PEN AND PAINT: Simmons, Stephens exhibit coming to convention center

Two prominent Hot Springs artists have teamed back up to bring an exhibit of their work to the Hot Springs Convention Center in October.

Gary Simmons and Richard Stephens will exhibit "PEN AND PAINT: The Art of Gary Simmons and Richard Stephens," featuring 30 to 40 pieces of art from each artist.

"PEN AND PAINT" will feature both new pieces created specifically for the exhibit and older works. Simmons said that he has made around 10 new pieces for the exhibit, but he said he is looking forward to showing off the older pieces.

"The older pieces are ones I've kept for myself, so they have meaning for me," Simmons said. He said "it will be fun to get them out" and let the public see them.

Stephens said that he is bringing around 18 new pieces. Like Simmons, Stephens said he is looking forward to sharing the older pieces, too. He said that some great advice he once received was to "hang onto the special pieces (that have) special meaning." Stephens said over the years he has gifted these special pieces to family members, so he is having to borrow them back for this exhibit.

The exhibit doesn't really have a theme, Simmons said. The title of the exhibit comes from the fact that Simmons known for using pens in this work, while Stephens is known for his watercolors. Stephens said that the contrast between the two men's art complements each other.

Stephens said that Simmons is a "wonderful craftsman" who does highly detailed, photo-realistic artwork. Stephens, however, said that his own work is very loose and spontaneous. Stephens said he interprets rather than renders his subjects.

This is the second time that the two men have had an exhibit at the convention center. Stephens said it is an honor for them to be invited back to the center. This new exhibit follows a previous exhibit by Hot Springs artist Longhua Xu. Simmons said that it is a good thing that the convention center is putting these exhibits on.

"I think it's really important that the convention center makes these (exhibits)," Simmons said, adding that it is important that the art community is able "to be involved with what's going on at the convention center."

Simmons said that he is looking forward to showing off the exhibit to the public, but he said that exhibits are "kind of a mixed blessing." He said that he is usually uptight about it, because he never knows how the work will be received. "(At the) same time, you make it for it to be out there."

Stephens also said that he is also looking forward for the public to see the work. "The last step in the painting process is putting it out there for the public to see," Stephens said. Stephens also said he is honored that as a native Hot Springs citizen, he is able to show off his work in his hometown.

Another thing Stephens said he is looking forward to is actually seeing his art at the exhibit. He said that artists are used to seeing their work leaning against a stand or lying around their studio. "Seeing it framed and presented professionally is often a real treat for us," Stephens said.

The exhibit is being brought to the convention center by Visit Hot Springs. Mary Zunick, cultural affairs manager for VHS, said that Xu's exhibit, "Soul of Arkansas" went so well that they decided to bring another exhibit to the center. She said that with all the events that are held at the convention center, many tourists and locals alike are walking through the building. These exhibits, Zunick said, are encouraging people to visit the local art galleries.

Zunick said she has seen some of the art pieces that will be in the exhibit. "It's such a great collection of their work. (We are) just very happy to have this exhibit in the convention center."

The exhibit will open on Oct. 15, and will remain on display until Jan. 3, 2020. Both artists will be in attendance for the opening night.

Local on 08/18/2019

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