Mid-America Science Museum to host exhibition of Hot Springs artist’s work inspired by grandson

The Mid- America Science Museum in Hot Springs will be hosting a special exhibition of art entitled “Crayons to Canvas.” The exhibit will feature the art of renowned Hot Springs artist Longhua Xu and his grandson, Han Xu. Longhua, 66, and his grandson, who is 6 years old, are offering the collaborative study influenced by the whimsical drawings of the grandson.

A special Mid- America Science Museum members only preview of the exhibit will take place Friday, May 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 9:00 to noon on Saturday, May 29. The exhibit will open to the public at noon on Saturday, May 29, and run through Sunday, September 5.

“Part of Mid- America Science Museum’s mission has been to provide a space where generations of families can play, explore, create, and marvel at the world around us,” Museum Executive Director Diane LaFollette said. “It is a great honor to showcase the artistic work of Longhua Xu, inspired by his grandson, Han. Creativity and critical thinking, both found in science and art, are essential 21st Century skills that help drive curiosity, innovation, and are key elements for success in school and business. Crayons to Canvas demonstrates the importance of fostering creativity in our children so they are better equipped to become successful adults grounded in their own abilities and talents.”

Noreen Killen, chief operations officer for the museum, said, “We want our visitors to not only view these wonderful works of art but also participate in several hands-on activities.”

“The exhibit will fill a 5,000square- foot room in the museum and feature over 26 individual pieces of art, a mural and two eight- foot column pieces,” she said. “The exhibit area will also feature a hands-on children’s area, where children will be provided crayons and paper to create their own community mural, and a sculpture station, where young artists will have a hands- on experience with clay sculpting.”

“My grandson has truly inspired my recent works,” Longhua Xu said. “Previous to this, most of my works were more representational and realistic. I loved the innocent and primal qualities in his works. He was very intrigued by the idea of his grandfather imitating him.”

While this exhibition has been greatly influenced by Han Xu’s whimsical drawings, it did not start out this way. Just as he was old enough to hold a marker, Han followed his fascination with his grandfather’s paintings and began to mimic his “Yeye.”

Longhua Xu graduated from East China University of

Technology and taught art at Shanghai University of Technology. He had several exhibitions in China, including one at the Shanghai Art Museum.

In addition to the exhibit, the Museum’s Store will offer commemorative t- shirts and signed posters celebrating the exhibit. All of the artwork in the exhibit will be for sale, with some of the proceeds benefitting a trust fund for Han.

Beginning Memorial Day weekend, the museum hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m. Admission to the exhibit is included with general admission: Adults are $ 10, children ages 3- 12: $ 8, and seniors age 65 and older: $8.

For more information, visit www. midamericamuseum.org or call (501) 767-3461. Masks are required for everyone 10 years and older. Additional information on the artist can be found at www.xu-longhua.com.

The museum is located at 500 Mid America Blvd. in Hot Springs.