[title subtitle=”WORDS Liesel Schmidt
IMAGES courtesy Fort Smith Regional Art Museum”][/title]
The importance of art in culture is undeniable, so uniquely does it represent the spirit of the people, the happenings in the world, the way that we feel. From colors and textures to movement and medium, each piece is something truly distinct, expressing sometimes far more than actual words can. And while we may not always personally understand the exact emotion or intent behind them, these works are invaluable to the fabric of life, often speaking to each viewer in a totally different way.
For the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, imparting an appreciation of art is their very lifeblood, driving them to reach out to the community through various exhibits, educational programs, events, and cultural partnerships. Featuring nationally and internationally recognized traveling exhibitions and rotating the works of local and regional artists, the museum also offers engaging educational classes for both children and adults as well as lectures, opening receptions, children’s art camps, galas, free Saturday programming, after school programs, and artist-led workshops.
Originally, RAM was established in 1948 under the Arkansas Association of University Women. Three years later, the Associated Artists of Fort Smith began exhibiting art and offering classes throughout the area, later purchasing space for an art center and formally incorporating as the Fort Smith Art Center in 1968. Small though it might have been, the Art Center became an important resource for local and regional artists by offering them space to create and display their works for decades before the new museum opened in January of 2009. In 2013, the Art Center was fully re-branded as the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum.
Keeping interest in their exhibits high by keeping things fresh, RAM is constantly on the lookout for artists whose works truly showcase technique, talent, unique perspective, and—of course—local inspiration. Currently on display in the Main Gallery are works in an exhibit called Maximum Exposure. “This exciting contest exhibition began as a call for works primarily through local photographers who had expressed an interest in exhibiting at the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum,” says Marketing Coordinator Suzie Meluso. “Out of the hundreds of submissions, our contest features over seventy images, and the winner will receive bragging rights and their very own show next year.”
In mid-March, the museum will feature A Family Affair: Three Artists, Three Visions, One Family, which collectively shows the works of Dede Hutcheson and her daughters; and April will bring the Call for Works, Creative Forces: Honoring Heroes Art by Former and Current Service Men and Women of the South-Central United States. The exhibit will feature artwork by former and current service men and women from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Texas. “Art offers a nonverbal outlet of expression, and many service members find their art to be an extension of themselves and their thoughts,” explains Suzie. “The aim of this exhibit is to raise awareness about PTSD, offer a potential solution to help alleviate the symptoms of PTSD, and give these service men and women a venue to tell their individual stories through their artwork.” All works will be for sale, and proceeds will benefit the participating artists and RAM’s Art4Healing Program.
And highlighting the bright future of budding artists, the Student Gallery currently features the art of Nadia Lougin, a deeply artistic and passionate senior at Northside High School who plans to pursue a degree in Graphic Design after she graduates this year.
Among the most popular mainstays of the museum is the Dr. W.E. Knight Porcelain Gallery on the lower level of the museum, where visitors can view one of the finest Boehm Porcelain collections in the state. “It’s my personal favorite exhibit,” says Suzie. For those who want to get more hands-on, the Touch Gallery allows visitors to handle works of art and learn more about various types of materials and artistic techniques through the sense of touch.
Naturally, museums depend on their patrons to keep their doors open and bring in new exhibits and new programs, and RAM makes fundraising a fun event not to be missed. Held this year on March 14, their annual gala’s theme is Under the Big Top, featuring the oddities of a vintage circus, complete with old-fashioned carnival games, circus acts, live performers, and other curiosities that one would expect to see under the big top.
“Art and art education are important ways through which we develop an understanding and appreciation of the world around us,” says Suzie. “It promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills and exposes us to ideas and communication methods used by diverse cultures. Art can stimulate conversations and discussions that help weave the cultural fabric of a community, and the universal language of art unites us across the boundaries of race, religion, age, gender, and national origins.” And for the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, the language of art is one they hope to teach the world to speak.
Get your tickets NOW for the museum’s annual gala, Under the Big Top, a whimsical recreation of a vintage circus, taking place March 14th! This festive evening will feature tasty appetizers from Truckin’ Delicious, circus performers, and Lion Dancers! $50 for members, $60 for not-yet members.
For a full list of exhibits currently on display, details on free classes and adult programs, visit fsram.org.
