APRIL 2026

MONTHLY COMPETITION WINNERS

The above members won the Monthly Artworks Competition at our April meeting (from L to R): 1st Place- Katie Bradley; 2nd - Lou Jackson; 3rd - Glenda McCune; 4th - Louise Carlyle; and 5th - Cathy France.

JAY EWING

April '26 Demonstration Artist 

Jay has worked extensively in the field of commercial illustration including the motion picture industry but now enjoys the leisurely life of Arkansas and its beautiful natural surroundings.

He has a keen eye for architectural rendering in many of his works like his watercolor expression of the lighthouse above can attest.

Jay has also taught art in both oils and watercolors, and he informed the group of the one rule he follows while demonstrating his watercolor work: "No questions, please, until the sky is finished" since it, to him, takes the most concentration!  After that, and in true comradery fashion, he's open to any and all questions or comments regarding his work.

In fact, if you get a chance, come see his work on display as a participant in the "Art on The Border" exhibit coming to Fort Smith on July 17-18th, 2026.  Dates and times to be announced.

You may contact Jay via the official ALA E-mail at:

"Let's Have Tea" in Gouache

By Gary Owen

A selection of Artworks below from ALA Member Cathy France, a 2026 participant in the annual 2026 Dreamland Ballroom Show and Sale.

MAY 2026

MONTHLY COMPETITION WINNERS

Here are our ribbon award winners for the May ALA meeting (L to R): Sharon Franke - 1st Place; Cathy France - 2nd; Jay Ewing - 3rd; Susan Peterson - 4th; Barry Snow - 5th; and, Myra Eley - 6th Place.

Sharon Franke - "Cumulus Clouds"

Cathy France

"Yellow House at Grayton Beach"

Jay Ewing - "London Skyline"

Susan Peterson - "Storm's A'Comin'"

Barry Snow - "The Cottage"

Myra Eley "The Road Not Taken"

Carrie Waller - June 2026 Demo Artist

Carrie Did Not Disappoint!

Carrie's Bulb Series illustrates the skills of an exceptional watercolorist.  This rendering of a glass teapot was accomplished in a little over an hour's time during Carrie's presentation to the group -- supercool!

Thank you, Carrie, for sharing your expertise with us.  The enjoyment was universal. "Mata aimashou" or "Let's meet again" soon.

Here are our ribbon award winners for the June ALA meeting held on the 30th (L to R): Cathy France - 1st Place; Louise Carlyle - 2nd; Sharon Franke - 3rd; Glenda McCune - 4th; Diane Huston - 5th; and, Lisa Warden - 6th Place.

Cathy France - "The Gleaning"

Louise Carlyle - "Bashful"

Sharon Franke

"Summer Bouquet of Blue and Yellow Flowers"

Glenda McCune

"Fractured Flowers"

Diane Huston

"The Hunter"