Art News, Local Events, & Member Highlights
MONTHLY COMPETITION WINNERS
The above members won the March 2026 Monthly Artworks Competition at our March meeting (from L to R): 1st Place- Suzzette Patterson; 2nd - Kathy Kemp; 3rd - Gary Owen; 4th - Barry Snow; and 5th - Lisa Warden.
Cathy France
March '26 Demonstration Artist
Cathy was our March '26 Demonstration Artist illustrating her artistic technique by using water-based oil paints. Here's a picture of her at work during her demonstration indicating a sandbar in the Mississippi River at the break of dawn.
To her, the primary advantage for water-based oils is the elimination of malodorous fumes while allowing for easy soap and water cleanup.
Cathy had some of her works on display in the Argenta Contemporary Theatre during the "3rd Friday Artwalk" in NLR's Argenta District on April 17th. She was also a demonstrating artist during the event. Thanks to all who came out and offered encouragement to a fellow ALA Member for her artistic expression.
"The Art of Friendship" Exhibit
A showing of watercolors coming soon to the main NLR Laman Library Gallery on Orange Street.
This exhibit will be a celebration of shared history, artistic evolution, and the joy of growing older without ever growing up from the artistic hands of watercolorists Kim Perkins and Laura Powers.
The opening reception will be held on May 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM, and the exhibit will run through July 25th. Put it on your calendar and come enjoy the show!
"Art On The Border" Exhibit
One of our newest members, Jay Ewing, has been announced as a participating artist in this year's "Art on The Border" show to be held in Fort Smith in July.
Stay Tuned for Dates and Time for the Event
"6 Bridges Watercolor Group" Exhibition
ALA Members Laura Powers, Kim Perkins, Kathy Kemp, Suzzette Patterson and Sage Arnold are participants in the Exhibit of the 6 Bridges Watercolor Group which is being held at the Argenta Branch of the Laman Library which began with the opening on April 17th during the Argenta District's 3rd Friday Art Walk.
The exhibit remains open so come exercise the mind and wonder aloud "how do they do that!" with water. It'll be great fun!
Giving Back in The Community
Fot several years Barbara Rhodes and Suzzette Patterson, two very busy members of the ALA Group, have helped to promote the Arts at E-Steam High School. They've done this by lending their time and expertise to teach the "Introduction of Watercoloring Techniques" at two beginning art classes at the school.
In addition, Barbara provides her unique assessments and evaluations of students' preliminary Advanced Placement Portfolios before their final AP evaluation is undertaken.
And, you can search YouTube under "Barbara Rhodes" for various tutorials she has produced which demonstrate her techniques for teaching kids in various artistic disciplines. Check 'em out!
Last year's 2025
Members Show Winners
The show was open to the public through May 8th at the NLR Argenta Library.
Info for our 2026 Members Show to be announced at a meeting coming soon.
Debbie Strobel - Signature Member