SAAC to host three local women artists in August
The South Arkansas Arts Center will host a new exhibit, “IT’S LIT! …stuff made out of stuff and other stuff”, a fun show from friends and fellow artists Melinda Dodson, Rhonda Hicks, and Janice Hughes. It will be on exhibit in the Lobby Gallery Aug. 3-26.
An artist’s reception is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 3 from 6:-7:30 p.m. to honor these amazing artists.
Melinda Dodson, Rhonda Hicks, and Janice Hughes collaborated on a new exhibition featuring their trademark style of quite strength, beauty, and fantastical flights of fantasy.
The exhibit features light inspired mixed media and assemblages.
Rhonda Hicks is the owner of Backwoods Art and Frame in El Dorado and has been a member of the SAAC for more than 30 years. A nationally recognized artist, she has received a number of awards.
“Working on ‘IT’S LIT’ with Melinda has been a great, fun experience. This work reflects my love for assemblage pieces," Hicks said.
Hicks teaches occasional art classes at SAAC and has always been involved in the art community in El Dorado for many years.
“I enjoy assemblage and mixed media …love working with found objects and recycled materials in both my art and architectural design. My very best learning experiences in the art world have come from hanging out with and learning from the many incredible artists of El Dorado, Arkansas and the South Arkansas Art Center," lifelong El Dorado resident Melinda Dodson said. “I worked in the interior design and décor business for a number of years. I have worked in the residential construction and remodeling business for the past 15 years specializing in architectural design, project management and residential remodeling."
Janice Hughes has been dabbling in every kind of art she could get her hands on her whole life, from welding metal to fabric art to painting and everything in-between.
“I’ve worn so many hats it’s hard to remember everything I’ve done. Mother of three unique and amazing children, I’ve also been a school librarian, antique dealer, pumper and producer in the oil patch. I seldom shy away from trying something new or hard labor. I consider ditch digging at the top of my skill set. I’ve sewn bags and pillows from damaged oriental rugs, worked with clay, wood, paint, and now steel," Hughe said. “I’ve always been drawn to three dimensional art and moved from working with clay and stuffed canvases to working with steel. I enjoy making pieces that are artistic as well as functional.
"I liked the idea of making stands to display other art, or plants, or a place to put your keys! I love using steel as a vehicle to display some of the beautiful wood that I have gathered through the years. I’m pretty much self-taught. Many times I am even surprised about what finally evolves into a piece.”
For more information about this exhibit, please call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474 or visit the website at www.saac