THE SCENE: 2nd Friday Art Night, downtown Little Rock
WHERE: Curran Hall, aka Little Rock’s Visitor Information Center, 615 E. Capitol Ave.
WHAT’S NEW? The historic Greek Revival home Curran Hall and Gardens has joined the fun. Curran is well worth a visit and on this recent Art Night, the center was having an open house and showing art by Little Rock artist David “Bud” Bell. Interior and exterior spaces were busy with people enjoying art, food, conversation and drink.
WHAT ABOUT THE ART? Bell is a painter and sculptor working in various media. The paintings are mostly acrylics and a rusting pickup is a favorite subject. One of the canvasses, Jimmy Shell #3, depicts the pickup as seeming to float just above the ground; floating on the artist’s or viewer’s memories, perhaps?
The sculptures are eye-catching. Bell and Dove, along with being around 6 feet in height, has a bell viewers can (and did) ring. But Praise Totem is especially stirring. The abstracted wood sculpture’s organic forms have arms outreached as they reach to the higher power. It was created, Bell says, from a railroad tie that was on the ground not far from home.
“I walked by it a lot and finally, after 20 years, took it home and started drilling and sanding.” With a big assist from Mother Nature, the former railroad tie was turned into a striking piece of art.
HOW LONG? Bell’s art will be shown through Sunday. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Information: (501) 371-0076.
WILL THERE BE MORE? Yes. Quapaw Quarter Association Facilities Manager Shalah Brummett says the center will have more events on future Art Nights.
TIP FOR MUSIC LOVERS: Historic Arkansas Museum’s Art Night opening featured well-played blues music by Charlotte Taylor and Friends. Taylor has a gritty voice and a skillful way with a harmonica. If you see her on the bill at an event, make it a point to check her out.
Email: ewidner@arkansasonline.com
Weekend, Pages 32 on 07/18/2013