Two local artists selected to participate in the Arkansas Arts Center Delta Exhibition
Submissions from two local artists have been selected from over a thousand entries to appear in the 59th annual Delta Exhibition, on display June 9 through August 27.
Daniel Cassity and Gene Sparling, both of Hot Springs, had works of art selected for the show.
Cassity is a Louisiana native who specializes in still life. His oil paintings depict soft-edged realism, with a primal underlying pulse. He invites viewers to enter an imaginary world he calls “The Kingdom” where ordinary and not so ordinary objects comprise settings for metaphorical characters and scenarios, a news release said.
His selected piece, “The Wonderweapon,” presents something that is equally absurd as it is insane. In each of his works he tries to counter the initial humor with an underlying darkness or sadness. Cassity said he feels this piece is a perfect representation this, the release said.
Sparling is an Arkansas native and naturalist artist. He has always held a deep interest in nature and organic materials. He frequently explores the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains seeking inspiration. He enjoys working on his farm and working with wood in his shop.
His piece, “Tempest,” was carved from a tree that once stood in Hot Springs at the corner of Broadway Street and Malvern Avenue. Its simple edges and smooth curves draws viewers in, reminding them of the simplistic beauty found in nature.
“It is fascinating how simple shapes resonate within us and create feelings and moods,” said Sparling.
The Delta Exhibition was founded in 1958 to feature contemporary work by artists born in, or currently living in, Arkansas and bordering states. Today, the annual Delta Exhibition has grown to encompass works in all mediums, and acts as a showcase for the dynamic vision of the artists of the Mississippi Delta region.
“Every year, the Delta Exhibition gives Arkansas Arts Center patrons the opportunity to experience some of the Delta-region’s most talented contemporary artists,” said Todd Herman, executive director of the Arkansas Arts Center.
Cassity and Sparling’s works were chosen from among 1,120 submissions from 497 artists in Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Tennessee.
Winners of the exhibition will be announced at a member preview and reception on June 8. Members of the Arkansas Arts Center are invited to attend. The juror will give a brief lecture, then announce the winners in the Lower Lobby Lecture Hall.
Guests will then be invited to the Jeannette Edris Rockefeller and Townsend Wolfe Galleries to view the exhibition.
Visit http://www.arkansasartscenter.org or call 501-372-4000 for more information.