What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1430738
and the physical contents of Bell's studio went to their daughter Lisa Bell Wilson," Meluso explains. "She in turn gifted them to RAM." That gift included 50 original artworks, including original oil and watercolor paintings, pen and ink and pencil drawings, linocut and scratchboard, Meluso enumerates. "The museum now holds a treasure trove of offset lithographs of his most iconic images and items from his studio, including paintbrushes, scale models, his iconic hat, camera, photos and correspondence for various acquisitions and artist requests." But to Meluso, "perhaps the most exciting component of the gift is the permanent transfer of intellectual property rights to RAM, including all reproduction and licensing rights. To celebrate this extraordinary gift and to preserve, protect and share these wonderful artworks along with the life story of John Bell Jr., RAM has created the John Bell Jr. Legacy Project. This not just a gift to RAM. It is a gift to our community, our state, and to all who enter, physically or virtually, our museum. "Under the umbrella of this project," Meluso elaborates, "RAM is developing unique programs that exhibit and interpret the artist's work, provide educational programs and lectures that explore Bell's techniques and historical context, and create presentations for community outreach to school, church and community groups." The project will be funded by special events; by creating the John Bell Jr. Legacy Society; and by unique products developed and made available in the museum store using Bell's artwork. "The funds will also be used to conserve, store and protect the large collection of his artwork and studio artifacts for generations to come," Meluso says. The current exhibit, "John Bell Jr.: Coming Home," open until Feb. 20, includes 75 examples of original Bell art, many of which have never been seen in public before, Meluso says, along with objects from his studio such car models, paint brushes and the cameras he used to create reference photos. The exhibition also opens the new Sandy and Sandi Sanders Gallery of the Permanent Collection. "This gallery will now exhibit all of our permanent collection in three different rotations throughout the year," Meluso says. "There will always be Bell's work hanging in every rotation. We will also develop exhibitions that highlight unique aspects of his work such as watercolors, sketchbooks, historical paintings, etc. "The impact of this project represents the preservation of local history for all to enjoy. RAM will now be the forever 'home' of John Bell Jr.," Meluso says, "meaning all of his previously unseen work will now have the opportunity to be studied and enjoyed at the museum and online." 6 WHAT'S UP! NOVEMBER 21-27, 2021 RIVER VALLEY FSRAM Continued From Page 5 John Bell Jr. was photographed with daughter Lisa about 1980. (Courtesy Photo/Lisa Wilson) YOU KNOW YOU WANNA SIT WITH US. Broadway Supporters: Bob & Becky Alexander Friends of Broadway Broadway Series Sponsor: Media Support: Additional support provided by Brett & Kara Biggs DEC. 14-19 | 8 SHOWS! Show Sponsor: