Local artists want shoppers to consider art for holiday giving

By Kathy French

Art Towns

The artists and galleries of Northwest Arkansas want you to buy art this holiday season and they are making it easy with special shows and sales.

Northwest Arkansas is well known for its solid cluster of artists. Several art galleries have opened in Fayetteville and Rogers in the past five years and Eureka Springs — which probably has more artists and restaurants per capita than any town in the state— is nationally recognized. Eureka Springs has been named one of the top 25 arts destinations by American Style magazine for the past two years and the village is also listed in Jim Villani’s book “The Best Small Art Towns in America.”

Hereisalistofjustafewofthe Northwest Arkansas galleries and special shows.

Special Shows

SLAAP, Kathy Thompson Studio 3 E. Mountain St., Fayetteville 521-1502

The SLAAP (Support Local Art and Products) Happy Two show willbefrom5to8p.m.Dec.3at Kathy Thompson Studio in downtown Fayetteville. There will be a wide variety of functional items. There will be offerings by Annie McClure, vintage transformed; Cindy Arsaga, encaustic paintings; Laurie Foster, wool blankets; Joseph Brajcki, fantasy edibles; Kathy Thompson, handpainted ceramics; Pam Pemberton, holiday botanicals; Mary Thompson, hats; Cynthia Parker, hand knits; Ansel Ogle, wooden spoons; Gibson baskets.

Block Street Art Sale 229 N. Block St., Fayetteville 442-6541

The GoodFolk house, a Victorian house near downtown Fayetteville, will be the site of the Block Street Art Sale again this year. Participating artists are: functional pottery and note cards by Marie Demoroukas; contemporary southeastern native American pottery and paintings by Victoria McKinney; colorful knitted and felted wool hats, scarves and gloves by Karen Chotkowski; handmade paper, note cards, photo-books and journals by Michelle Berg-Vogel; functional rustic furniture of recycled and found objects by Greg Mitchell; vintage bark cloth handbags and jewelry by Faye Alter; glass bead jewelry and art assemblages by Susan Shore; art boxes and mirrors by Elizabeth Nevin; hand-dyed paper and collages by Vajra Engber; encaustic paintings by Cindy Arsaga; photography, books and Christmas ornaments by Don House; and crocheted shawls and man hats, utilitarian cotton looper rugs and handwoven Southwestern wool tapestries by Debra DuBois.

An opening reception will be 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4, the sale will continue 10a.m.to5p.m.Dec.5andnoonto 5 p.m. Dec. 6.

Holiday Bazaar at Northwest Arkansas Community Creative Center. 505 W. Spring St. Fayetteville 571-2706 nwaccc.org.

Specially made gift items by local artists. Plus, every child gets to decorate a free handmade ornament. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5.

Galleries

ddp gallery, 7 E. Mountain St., Fayetteville 442-0001 ddpgallery.com

ddp gallery features small works for the third year in a row and the new show opens Dec. 3. The 12 artists selected to participate include several from the ddp gallery’s stable of gallery-represented artists in addition to works by local and national artists.

Duane Gardner will be showing smaller versions of his wellcollected abstract paintings on canvas. Gardner works mostly in acrylic, oil and graphite, exploring a consistent shape in a varied composition. Megan Chapman is giving a preview of works to come with a completely new body of work. Chapman has always photographed and written as an inspiration to her paintings. Her new work combines photographs and written word on hand-hewn chunks of wood covered in resin.

Cindy Arsaga presents a collection of encaustic painting combining collage and her mark-making skills on small panels. Katie Harper’s passion is book arts, graphic design and the art of letterpress. Harper has collected quotes and creates exquisite drawings to present as letterpressed coasters. Alison Carter is known for her ceramics work, but she also knits. She has been creating super-cute, super-tough toy-dolls for her dog that are really artful creations. Maeve Courteau has been making spoons for years. You may remember seeing her at the Fayetteville Farmers Market, carving away and then she disappeared. She’s back and at ddp gallery.

Kyle Asfahl is a scientist, who is also a talented artist. He creatively renders the expansiveness of microbial life on small panels, exploring the relationship between humans and bacteria. Jennifer Pease makes you fall in love with her cups … you look for all the surprises she’s incorporated into them … a funny character here or there, a scene on the bottom of the cup or a few hidden drops of glaze reveal themselves at your last sip. She creates pure enjoyment.

Jeff Meadows hails from San Francisco and is ddp gallery’s first artist picked from a collection of more than 2,500 Facebook friends. Meadows has created small works of his signature graphic style — an influence of retro illustration and graffiti. Each piece is a captured urban treasure. Laura Terry recently had a successful exhibition at ddp; a series of collaged sketches were favorites. Terry will present more of the lovely square pieces on paper composed of delicate details inspired by Southern literature, gardens and quilts.

Don House, a favorite local photographer, has created ornaments out of recycled film canisters. They feature a few of his signature images of local scenes. Both of Don’s books will be available, including his new release, “Not a Good Sign.” In addition, several prints are available, including some that will never be printed again. Mark Traughber of Philadelphia has developed a nice following in Fayetteville, with his stencil paintings and encaustic works.

ddp gallery is open noon to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and by appointment.

Fayetteville Underground Gallery 1 E. Center St., Fayetteville 387-1534 FayettevilleUnderground.com

The basement of the old Bank of America building on the Fayetteville Square is now home to the Fayetteville Underground, which contains gallery space and studios for working artists. Artists currently working there are: Randy Brodnax, Juanita Dunn, William Mayes Flanagan, Jan Gosnell, Gailen Hudson, Dana Idlet, Maggie Ivy, Rebecca Johnson, Hank Kaminsky, Thomas Krapausky, Leilani Law, Shirley Miller, Martha Molina, Greg Moore, Steve Moore, David Murphree, Leon Niehues, Nann Nwe, Ed Pennebaker, Kelly Price Colston, Basil Seymour-Davies and Kelley Wilks.

The artists work in several different mediums and styles, both functional and decorative. You can find paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, prints and more. There are three gallery spaces, The Hive, Revolver and The Vault, which is the actual old bank vault and a really cool space. The e Street Gallery is a fine arts and crafts gallery featuring works from the artists of the Underground like mugs, punch bowls, dishes, paintings, jewelry and more with prices starting at less than $20.

The Fayetteville Underground is open noon to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

Four Square Fine Art Gallery 3996 Frontage Road, Fayetteville 422-8607

FourSquareFineArt.com

Four Square Fine Art Gallery initially opened in downtown Fayetteville, but moved to north Fayetteville earlier this year. Located near the intersection of Joyce Boulevard and College Avenue, the gallery features paintings and drawings by Robert Andes; abstract mixed media by Robert Glick; landscapes, skyscapes and illuminated boxes by Tanya Johnston; still life and figurative paintings and photographs by Joanne Jones; photographs by Kirk Lanier; oils by Kyle McKenzie; plein air Arkansas landscapes by David Mudrinich; paintings and prints reflecting the African American experience by John L. Newman; paintings and prints by Golsa Yaghoobi; and paintings and works by Carol Roberts, Timothy C. Tyler, Cindy Wiseman and Diana Harvey.

Four Square has a print making studio and several artists make limited edition prints, etchings and lithographs. Most prints start at around $45.

Four Square Fine Art Gallery is open noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Heartwood Gallery An Artists’ Collective 428 S. Government St.,

Fayetteville 444-0888

Heartwood is home to 24 local artists and craftsmen. There is pottery by Rachel and Zac Tebbetts, Maura Miller and Double Springs Pottery artists Mary Curtis, Duncan Martin and Janet Greeson and whimsical nursery rhyme inspired pottery by Rae Dunn. There is also Majolica pottery by Marge Shore; decorated and embellished gourds by Ron and Pat Duncan; jewelry by Janet Greeson; stained glass jewelry and ornaments by Anita Hejtmanek; spiritual prints and beaded spider jewelry by Red Star; hats and scarves by Karen Chotkowski; woven Celtic print shawls by Barbara Worth; vintage tie purses by Darcy Ames; baskets by Susan Bell; wooden clocks by Ed Hejtmanek; blown glass by Gary Carter; wood art furniture by Jack Devine; prints and etchings by Charles Banks Wilson; photography by Julie Jeannene; etchings by Richard Stauffacher; paintings of Old Main and the farmers’ market by Cedar Kindy; and paintings by Path Hennon and Courtney Trimble.

Heartwood will take part in the annual progressive shopping party sponsored by several downtown merchants from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Free limo service will shuttle customers between Dragon’s Lair, May Apple Salon & Boutique, Something Urban, Private Gallery, Monroe Boutique, Corazon, Handheld, Inscriptions and Lola.

Heartwood will host a Winter Jubilee from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11 with live music by 3 Penny Acre, munchies, drinks and arts and crafts. Bring in a food donation for the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and register for a $50 gift certificate. Heartwood Gallery is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through December.

Citizens Bank Gallery 116 E. Buchanan St., Prairie Grove 846-2738

Citizens Bank Gallery in downtown Prairie Grove features work by local and internationally recognized artists and craftsmen. Featured are works by Betsy Allen, Jan Gosnell, Kevil Weaver, Michael McKenzie, Temple Moore, Mary Talbert, William van Horn, Elizabeth Vos, Mayda Jensen and Chris and Carmen Weaver. Items include functional ceramics, ceramic art, sculpture, paintings, prints, photographs, paper art, all types of baskets and handmade items.

The gallery will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5-6. Citizens Bank Gallery is open noon to 5 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. and by appointment.

Ultra Studios 118 W. South St., Fayetteville 935-4040 ultrastudios.org

Ultra Studios is the home of fashion designer Brooke Benham and her Native Couture Collection, featuring shirts, skirts and dresses. The studio also carries the Regalia Handmade Clothing label by Mark Hughes, who has an atelier and shop in downtown Eureka Springs. Hughes works with bright solids and patchwork linen tops, pants and skirts. There are cocktail dresses, leggings, vests and more. There are bold bead jewelry by Debbie Lee, bracelets and necklaces by Rouse Jewelry, sterling silver pieces by Eric Kurple of The Silver Hammer, floral crocheted scarves by Marlene Guyer, photographs by Ellen Altes Gregory, and even a book about hillbillies by Jim Fairbanks. Ultra Studios does custom fittings on their in-house garments.

Ultra Studios is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Sacred Earth Gallery 15845 U.S. 62 West Eureka Springs, 253-7644 thesacredearthgallery.com.

At Sacred Earth Gallery you will find the works of the Robison family showcasing the beauty and spirituality found in the everyday and ordinary. Photographer Edward C. Robison III specializes in stunning nature scenes, which are available as photos, prints, cards and silk transfers which can be used for window hangings. Janalee Robison’s paintings have bright bold colors and a storybook-like quality and are available as paintings, giclee prints and cards. The couple’s son, Ethan, also has photographs for sale.

Sacred Earth Gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Studio 62 U.S. 62 West, Eureka Springs, 363-9209, studio62.biz

Studio 62 is another family affair studio gallery, home to Jody Stephenson and Ron Lutz. Jody favors spiritual art, working mostly in pastels and oils. There are figurative works, plein air paintings and abstract landscapes in an “interpretive realism” style. Ron has 40 years of experience in photography and is currently specializing in alternative photographic print processes. He works with pinhole cameras among other historic forms, and has black and white or Vandyke style prints of classical architectural works. Ron also frames the work in house and does custom framing. The gallery also has ceramic pieces from Paradise Pottery, small wooden trinket boxes and gourd art.

Studio 62 is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, but closed on Tuesdays

Zark’s Gallery 67 Spring St., Eureka Springs 253-2626 ZarksGallery.com

Zark’s Gallery is on Spring Street in downtown Eureka Springs. Among the artists represented are the colorful sculptures by Tim “The Frogman” Cotterill; sterling silver, bronze and stone jewelry by Terri Logan; paperweights, vases and other blown art glass by Richard Satava; Gartner-Blade art glass creations incorporating natural elements like wood, bones and fossils; blown art glass chandeliers, sconce, clusters and sculptures by Ed Pennebaker; sterling silver and gold jewelry by Ed Levin; ceramic and bronze sculptures by Dennis Thompson; and decorative and functional porcelain pieces by Spring Street Studio Potters Gary Eagan and Steve Beacham.

There are also jewelry and prints featuring Leo the gallery cat. Come on a Saturday for your best chance to see Leo. As he gets older his diabetes limits him to periodic royal appearances.

Zark’s is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Out On Main Pottery 269 N. Main St. Eureka Springs 253-8449 outonmain.com

Out on Main Pottery is the studio gallery of Patrick Lujan and Lee Kroll. This pair creates handbuilt pieces that are also fairly functional. Some pieces are free-form coil works, some use forms and geometric shapes. The pieces that use antique doilies for texture are particularly intriguing to sight and touch. Different firing techniques are employed, namely Raku, horsehair and pit firing. There is also a small selection of jewelry. Out on Main has a guest cottage and makes personalized cakes for special occasions.

Out on Main is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, closed on Wednesdays.

Barbara Kennedy Studio & Gallery 266 N. Main St., Eureka Springs, 253-6652 barbarakennedystudio.com

Barbara Kennedy is a life long artist who has a unique

sense of color. She paints bright bold florals and portraits and is currently working on a series of Eureka Springs landmarks and quintessential scenes, mostly in color pencil. A selection of beaded jewelry is also available. There are digital print cards, giclee prints and larger works on canvas.

Barbara Kennedy Studio & Gallery is usually open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call ahead for an appointment.

EureKan Art 150 N. Main St. Eureka Springs 253-0928 eurekanart.com

EureKan Art wants shoppers to go green and get local and creative this holiday season. Check out the luminaries and other function porcelain pottery by Susie Siegel and Mike Haley, ceramic tumblers by Karen Foster and whimsical garden snakes by Karin Ford. If you’re looking for jewelry try the beads, earrings and necklaces by Sage Holland. EureKan has beaded jewelry giclee prints, and oil paintings by neighbor, Barbara Kennedy. Check out the one of a kind hats by Holly Reed and shawls and scarves by Claire Detels. Great gift for men include handmade wooden boxes, cardholders and pen hold-

ers by Doug Stowe, and wooden utensils, bowls and sculptures by Alex Buderer. EureKan has CDs by Opal Fly and John Two Hawks or make your own music mix CD or photo album DVD and wrap it in a David Walker original ink abstract envelope/ CD case. If you mention the Fayetteville Free Weekly, you’ll get a special Christmas price of $125 on Carol Peacock’s new small framed originals, a series on singing.

EureKan Art is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, closed on Tuesdays.

Fire Om Earth Studio 872 Mill Hollow Road Eureka Springs fireomearth.com 363-9402

Fire Om Earth Studio is the place to go for handcrafted musical instruments. Craig Trigg Hirsch is a master flute builder. You will find flutes made from bamboo, porcelain and stoneware and a selection of ocarina pottery whistles, bamboo and ceramic rattles and Shakuhachi meditation flutes. There are even didgeridoos. And the really cool thing is that Craig’s instruments are all tuned. Lorna Trigg Hirsch makes hand percussion instruments, using clay and wood frames. There are Doumbek, ceremonial and handheld drums and painted timbrels and tambourines. The ocean drum is a painted two-sided filled drum, which you control to create soothing sounds to still your spirit. The Indestructible Drum for kids is a two-sided drum, a la the Little Drummer Boy, made from a No. 10 tin can using heavier duty materials. Also available are Michelle Ogden’s Native American Hoop Drums. These are 8and 12-sided drums known as trance and meditation drums. The drums skins are secured with hide strings, and are played with a suede-covered mallet.

Fire Om Earth is open by appointment.