What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1492257
FYI October; and a holiday party in December. "Because of our desire to catch more people's attention than ever before, and to thank the community and region for its support that has made RAM possible, we wanted a 'blockbuster' exhibition to kick off the year," Moncrief says of the Picasso exhibit. "It is always a joy to bring a traveling exhibition here that excites our community, gives pride to parents as they show their kids what we have right here, and lights a fire in the creative and hopeful spirits of all. Not to say that our continual exhibitions of our region's artists don't do the same! We are all astounded and inspired at the talent that lives all around us." One of those artists is John Bell Jr., who died in 2013. FSRAM is now the keeper of more than 50 of Bell's original paintings, watercolors, and sketches plus all of his studio equipment and personal career artifacts, a gift Moncrief calls "a tremendous addition to the RAM Permanent Collection." "Being the 'new home' of John Bell Jr. art has attracted many newcomers to RAM," she says. "People love John Bell paintings, so many of which provide a historically accurate and beautiful vision of what places in Arkansas looked like at the turn of the 19th century. We received a supply of lithograph prints of more than 50 of Bell's most popular works, and we sell those in our Museum Store and online, and a huge number of people have been so happy to be able to get their hands on their favorite one — or two, or three." But there's more to Bell's posthumous gift. "Born with the challenge of never being able to walk, due to cerebral palsy — and with only limited use of one hand — and of pursuing his talent and passion for art, and becoming a renowned master painter, [Bell's legacy] gives RAM a boost in succeeding in our mission of fostering art appreciation," says Moncrief. "As we conduct educational programs based on Bell's life and art, we can't help but inspire people. Inspiring people means success to RAM." "The 75th anniversary is not just a time of reflection, it is a time for the RAM leadership to redefine the future for RAM," adds Krutsch. "Art, like the world, is changing, but our motto is 'Where the Spirit of Art Unites Us!' The Board feels strongly about supporting the growth and expansion of diverse and inclusive offerings that unite us, both at the museum but also through programs that reach out into the regional community. We believe that by reaching out into the region, we will bring more individuals into the museum. "This year we will begin the development of a five-year strategic plan which will allow us to assess our current work and offerings, gather feedback and input from our members, partners and the community as a whole," she explains. "It will be a plan that will continue to use the 'spirit of art to unite us,' and it will also be an important document as we begin the challenging multi-year task of accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums." Whatever happens, Krutsch says, FSRAM's success depends on "a team effort between the passionate support of many community members, and strong leadership," the same way the journey started 75 years ago. FEBRUARY 12-18, 2023 WHAT'S UP! 9 Over the years, Picasso and the Madoura studio produced 633 different plates, bowls, vases, and pitchers in limited editions ranging from 25 to 500. (Courtesy Photo/FSRAM) From plates with faces to pitchers in the shapes of birds and people, the FSRAM exhibition features 46 ceramic works designed by Picasso, including two original ceramic works, from between the years 1947 and 1971. It also includes original posters from previous exhibitions and photo murals of Picasso at work at Madoura Pottery. (Courtesy Photo/FSRAM) After making its home in the Vaughn-Schaap House since 1960, the opening of the new museum building at 1601 Rogers Ave. near the heart of downtown Fort Smith marked a major turning point for the Fort Smith Art Center. Arvest Bank made the expansion possible by donating the 16,000-square-foot mid-century modern building in January 2009. The rebranded Fort Smith Regional Art Museum opened in January 2013. (Courtesy Photo/FSRAM) Picasso at FSRAM Kicking off the 75th anni- versary for the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum is a name everybody knows — but a completely different category of his art. "Pablo Picasso: 25 Years of Edition Ceramics from the Rosenbaum Collection" opened to the public in January and features whimsical ceramics created by the legendary artist made when he partnered with George and Suzanne Ramie and the artisans at their Madoura Pottery workshop in Vallauris, southern France. Over the years, Picasso and the Madoura studio produced 633 different plates, bowls, vases, and pitchers in limited editions ranging from 25 to 500. From plates with faces to pitch- ers in the shapes of birds and people, the exhibition features 46 ceramic works designed by Picasso, including two original ceramic works, from between the years of 1947 and 1971. It also includes original posters from previous exhibitions and photo murals of Picasso at work at Madoura Pottery. This exhibition will run until April 23 and is free to the public.