What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1148320
the opportunity to try it out. Isabella Koen (Jesse's wife, currently living in Boston): I grew up in a family of musicians; my parents always fostered my creativity and encouraged me to pursue artistic endeavours. I also grew up playing outside a lot, which I think goes hand in hand with art practices to a degree — it's when you first start to place yourself in the world and relate to your surroundings. Damir Porobic (exchange student and chosen family member, who currently lives in Portland, Maine, teaching printmaking at a college there): Childhood and creative and imaginative re/interpretations of favorite stories, etc. Q. What was your first medium? And what medium do you work in now? Jo Ann: I have always drawn but have a love of many media. I have painted for the longest time but made my living as a potter for several years. Since 1998 I have been making puppets, which includes many media and disciplines. Hank: As a teenager, I was always looking for a means of expression, and I experimented with many. When one of my friends gave me some clay, I made something awkward but very satisfying. After all this time and work in many methods of molding and casting sculpture, I have begun working in clay again. Located in East Fayetteville 2630 E Citizens Dr. #7 (479) 957-9300 wolfpackhearing.com Our patients succeed. You will, too! Best BestNWA.com of Northwest Arkansas the JULY 28-AUGUST 3, 2019 WHAT'S UP! 5 See Kaminsky Page 6 Deeply Rooted BECCA MARTIN-BROWN NWA Democrat-Gazette F amily dynamics can be complicated." So begins a press release from Fenix Fayetteville about an unusual — one might even say unique — exhibit on show in the month of August. It involves six artists — husband and wife, two sons, one daughter-in-law and one chosen member of the clan who grew up in the former Yugoslavia and came to Fayetteville to attend high school. Add to that that the family showing its work started with Hank and Jo Ann Kaminsky, arguably one of the most influential couples in the Northwest Arkansas art world, and unique probably isn't an overstatement. The Kaminskys have been active in the arts in Fayetteville since they moved to town with their two boys from Eureka Springs in the 1980s. As a family, they've made art, taught art and advocated for the arts, creating The Art Experience in 1992 as a place where they could teach others the "benefits of engaging with art on multiple levels." Over the years, Jo Ann has become known for her art therapy practice and Hank for his public art, but the art in this show — the third Kaminsky family show — "reflects the unique personalities and interests" of all six artists. In this What's Up! Q&A, five of the six artists consider their roots and their personal growth. (Younger son Daniel was not available for the interview.) Q. What first inspired your love of art? Jo Ann: My grandparents and parents had a sign company, so I grew up with art materials, and to keep me occupied they gave me an orange juice can of paint and a brush and board to paint on. … My grandmother taught me how to knit, crochet, embroidery. Hank: I think it was a gradual process that had to do with learning to see nature as the source of the truths I looked for as a kid. Jesse Kaminsky (elder son): My parents; they first enabled me to picture myself as an artist and gave me Kaminskys' artistic family tree branches out beautifully File Photo File Photo/ANDY SHUPE An art therapist and counselor, Jo Ann Kaminsky is perhaps best known for the giant puppets she creates. FAQ Kaminsky Family Show WHEN — 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday WHERE — Fenix Fayetteville, 16 W. Center St. COST — Free INFO — fenixfayettevilleart.com BONUS — An opening reception is set for 5-8 p.m. Aug. 1 during First Thursday on the Fayetteville square. FAYETTEVILLE Among the works for which Fayetteville artist Hank Kaminsky is best known is the World Peace Prayer Fountain sculpture.