Spring Exhibit at Fresh Air Gallery

If you grew up in rural America you won’t want to miss the spring exhibit opening reception, Friday, March 19, from 6-8 p.m. at the Fresh Air Art Gallery, 358 Main Street, Clinton.  Jim Mayfield of Springfield, Missouri will exhibit emotional, soulful black & white photographs of a simpler time, fraught with hard work and people who lived off the land.  His subjects are people and places he has encountered in the hills of the Ozarks.  Mayfield has spent the past 35 years carrying a camera.  Blessed with patience, he and his camera have captured images that almost come to life, reminding us of who we are.  He has operated his own photography studio for the past 35 years and worked at a Gannett newspaper for 10 years.  Mayfield spent two years working on a special project for John Morris and Bass Pro shops documenting the seasonal changes of ten thousand acres-called Dogwood Canyon in the Ozarks.Sven Swenson, of Leslie, will have have landscape images of yesterday, but his media is watercolor. Swenson’s farm scenes, landscapes and often neighbors are infused with vivid colors.  Jacquelyn Kaucher, of Little Rock, will introduce large acrylic floral paintings that allow you to enjoy flowers without having a green thumb.  She has been featured in “Galleries and Artists of the South”. Kaucher teaches painting classes at the Arkansas Arts Center Museum School. The mixed media works by Tom Richard of Monticello are playful with a comic book appeal. Richard received his bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and Master’s in Fine Arts from the University of New York in Albany. He teaches art at the University of Arkansas Monticello. His humorous works engage an audience and make you think–and think some more.  Other artists who are currently exhibiting and will introduce new works include Ed Pennebaker with a “Reflection” photography series. Jewelers Pat Bergman and Pam Phillips will have new jewelry designs. New pottery by Helen Phillips and Adrianna Morrisette will be included.  Two additional artists familiar to the gallery showing new works are painters Alex Ferrara and Carol Corning.   Join us for a diverse sampling of unique works and meet these talented artists. Refreshments and music will be provided.  The event is free and open to the public.  If you can’t make it to the reception the gallery is open Tuesday through Friday 10-5:30.  The spring exhibit will be on display through mid June.

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Irish Kaledioscope at West Side School

During their travels, West Side School was the only one in the state of Arkansas that they visited. Assemblies and workshops were held during the day for the elementary students and teachers.  The students learned about the culture of Ireland.  They enjoyed slide shows of Ireland, the homes, the athletics, the dances, and places of interest.  Playing the harp, the tin whistle, and the bodhran, they “WOWED” the children and staff with their music.  Children volunteered to participate in the Irish broom dance, and play the bodhran.

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Young Arkansas talent: Hannah Cruse

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Jessica Crabtree Exhibit

The pastel paintings of local artist Jessica Crabtree will be on display at the First Service Bank in Clinton throughout the month of January, courtesy of the North Central Arkansas Foundation for the Arts & Education. The exhibit and art sale will feature some of the newest pieces in her portfolio of original fine art portraits and wildlife paintings. The public is invited to view the exhibit and chat with the artist at a reception at the bank on Saturday, January 23, 10am-12. Admission is free and refreshments will be provided. Bring a friend! For more information please call 1-501-745-7200.Native American Portraits & Wildlifewww.jessicacrabtree.com. 501.745.8741.

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Shirley Christmas Concert

Shirley Music Department

If you were at the Shirley Auditorium on December 14, then you were in for a treat as students fourth through twelfth grade performed their annual Christmas concert.  The Elementary school Children’s Choir which also performed with the United Methodist Church Choir in Fairfield Bay the night before, the High School Choir, and the High School Band each performed their hearts out to all in attendance.  Music students at Shirley have been busy this semester working with new music director Vincent Biondi.  “It’s been a very successful semester for us” says Biondi.  “There is a lot of life and spirit with our kids.  I’m expecting high standards, but they’re having a lot of fun out there.”

Even though the music hall will be quiet for a couple of weeks while the students take time off for Christmas, senior Jennifer Wagner will be practicing her flute daily as she prepares for senior high all-region tryouts in January and college auditions not long following that.  “Successfully everyday!” says Jennifer. “I want to improve and not lose the chances to progress.”

“I cannot be happier for our kids” says Biondi.  “The crowd was wonderful.  The administrators, students, parents, so many people were there to support us.  I had compliments from many students not even a part of our music department.”  One step up an endless flight of stairs is how Biondi sees the progress.  “How much we achieve is totally up the students.  They are responsible for their success in life.  We have bigger and better things planned for the spring, and I’m positive the students will be up to the challenges.”

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World of The Pharaohs

Treasures of Egypt  monumental exhibit is now showing at the Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock.  If you can attend before January 3rd stop by the Fairfield Bay  Library and pick up coupons for $10 off adult tickets and $5 off youth tickets. Go to www.arkarts.com for more info.

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