Visual Arts

With everything from one-of-a-kind originals and limited edition prints to sculpture and large scale installations, Arkansas has a vast array of southern artists' art works representing all mediums - watercolor, oils, acrylic, pencil drawings, photography, jewelry, luster-glazed hand-thrown pottery, bronze sculptures, wood carvings, metal art, hand-blown glass, batik and more.

Southern art sculpture and murals can be viewed in public places and in free art galleries throughout Arkansas. Studio tours, gallery walks, and events such as the Fayetteville Fine Arts Festival add to the arts experience. Often southern artists’ original works are available for sale in museum shops, galleries and boutiques throughout Arkansas.

Enjoy Southern Art in Public Places

Public art pieces dot the state of Arkansas. Bronze statues mark parks, and murals on old downtown brick walls denote history. Some modern sculpture placed for the public eye to see leaves much to the imagination, while other metal works show children playing or an old lady knitting on a park bench. Much of the art found in public places is part of unique venues to discover creativity, such as at arts centers. Other pieces reflect on history, like the statues of the Little Rock Nine located at the State Capitol.

World Peace Prayer Fountain - by Hank Kaminsky - Located at the Fayetteville Town Center on Fayetteville's downtown square. Ten feet in diameter, the World Peace Prayer Fountain is a bronze sphere layered with more than 100 languages touting the same message, "May Peace Prevail on Earth." Water streams from its top and flows down the sphere to a pool below. The elements of nature have already begun to color the bronze sculpture a brilliant, green patina. Languages meet and intertwine throughout the piece. The Hebrew and Arabic languages converge at the word "peace," as do the Chinese and Tibetan scripts.

The Artery, a Eureka Springs not-for-profit artist trust, gives new meaning to urban renewal with the creation of an open-air gallery. Consisting of four-foot-by-eight-foot murals designed by local and visiting artists, THE ARTERY showcases Eureka Springs as a community where art not only impacts the aesthetics of the environment, but also provides support for the working artist. This ever-changing, living mural rotates upon the sale of each panel. These architectural accents lend themselves to enhancing not only private settings but also commercial spaces. For more information, contact Charlotte Buchanan at (479) 981-1135.

Galleries & Museums - Find Southern Artists' Art Work

Private art galleries contain works that range from American Indian themes to modern works. Some contain the sole works of renowned artists, such as Susan Morrison and Thomas Kincade, while other galleries display paintings and sculpture representing several local and regional artists.

Public galleries rotate art exhibitions and art collections through their spaces. The new Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville is planned to open in 2009.

Museums

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. Founded by Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, Crystal Bridges is a premier national art institution dedicated to American art and artists. Currently under construction, with an opening date of November 11, 2011, the museum complex encompasses approximately 100,000 square feet of gallery, library, meeting and office space, a 250-seat indoor auditorium, areas for outdoor concerts and public events, gallery rooms suitable for large receptions, as well as sculpture gardens and walking trails.

The museum will house a permanent collection of signature works from American artists along with galleries dedicated to regional art and artists including Native American art. The growing permanent collection is composed of paintings and sculptures by American artists from the Colonial period through the modern era and will consist of notable examples reflecting the richness and diversity of the American experience.

Some announced works of the permanent collection include: Hudson River School masterwork Kindred Spirits by Asher B. Durand; Charles Willson Peale's 18th century painting of George Washington; Gilbert Stuart's George Washington (The Constable-Hamilton Portrait), which is currently on loan at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Spring, by Winslow Homer; Martin Johnson Heade's Cattleya Orchid, Two Hummingbirds and a Beetle; and Marsden Hartley's Hall of the Mountain King. In addition to the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions drawn from national institutions will be displayed in the museum.

Public Galleries and Arts Centers

Southern Art in Central Arkansas

Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock. World class art exhibitions; seven galleries; internationally recognized drawing collection; "Best Impressions" restaurant offering soups, salads, entrees, desserts; museum shop; Children's Theatre; over 10 areas in the center available for rent.

Central Arkansas Arts Center, P.O. Box 1769, Conway, AR 72035; (501) 327-0690.

Rialto Community Arts Center, Morrilton. The Rialto Theatre has a rich history stretching over nearly 100 years. Gallery for art showcases.

Terry House, Little Rock. The historic Terry House is open to the public during regular Arts Center hours when there is an exhibition scheduled. It now serves as a community gallery space and is also available for rentals. Terry House is a grand, historic home, which makes for a stunning atmosphere at both indoor and outdoor gatherings. The sculpted grounds have bricked walkways, patios, a butterfly garden, a gazebo and ample space for tents. Rental of this facility includes galleries, a dining room, a kitchen and sitting rooms.

Southern Art in the Delta

Arkansas State University Fine Arts Gallery, Jonesboro. Wide range of changing exhibits of local and regional art.

Guachoya Cultural Art Center, P.O. Box 732, Lake Village, AR 71653; (870) 265-6077.

Arts Center of the Grand Prairie, P.O. Box 65, Stuttgart, AR 72160; (870) 673-1781.

Southern Art in the Ozarks

Anne Kittrell Art Gallery, Arkansas Union, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Student and touring exhibits throughout the school year.

Arts Center of the Ozarks, Springdale. Drama, musicals, gallery showings, classes, cultural events.

Bogle Exhibit Hall, Old Main, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.

Fine Arts Center Gallery, Fine Arts Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Themed showings throughout the year; touring exhibits.

Fine Arts Center Sculpture Garden, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Pieces in this garden are rotated in and out.

Fort Smith Art Center, 423 N. Sixth St., Fort Smith, AR 72901; (479) 784-2787, (479) 784-9071.

Harding University Stevens Art Center, Searcy. Two galleries featuring works of students and faculty; visiting exhibitions.

Mullins Library, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.

Paul Young Jr. Gallery, Vol Walker Hall, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.

Walton Arts Center Markham Gallery, Fayetteville. The work of local and national artists can be viewed here and in the Walton Arts Center lobby. Exhibits are rotated throughout the year.

Wishing Springs Art Gallery, Bella Vista. Housed in a restored barn, this gallery features the works of members of the The Village Art Club. County Road 40, two blocks east of U.S. 71.

Southern Art in the River Valley

Arkansas River Valley Arts Center, Russellville. Visual arts displays by well-known artists; a local artists' gallery; theater productions.

Walton Fine Arts Center, Clarksville. Features Stephens Art Gallery, with glass and ivory carvings collections, and numerous original oil paintings; theater; monthly special events.

Southern Art in the Timberlands

Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, Pine Bluff. Four galleries; year-round exhibitions, approximately six theater productions per year; hands-on children's exhibits.

South Arkansas Arts Center, El Dorado. Two visual arts galleries, ballet studio and classrooms for art education. Traveling exhibits.

Southern Arkansas University Brinson Fine Arts Building, Magnolia. Award-winning building with active art gallery of works by national and international artists, faculty and students.

Texarkana Regional Arts Center, Texarkana. Housed in the former 1909 U.S. Federal Courthouse; now offers exhibits, lectures, classes, concerts; three galleries feature traveling exhibits.

University of Arkansas at Monticello Fine Arts Galleries, Monticello. Offers a concert association, a gallery and college musicals and dramas.

Southern Art in the Ouachitas

Blue Moon Gallery, Hot Springs. Fine and decorative arts representing local, national and international artists.

Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs, Hot Springs. Four galleries; year-round exhibitions, approximately six theater productions per year; hands-on children's xhibits.

Hot Springs Arts District. Gallery Walk on the first Friday of each month features new exhibit openings.

Mena Art Gallery, Mena. Art for all ages in the heart of the Ouachitas

Museum of Contemporary Art at the Ozark, Hot Springs. Housed in the restored historic Ozark Bathhouse on Bathhouse Row; features works of contemporary artists from all over the world.

Taylor's Contemporanea Fine Arts, Hot Springs. Features contemporary works by regional, national and international artists.

You may also find works of area artists at local craft fairs, local antique malls and flea markets in Arkansas.