CALICO ROCK MUSEUM HONORS LOCAL ART
The Calico Rock Museum honored their artistic heritage during the Arkansas Heritage Month celebration on Saturday, May 14. The museum honored legends in the art community, recognized local high school students for their artistic achievement, and engaged local students in making their own art.
The museum held a special, one-day show of art from three legends in the art community. Junior Cobb was a nationally acclaimed wood carver and little-known painter. Cobb sold his work for small amounts when he needed money. His works are a part of the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art permanent collection. His daughter, Sue Stapleton, and her husband, Kenny, of Wideman, were on hand to enjoy the show and honor her late father’s contributions to the art world.
Harvey Bufford was a nationally acclaimed potter whose works are represented in many gallery collections across the country. He was the potter-in-residence at Silver Dollar City for many years and is nationally recognized as an American folk great. Harvey and his wife, Jan, were instrumental in beginning the Calico Rock Museum prior to his death a few years ago. Jan continues her work at the museum.
Emma Drown Morgan was recognized as one of the top 10 folk artists in the country in 1975 just prior to her death. Morgan and her husband, Lester, were very active in the Pineville community. She gifted most of her works to friends and family throughout the area, as graduation or wedding presents. Lester made every frame for each of Emma’s paintings. In every painting, Emma placed either herself or Lester in the scene. Her works have displayed at the White House, U.S. Capitol, and homes around America.
The museum recognized local school artists for their works with a special show of their works. The competition and judging was conducted by the Calico Rock Chamber of Commerce. The museum presented each winner with a monetary prize. The winners were Christine Williams (first place-$50), Erin Sherrill (second place-$30), and Molly Robbins (third place-$20). The judges were Reed Mack Perryman, Judy Eldridge, Joanne Rosenquist, and Fredericka Johns.
The museum appreciates the support of Ms. Kelsey Sutterfield, Calico Rock School art teacher.
During the day, students and families made sponge paintings, soap sculptures, and puff paintings. They learned artistic techniques from local artisan Dianne Siddon.
This Arkansas Heritage Month activity was sponsored by the Department of Arkansas Heritage. For more information on the Calico Rock Museum call 870-297-6100 or visit their website at www.calicorockmuseum.com
