What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1061909
FEATURE 8 WHAT'S UP! DECEMBER 16-22, 2018 The Art Of Cooperation BECCA MARTIN-BROWN NWA Democrat-Gazette T he first surprise is that it took them so long. The Wishing Spring Gallery has been open on the south edge of Bella Vista since 1982, and many of the people who stop at the native oak-and- stone barn east of U.S. 71 say they've driven by for years before curiosity won out. The second surprise is the variety and quality of artwork they find inside. An artists' cooperative, the gallery features the creations of 50 members of the Village Art Club, which has been in existence since 1966. On display and for sale are everything from stained glass to pottery, woodwork to jewelry, repurposed denim to traditional paintings — plus photography and whimsical fabric figurines. "We have lots of useful things," says the gallery's director, Pearl Williamson. "And lots of things people don't expect," adds artist Bill Croft. The continuing challenge, they agree, is getting the word out to a generation that goes online first. "We do have regulars," Croft says, "people who stop in every time they come to see Mom or Grandma." Williamson adds that she's been learning her way around social media, hoping to reach a clientele as diverse as the artists themselves. The youngest currently showing is in her mid-30s, she says, and the oldest is Wanda Roe of Pea Ridge, who is in her late 90s. Both Williamson and Croft are a rare breed in Bella Vista: They're Northwest Arkansas natives. Williamson went to school in Gentry and Decatur, and Croft is from Springdale. Coincidentally, both worked in accounting — Williamson at J.B. Hunt and Croft at the historic hotels in Eureka Springs — before turning to their art full time. Croft spent 35 years making stained glass, he says, before taking up quilting and fabric art, and Williamson is a nature photographer. Croft laughs when asked how he came to his second artistic pastime. "I grew up tethered to a sewing machine," he says. His mother made everything from coats to prom dresses for Croft, his twin brother and their two sisters, "and I got bored when I retired." Williamson says she started like everyone else, taking photos on family vacations. "Then I realized I really, really enjoyed it." When digital photography became popular, she jumped in head first — but she was still reluctant to show her work beyond friends and family. "I took some classes at NWACC," she says, "and my instructors told me I was good." That was enough to urge her on, and two years ago, she became director of the gallery. It took financial adjustment, she says, to work for a nonprofit, but it's clear she loves every minute of it. And she's got a younger member coming on board to help with rebranding both the gallery and the Village Art Club. Although it's probably better known as host of the Bella Vista Arts & Crafts Festival in October, one of the club's priorities has always been to provide higher education art scholarships to aspiring young artists from Benton County. Williamson, at least, doesn't think the making of art is endangered by the popularity of computers, iPhones or tablets. "People enjoy art too much," she says. "It's both relaxing and fulfilling. You feel good about something you've created." Having the big kid, Crystal Bridges Museum, just down the street doesn't hurt either. "It's certainly done wonders for art appreciation in the Midwest," says Croft. Wishing Spring Gallery one beautiful collaboration FAQ Wishing Spring Gallery WHEN — Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday & 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Dec. 16 & 23 WHERE — 8862 W. McNelly Road at the Bentonville/Bella Vista border COST — Free; all work is for sale INFO — 273-1798 or wishingspringgallery.org NWA Democrat-Gazette/BECCA MARTIN-BROWN Bill Croft's first art was stained glass, but more recently he's turned to fiber art. It was natural, he says, having grown up with a mother who sewed. NWA Democrat-Gazette/BECCA MARTIN-BROWN Joe Ray Kelly is a new exhibitor at Wishing Spring Gallery.