
