Four Hot Springs artists will gather in two studios to present "A Hot Springs Christmas -- 1st Annual Studio Open Houses" in November.
The free event, which is open to the public, will be held at Alison Parsons Studio, 1017 Lakeshore Drive, and Studio 404, 404 Burchwood Bay Road, from 1-4 p.m. Nov. 23 and 24. Holiday treats will be served at the studios, where visitors can shop for original artwork and creatively inspired gifts.
The Christmas event will give visitors the firsthand experience of working environments, offering a glimpse into the creative process and the chance to buy original and creative gifts while enjoying great art, food and conversation, a news release said.
Sisters Lori Arnold and Alison Parsons will feature paintings, sculpture and jewelry at Alison Parsons Studio on Lake Hamilton.
Artists Suzie Burch and Erma Steelsmith have joined forces to fashion works of whimsy for mosaic art collectors, Hot Springs memorabilia collectors and Christmas enthusiasts at Studio 404.
"Alison Parsons Studio and Studio 404 welcome the community to the first annual Holiday Open House offering a great selection of gifts for the holidays. Attendees will get a jump start on holiday shopping, with a wide array of gift possibilities ranging from paintings, mosaic art and sculpture to jewelry," the release said.
Arnold is both a sculptor and a painter who also creates a signature line of jewelry. Arnold's glass and clay sculptures are included in the permanent collection of Hot Springs National Park where she was selected as Artist-in-Residence. Arnold served as director of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Hot Springs and is currently a professional artist and exhibit designer for Mid-America Science Museum. Arnold will be featuring her paintings of ethereal angels along with wall sculptures.
Parsons attended Henderson State University where she majored in Studio Arts. She began painting primarily in watercolor after moving to a small island country in the Indian Ocean, the Republic of Seychelles. While living there she taught watercolor classes and color theory classes for the Peace Corps. Parsons piloted the Artist-in-Residence Program at Hot Springs National Park where she served on their selection committee. Her artwork is included in the permanent collection of the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock. Parsons' main focus is on painting local landmarks including Oaklawn Park's horses and jockeys. She also creates special collector Christmas Ball Ornaments annually.
Burch has an artistic background that includes fabric design, jewelry making, printmaking and faux finishing. She began her creative endeavors as a child with her mother and continues the creations with Steelsmith. Burch has a BFA from Louisiana State University and a Graphic Design degree from Parsons School of Design. Her mosaic Christmas trees and bejeweled Christmas ornaments are favorites among collectors.
Steelsmith has a fashion degree from the University of Georgia and worked in fashion for many years in Atlanta. While living in Singapore, she became a stained-glass artist and later worked for a stained-glass studio in Connecticut. New this year are Steelsmith's crushed glass Christmas trees and crosses.
Both Burch and Steelsmith are Hot Springs natives and began their artistic collaboration while working for Statements Interior Design.
"With an abundance of art available in many mediums for purchase, it's a prime opportunity to get a creative start on holiday shopping picking up those truly special and locally made gifts from these charming studios. Bring your friends and family for a weekend of holiday cheer," the release said.
Call Parsons at 501-655-0604 for more information.
Entertainment on 10/13/2019