Through DEC. 9
Sam King -- The award-winning artist Sam King will showcase several of his newest abstract paintings in the second exhibit in the new Windgate Art and Design building's gallery at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. King currently serves as a clinical assistant professor and coordinator of foundations at the University of Arkansas. On display through Dec. 9. Free. 788-7300.
Through DEC. 15
"Strokes of Genius: JBU's Pastel Invitational Exhibit " -- The department of visual arts at John Brown University in Siloam Springs is hosting a pastel show featuring eight artists all honored as International Association of Pastel Societies' Master Circle recipients. The show is on display at the Windgate Visual Arts West JBU gallery and will run through Dec. 15. jbu.edu/art/gallery.
DEC. 2
Benefit for Fayetteville Underground -- The Fayetteville Underground on West Mountain Street will host a "One-of-a-Kind Friendraiser" from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 and will also introduce friends and patrons to J Aleczander, the new executive director of the nonprofit gallery. The event will feature live music, entertainment, dinner, beer and wine tastings and a live auction. $55. fayettevilleunderground.org.
DEC. 3
Greek Archaeology -- Connie Manning, curator at the Fort Smith Museum of History, will talk about her time spent at Mitrou, a Bronze Age archeological site in Greece. The presentation will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 in Room 204 of the Math-Science Building on the UAFS campus. Free and open to the public. 788-7812.
"Focus on Local" -- The December Holiday Show opens on First Thursday at Fayetteville Underground, 5-9 p.m. Favorite artists Jan Gosnell, Melissa Garrison and Emily Chase are returning to the gallery. Boston Mountain Potters Association will also be exhibiting, along with fabric artist Katrinka Booth. Music and refreshments will be provided. fayettevilleunderground.org.
DEC. 9
"Barking Water" -- The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art hosts filmmaker Sterlin Harjo who takes viewers on a road trip through his own personal Oklahoma. Join a ride in the backseat of Frankie and Irene's car, wrapped up in the charm and love of Oklahoma through the people and places Irene and Frankie visit along the way. Following the film, enjoy a discussion with Harjo. Free. Register at crystalbridges.org. or 657-2335.
DEC. 10
Art Talk: The 1491s -- Sketch comedy group the 1491s presents a lively discussion highlighting artworks from the Permanent Collection at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. 1-2 p.m. Free, no registration required. crystalbridges.org.
DEC. 12
John Rankine -- Eureka Fine Art Gallery is pleased to announce that John Rankine is joining the gallery as its newest member. The gallery will host an artist reception to celebrate Rankine's arrival from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 12 during the Second Saturday Gallery Stroll. Rankine's photographs will be featured in a special exhibition of new work through the end of December. Free. Visit Eureka Fine Art Gallery on Facebook or call 363-6000 for info.
Holiday Open House -- Heartwood Gallery in Fayetteville will host a holiday open house from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 12. Live music will begin at 4 p.m., and refreshments will be available. 444-0888 or heartwoodgallery.org.
DEC. 13
Cr(eat)e Food Series -- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville is joined again by Chris Hillin with Riedel Glass from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 13. This event begins with hors d'oeuvres from Eleven and continues with four delicious wines featured in specific Riedel Veritas glassware. Guests will take home their glasses, valued at over $100, as well as a whole new outlook on wine. $90 ($72 for members). Register at crystalbridges.org. or 657-2335.
DEC. 21
Art Talk: Cultural Symbolism of Plants in Art -- Join Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art from 1 to 2 p.m. Dec. 21 to discuss the symbolic relevance and artistic representation of plants in European and Native American art with University of Arkansas associate professor Justin Nolan. Looking closely at 19th-century landscape paintings from the exhibition "Picturing the Americas," Nolan will explore the multi-cultural symbolism and uses of many familiar plants. $10. crystalbridges.org. or 657-2335.
DEC. 31
Noon Year's Eve Family Celebration -- Ring in the New Year with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (without staying up past bedtime!) at the museum's first-ever, family-friendly Noon Year's Eve celebration. Enjoy a toast after a special Noon Year's Eve countdown, a new marionette show from StoneLion Puppet Theatre, music, dancing, magic, art-making and more. Free, no registration required. 657-2335.
DEC. 19-JAN.3
Winter Break Wonders -- Join the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 19 through Jan. 3 over school break. The museum will have special family-friendly activities each afternoon, including art-making, music, puppets. and more. Free, no registration required. 657-2335.
ALL MONTH
Drop in & Draw -- Every Thursday from noon to 4 p.m., Drop in & Draw at the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum. Studio space, easels and live model are free. The event is open to everyone, but artists must bring their own preferred materials. fsram.org.
Jerome Mazyck -- Work by artist Jerome Mazyck will be on display in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith through December 22. Mazyck does drawings and graphics, paintings and printmaking. Free. 788-7300.
If you wish to submit an art event for January's Art OverView calendar, email Jocelyn Murphy at jmurphy@nwadg.com no later than Dec. 23. Any submitted art images need to be in high resolution, please.
NAN What's Up on 11/27/2015