The chilly winter weather makes one inclined to stay at home, curled up on a warm sofa. But one can only stay inside the house for so long without going stir-crazy, and all that hibernating isn't always good for the brain.
There are plenty of indoor places to go to broaden the mind and the horizons. So why not seek out some art?
Not all art is to be found in official art galleries. Some of it is in schools, churches and even theaters.
The Arkansas Repertory Theatre in Little Rock hosts works by local artists in its lobby through the run of every production. When Peter and the Starcatcher opens Friday, so will the latest collection. The exhibit and the show end Feb. 14. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and during performances, and admission is free. Call (501) 378-0405.
Christ Episcopal Church, 509 Scott St., Little Rock, has a rotating series of exhibits by local artists. Currently, it is showcasing the works of Freda Angeletti and Arlette Miller, inspired by Romania and Little Rock, respectively. The exhibits run through March 31 and the gallery is open to the public 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-noon Friday and Sunday. There are no admission fees. Call (501) 375-2342.
With the start of the spring semester, the galleries at colleges and universities have reopened with new exhibits and regular hours.
For instance, there's the Baum Gallery of Fine Art in the University of Central Arkansas' McCastlain Hall, 201 Donaghey Ave., Conway. Three new exhibits open today: "Finding Shelter: An Exhibition of Contemporary Fiber Art," a group show with fiber works; "Maggie Steber: Madje Has Dementia," a black-and-white photography exhibit documenting the artist's mother's struggle with Alzheimer's disease; and "Mike Jabbur: New Ceramic Work" with contemporary pieces. All three will remain on display until Feb. 18, and a special reception is set for 4-6 p.m. today. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday. Admission is free. Call (501) 450-5793 or visit uca.edu/art/baum.
Pro wrestlers and illuminating, detailed paintings of the mundane make up the offerings at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's three galleries, UALR Fine Arts Building, 2801 S. University Ave., Little Rock. "Jobbers, Heels, and Faces -- Robert McCann," in Gallery I, depicts pro wrestlers in uncommon places and will be on display through March 3. In the Maners/Pappas Gallery, "Awakened by These Dreams -- Douglas Bourgeois" uses meticulous paintings to expose the uniqueness in the mundane until Feb. 26. Gallery III hosts "Works From the UALR Permanent Collection" through Feb. 26. Admission is free. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, 2-5 p.m. Sunday. Call (501) 569-8977.
Sometimes, the most common, everyday things can become works of art. Women, their purses and what's inside are the subjects of the newest exhibit at Esse Purse Museum, 1510 Main St., Little Rock. "Purse-onas," by Atlanta photographer Jason Travis, features portraits of a wide range of people with a photo of each person's purse and its contents. The exhibit ends March 13 and "The Esse Purse Project," an online exhibit of visitors' bags and contents, is ongoing. Admission is $10; $8 for students, military and senior citizens; free for children under 6. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Call (501) 916-9022 or visit essepursemuseum.com.
Weekend on 01/21/2016