What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1471612
"We're the only art gallery that the artists get 100% of their sale proceeds (to my knowledge). Because we are truly nonprofit with the artists each paying a monthly membership of $60," Milton goes on. "Plus we have no employees; they each volunteer four hours of their time [each month] to staff the gallery. So we tell people who come in, 'Everyone on staff is an artist. So if you have a question, ask an artist.' People seem to like that; then they ask questions. The sales have surprised us in a good way. Our first three weekends, we've had gross sales of over $2,600." They intend to host a grand opening in September. They also hope to have a rotating, monthly display of public school art in the gallery. "We feel like that's going to bring children into an art gallery who might otherwise not step into one," Milton says. Right now they are seeking public school art teachers who want to have their students display art in the gallery. In the back of the gallery, there's a large space for a classroom where they will have art classes. "We've got a public school art teacher who's going to be in charge of our art classroom," Milton says. Currently they have several art supplies that were lent to the gallery by other artists or donated. "We're going to offer free and low cost art classes to the public. As soon as we raise enough funds, we want them all to be free," Milton says. "These classes will be for all ages — children, senior citizens — everybody. … We would like to start classes as soon as next month, but it's really going to depend on how soon can we raise donated funds for classes." Right now, Milton and the other artists are enjoying the spoils of their labor and overcoming naysayers. "There were other artists in the art community saying, 'You don't want to do that. It's going to look like a flea market," Milton laughs. She's quite delighted with the space. "I know I'm gushing, but I'm just so proud and happy that this happened." www.visitcherokeenation.com A NATION OF RESOLVE Experience the Cherokee story, through centuries of ingenuity, determination and sovereignty, in insightful and moving exhibits beside timeless works of art. Admission is free for all ages. One Nation. Ten Attractions. Endless Adventure. *Named 2020 Tribal Destination of the Year by the American Indian and Alaska Native Tourism Association CHEROKEE NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM, TAHLEQUAH, OK 6 WHAT'S UP! JUNE 26-JULY 2, 2022 FYI On Show Artists whose work is currently on show at The Art Gallery at Northwest Arkansas Mall include James Arnold, Margery Shore, Janet Cross, Mary Curtis, Katelynn Barker, Sebastian Bocanegra, Crystal Brown Ratliff, Lennia Daulton, Terry Dushan, Emily Frame, Erica Frame, Randy French, Charlotte Glick, Jordan Greene, Brooke Groover, Kyle Hale, Megan Rose Hiers, Jay Hinely, Ryan Howard, Susan Idlet, Gary Johnson, Debra Koertge, Detlef Koertge, Beana Laden, Darlene McVay, Melissa Milton, Thea Morrill, Reed Novotny, Ashlynn Patrick, Mike Rice, Lowell Ridings, Annika Ringle, Kim Seaberg, Raegan Sikes, Randi Sparks, Diane Stinebaugh, Melissa Swan, Pat Sweeden, Jeremy TenHaken, Kayla Thompson (Rhoads), Jaci Tucker, Molly Van Roekel, Shelli Palazzi, Stefani Christianson, Tana Wash- ington, Trish Whitsell, Madison Woods and Rin Wynters. The artists showcased in the gallery are mostly new ones who are showing their art in public for the first time. Melissa Milton adds that "a few of us are in other galleries, but all this beautiful stuff was in their homes" before being displayed at the mall. (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Andy Shupe) Gallery Continued From Page 5 FAYETTEVILLE