Bella Vista Arts Council recognizes area artists
The Bella Vista Arts Council is pleased to honor three artists for the spring 2023 Artist of the Month program: metal worker Dave Darpinian, writer Donna Hanson, and emerging young musician Aidan Taylor.
The group will be honored at a public reception from at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at Bella Vista Bar and Grill located at 98 Clubhouse Drive in Bella Vista.
Metalwork artist Dave Darpinian specializes in Repoussé. All his work is handmade so that each piece is unique, all made without forms or molds.
“It is very labor intensive just using a hammer and chisel,” he said.
Photos of his work can be viewed on Instagram dave darpinian and on Facebook.
Donna Hanson, a writer, author and multimedia artist, will be recognized for her writing and watercolor work. Examples of some of her sketches and watercolors will be on display at this reception.
Hanson has also gained fame through her writing with her book titled Heroes All, inspired by the LST 374 ship and the crew of sailors who bonded from their experiences aboard this vessel. This book is available in bookstores and online and author copies will be available for signing at the reception.
Arts Council members will be introducing at this reception one of Bella Vista’s emerging young artists, Aidan Taylor. Born and raised in Bella Vista, musician Taylor is an accomplished trumpet player in the Bentonville Bands program, which includes Concert Band, Marching Band and Jazz Band. He has been selected for All-Region band in junior high, and both All-Region and All-State bands as a high schooler. He has also competed at regional jazz competitions and festivals as part of the award-winning BHS Jazz Orchestra.