Local galleries, studios to host ‘It’s a Wonderful Life in Hot Springs’ event
Fine art galleries and studios in Hot Springs will be kicking off the holiday season with a special Gallery Walk and a weekend of art demos, exhibits, and events Dec. 1-3 as part of the second annual “It’s a Wonderful Life in Hot Springs” holiday celebration.
The event will also be a great time to shop for original fine art and creative gifts. “Earn your wings” during the weekend event by bringing a nonperishable food item or cash donation to benefit the worthwhile efforts of the Jackson House. Collection boxes for the donations will be available in participating galleries.
American Art Gallery LLC, 725 Central Ave., will feature a demonstration by painter Ellen Schumacher from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 1 during Gallery Walk. Light plays a primary role in Schumacher’s work; not only is there implied light, such as highlighting on the tree branches, but her paintings also include applications of “literal” light. The art is enhanced with rolled leaf foil. Schumacher refers to her work as illuminated painting because its content is meant for the viewers’ reflection and meditation. Work by Jimmy Leach, Bill Sorrells, and woodturnings by Virgil Barksdale will also be showcased. American Art Gallery offers a variety of unique and unusual gifts for the holiday season. Call 6240550 or visit http://www.americanartgalleryandgifts.com for more information.
The Artists Workshop Gallery will feature the following demonstrations on Dec. 1: “Acrylic Dyed Tissue Collage” by Pati Trippel at 1 p.m.; “Watercolors” by Gary Weeter at 2 p.m.; and “Polymer Clay Canes” by Marlene Gremillion at 6 p.m. During Gallery Walk, from 5-9 p.m., AWG will feature the art of Hot Springs artists Jan Briggs and Joanne Kunath. They will be present to talk about their work, which will be on view throughout the month of December. In addition, the December Featured Miniature Artists are Gremillion and Trippel. On Dec. 2, “Impasto Oils” will be demonstrated by Caryl Joy Young. On Dec. 3, Carol Hannon will present “Alcohol Inks” at 2 p.m. and Joanne Kunath will hold a pastel demonstration at 3 p.m. The Artists Workshop Gallery is located at
610-A Central Ave. Call 623-6401 or visit http://www.artistsworkshopgallery.com for more information.
Gallery Central will feature painting demos by Sandy Newberg and Amy Hill-Imler during the December Gallery Walk Dec. 1-2. Both artists will feature new Christmas ornaments to the gallery. Several artists are introducing new work, including Jason Gammel, Paige Morehead, Holly Tilley, Claude Lambert, Lee Gibson and Charles Guess. Knifemaker Lambert will be available to discuss knives during Gallery Walk on Friday night. Gallery Central is located at 800 Central Avenue. Call 318-4278 or visit http://www.gallerycentralfineart.com for more information.
Justus Fine Art Gallery, 827-A Central Ave., will offer holiday refreshments during the opening reception of the December Holiday Exhibit from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 1. A new selection of angel studies by Randall M. Good will be included in the show, along with work by Kristin DeGeorge, Matthew Hasty, Dolores Justus, Gerri Much, Gary Simmons, Rebecca Thompson, Emily Wood, and many others. Good will also give a reading from his book project, “The Shael Ovalis,” at
2 p.m. Dec. 2. Call 321-2335 or visit http://www.justusfineart.com for more information.
Legacy Fine Art Gallery, 804 Central Ave., will host Christmas carol sing-a-longs with John and Anne Cooksey during Gallery Walk Dec. 2. Carole Katchen will also demonstrate new techniques with mixed media and pastel. On Dec.
2, visitors can enjoy shopping with the artists, along with special discounts and Christmas cookies. Artists Daisy McDonald and Elizabeth Weber will be demonstrating. Call
501-762-0840 or visit http://www. lfagallery.net for more information.
Whittington Gallery & Studios,
307 Whittington Ave., will feature live painting demos by June Lamoureux and John Payne during the December Gallery Walk Dec. 1-2. Lamoureux will be demonstrating techniques for painting reflections in water and Payne will be sharing texture and faux painting tips. Steve Johnson and John Faginkrantz will also be painting in their studios during the weekend of events. Call 501-607-0214 for more information.