The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM) is delighted to announce the unveiling of three new exhibitions, accompanied by an opening reception. The exhibitions will showcase the talent of two esteemed artists, Martin Peerson and Susan Morrison, as well as the extraordinary works by artists at Bost. To mark the commencement of these captivating exhibitions, RAM will host an opening reception on Friday, October 20, from 5 to 7 pm. All are welcome.
Martin Peerson, a celebrated American painter, has dedicated his artistic career to capturing the picturesque landscapes of Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma. Although Peerson embarked on his painting journey as recently as 1983, he honed his craft through local art classes, community college courses, and artist workshops. His upcoming exhibition will predominantly feature exquisite landscape paintings of Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, complemented by a selection of still lifes and portraits.
In memory of the late artist Susan Morrison (1942-2023), RAM presents “River Journeys,” a poignant collection of stunning prints inspired by her artwork, which are part of RAM’s permanent collection. Morrison, a multifaceted artist, author, observer, educator, and storyteller, was a pioneering environmentalist who harnessed various art forms to raise awareness about America’s wildlife and wildlands. “River Journeys” will showcase her profound connection to four scenic rivers in Arkansas: Buffalo, King, Illinois, and Mulberry, interwoven with her poetry. Morrison once stated, “I consider my talent to be a gift from God, and with that comes an enormous responsibility. I have determined my mission is Earth Stewardship, and my work is dedicated to the preservation of our wildlife and wildlands.”
Both Peerson’s and Morrison’s exhibitions will be open to the public from October 21, 2023, through January 21, 2024.
RAM is also proud to present “ArTs at Bost: Creativity, Connection, and Choices.” This special exhibition celebrates seven years of ArTs at Bost, which provides free, high-quality art classes to individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. Inspired by the students’ aspiration to have their artwork displayed in a museum, artist Cathy Mason initiated the program. “ArTs at Bost: Creativity, Connection, and Choices” will showcase an array of captivating subjects, ranging from portraits to undersea creatures, and collages. RAM invites the community to witness the diverse talents of the artists from ArTs at Bost. This exhibition will run from October 7, 2023 through February 4, 2024.
Located at 1601 Rogers Avenue in downtown Fort Smith, the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum offers a modern, 16,000-square-foot facility dedicated to fine art exhibitions from world-class artists, important traveling exhibitions, permanent collection exhibitions, and works by emerging artists. RAM actively engages with the community, providing professional art workshops, juried art contests, online art classes, and free Saturday art-making programs to fulfill the cultural needs of the region. The museum’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, 1 pm to 5 pm. For more information, please visit the website at fsram.org or call 479-784-2787. Admission to exhibitions at RAM is always free.
