Making an evening of it: New group rounds out art showcase with music, food, fun
Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007
For being only a month old, Art Expo of Northwest Arkansas pulled off its first event like an old pro.
About 225 people attended the group's first Artists' Night, which had only been in the works for three weeks and took place Monday evening at Boi de Ouro restaurant in Fayetteville. The event was hosted by Twin Springs Group.
Patricia Weppler, an Art Expo staff member, said the idea for such an event had been floating around for awhile among mutual friends, area artists and art appreciators.
"We have artists here who rival those on the East and West coasts," Weppler said, "and we wanted to give them a more cultural venue. Plus, artists who are really focused on art don't have time to promote themselves."
The group chose to host the event in a restaurant because of its high visibility.
"It's a different, more aggressive approach to showing art. It's one thing to have art in a gallery and have people visit it and having art in a place where people are continually coming and going," Weppler said. "A lot of families come to a restaurant, so the children are exposed to [the art] as well."
Local artist MM Kent, who has been involved with the event from the ground up and is one of this month's three featured artists, said he hopes the event provides area artists with encouragement.
"What appeals to me is that ... it's a different approach," Kent said. "In galleries, people reverently look at art in a hushed environment like you're at a golf match and you have to whisper. I like to have an event so there's excitement. I'd rather people shout and have fun."
Half of the dining room was cleared and about 70 pieces of artwork of all sizes ranging in price from $90 to $5,000 dotted walls, easels and tables throughout the restaurant. Boi de Ouro donated the hors d'oeuvres, champagne and servers, and classical guitarist Raja and pianist Jonathan Story performed throughout the evening.
"I've been to a lot of gallery openings but nothing this romantic or nice," said local artist and Art Expo member Steve Horan. "I'm really impressed."
Seven smaller works were sold through a silent auction, whose proceeds benefited the Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter, and three drawings took place for works by the presenting artists. Kent gave a drawing demonstration, Ben Edwards, exhibition coordinator at the Walton Arts Center, gave a critique, and Mark Summerlin, Mark Beasley and Mike Thomas performed a short play.
Art Expo has already booked a years' worth of artists and more are on a waiting list, Weppler said.
Each show will take place on the fourth Monday of each month and will feature three artists of different ages and backgrounds as well as local musicians. Next month's event, scheduled for April 23, will feature artists Hank Kaminsky, Erica Daniel and Steve Horan. Admission is free.
Artwork will remain on display at the restaurant until the next event. For more information, call 361-1211 or visit www.artexponwa.com.
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