Public art on display

Bella Vista acquires 15 art pieces in three years

BELLA VISTA — The Bella Vista Arts Council in conjunction with city leadership, Discover Bella Vista and the Bella Vista Public Library have worked together over the last three years to acquire more than a dozen pieces of art for public display in the city.

Demara Titzer, Arts Council president of four years, said 15 works have been added during this time, with three of the pieces available for public viewing under a oneyear lease; these will be swapped for new art pieces at the end of the lease.

Titzer said the new works attract tourism to the city. She added works have been added so quickly as she and the council worked to educate city leadership on the value of art and access to differing pieces.

“I would say that we’ve spent a lot of time educating the city the value of public art not only for providing a sense of pride for the residents, but also to attract tourism,” Titzer said.

She said with a pride in her voice that out of the 15 pieces, eight are works created by local artists, adding that local art is important to the community for both Bella Vista residents and individuals visiting the area.

“It’s important for not only the residents, but also for people who are coming here, people who are visiting their families, people coming here to golf and use the trails, to also be aware that we do support arts and culture,” Titzer said.

She added public art offers more for community members to enjoy in addition to other activities and outings offered in the city.

“It provides those individuals who aren’t interested in golfing and biking something else to experience and enjoy,” Titzer said.

Works in the city by Arkansas artists include: “Fireflies” by Tom Flynn; “Journey Oz” by Stevie Stevens; “Whimsy” by Paige Dirksen; “Mantis” by Alex Cogbill and Paul Siebenthal; “Wheels in Motion” by Stevie Stevens; “Voice of the Garden” and “Flying Jewel” by Graham Edwards; and “Bella Vista Wonder” by Paige Dirksen.

Works from artists outside of Arkansas include: “Marilyn Monroe” by Larry Pogue; “Justice for All” by James Hall (three pieces commissioned for the new Bella Vista Public Safety Building); “Red House” by Jorge Leyva; “Do Something Good with Your Superpowers” by James Doug Cox; and “Prairie Tamer” by Daniel Perry. Some works have various pieces included in their installations.

Titzer stated in a press release regarding the artworks, “It is now a well-accepted principle of urban design that public art contributes to a community’s identity, fosters community pride and a sense of belonging, and enhances the quality of life for its residents and visitors … The Arts Council has a robust plan for public art projects and education programs that will engage the community, leverage partnerships with the city trails department, Discover Bella Vista, local businesses and residents.”

Artist statements can be found on the Art Council’s website, with all artists sharing inspiration and information about their pieces.

Stevie Stevens, a Bella Vista artist who created “Journey Oz,” said regarding her piece, “‘Oz’ as in Ozarks, has become a common theme throughout Northwest Arkansas. The mural is the journey in search of OZ, the emerald city, finding the beauty of what is already here.”

Paige Dirksen, a Bella Vista artist who created “Whimsy,” said regarding her piece, “When designing something for this space, I wanted to create something for the library that would be really playful and whimsical, hence the mural’s title, ‘Whimsy.’ I wanted to strike a balance between something really colorful and engaging, while still having a sense of serenity to it.”

Titzer added support and advocacy for art in the city is something she strives for.

“The council strives to foster a thriving arts community in Bella Vista through advocacy, appreciation, education and support,” she wrote. “The Arts Council serves as a principal facilitator for the arts in Bella Vista and the source for guidance and recommendations to the Bella Vista Mayor and City Council.”

Titzer said she strives to bring more art into the area with plans for new art in Bella Vista already underway.

“Whimsy” by Paige Dirksen is a mural located inside the Bella Vista Public Library.

The mural “Bella Vista Wonder” by Paige Dirksen, located at the Riordan tunnel entrance, connects to the Tunnel Vision trail. Dirksen said her mural features many native plants and bright colors to bring joy for hikers and bikers as they pass by.

(Courtesy Photos/Demara Titzer) “Wheels in Motion” by Stevie Stevens is a mosaic located in the parking area entry at the Bella Vista Public Library. Stevens said she used “splashy mirrors and colors” to catch the eye of those visiting the library.

“Journey Oz” by Stevie Stevens is a mosaic mural over the tunnel at the Tweety Bird trailhead on Little Sugar Trail in Bella Vista.