Art News, Local Events, & Member Highlights
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 the 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 comerady 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 in July. Dates and times to be announced.
You may contact Jay by e-mail at:
"The Art of Friendship" Exhibit
A showing of watercolors began on May 15th at the main NLR Laman Library Gallery on Orange Street.
This exhibit is a celebration of shared history, artistic evolution, and the joy of growing older without ever growing up from the artistic hands of watercolorists and ALA members, Kim Perkins and Laura Powers.
The exhibit will also enjoy a lengthy run through July 25th. Put it on your calendar and come enjoy the show!
"Art On The Border" Exhibit
ALA Member, 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 Times for the Event
"Do You See What I See?" Exhibit
The above showing of watercolors which closed on May 8th was, by all accounts, a resounding success.
The show was held at one of the most ardent supporters of the arts community, the Argenta Branch of the Laman Library. So, whenever we get a chance, let's give the Laman Library and its staff a heartfelt shout out for their unrelenting support of the arts.
On The Social Media Front
You can search YouTube under ALA Member, "Barbara Rhodes", for various tutorials she has produced which demonstrate her techniques for teaching kids in various artistic disciplines. Check 'em out!
"Let's Have Tea" in Gouache
By Gary Owen
Gary's Artwork entitled "Let's Have Tea" is now on exhibit at the "Buenos Aires" restaurant in Little Rock's River Market for the duration of May, 2026. Come check it out while enjoying true Argentinian cuisine.
This accolade for Gary is due to his win of one of 6 ribbon awards given for his entry into the Arkansas League's monthly members' friendly art competition awards last March. Each winner gets to display their winning piece at a local high-trafficked venue, providing excellent opportunity for getting their artwork "out there" in front of the Public Eye.
Gary's motto is:
"The creation of art by the artist expresses the light of the soul."
Looking Ahead For Art
For those of us who like to plan ahead, keep an eye out for upcoming events in the City of Batesville, coming in October.
ALA Member, Myra Eley, will be a participant in the upcoming Batesville area's Arts Council Gallery showing in October. Gallery 246 is across the street and is a collective of several local artists who, in addition to sharing studio space, also enjoy an occasional plein air outing; one is in the planning stages now with more info to come as we get closer to the Fall.
Dates, Locale and Times to be announced. Stay Tuned.
"Art in Dreamland" Show and Sale
Our current Board Secretary, Cathy France, had the honor of being on top of the leaderboard for sales of both prints and paintings sold at the historic Dreamland Ballroom in their annual Art Showcase recently held on May 2nd.
Each of her art pieces below illustrates Cathy's dedication to her craft. If you look closely at the photo with the crowd, you can glimpse Cathy holding down the fort in her art booth in the midst of an apparently large and enthusiastic group of art connoisseurs.
"Our Common Ground"
A Juried Exhibit coming to Fort Smith's Regional Arts Museum (RAM) in June.
Our Board Treasurer, Myra Eley, has recently been selected as a participant in RAM's Annual Juried Invitational Art Show to be held from June 27th thru October 25th in Fort Smith.
We've included a photo of her mixed media entry entitled "High Pollen Count" representing both the trials and blessings of Spring which we all commonly experience such as pollen, inclement weather or its beauty and the hope it offers for our collective futures.
Congrats to Myra for her selection since, by her own admission, she has only begun to seriously pursue her artistic creations for about a year. So, plan a trip if you can to Fort Smith's Regional Arts Museum this summer and offer your support for Myra and her creative endeavors.