Margaret Speer Carter, a talented artist born in Fort Smith, has made her mark in the art world with exhibitions in 26 galleries throughout the United States, including 16 solo shows. Now, she is bringing a retrospective exhibition of her works to the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM). The exhibition, titled M. Speer: An Artist’s Journey, will open to the public with a reception on Friday, August 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the exhibition in RAM’s main gallery until November 5, 2023.
Over the span of her 60-year career, Carter has explored various artistic styles, ranging from Realism to Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and ultimately Abstraction. She admits that the abstract style has proven to be the most challenging for her. Her inspiration for this period came from mesmerizing photographs captured by the Hubble telescope, which left her awestruck with their celestial beauty. “I was blown away by the incredible heavenly visions,” said Carter.
Carter categorizes her diverse portfolio into five main themes: portraits, landscapes, still life, fantasies, and abstracts. However, for the exhibition, her artworks are grouped based on the decades of her artistic journey. Guided by a strong belief in the evolution of art, she emphasizes the importance of not repetitively painting the same subjects with minor adjustments, but rather growing as an artist. This retrospective exhibition stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to artistic growth.
After earning language degrees from Colorado College, Carter embarked on her artistic path by enrolling in her first art course at the Fort Worth Fine Arts School. It was during this time that she created a sculpture depicting an “old man,” an experience that captivated her and solidified her passion for art. She continued her artistic education at schools in Colorado, New Mexico, and New York, but it was Casimir Rutkowski, the inaugural director of the Fort Smith Art Center, who became her first true art teacher. Rutkowski, a traditionalist painter and instructor, hailed from the Northeast and imparted invaluable knowledge on the traditional techniques of painting and drawing.
Carter’s artistic philosophy revolves around creating art that uplifts the viewer in various ways—be it through a sense of calmness, intrigue, or exhilaration. She believes that art should possess the power to captivate individuals without requiring an explanation for its impact. As she eloquently expresses, “Art should be strong enough to grab you, and you do not have to know why.” These sentiments are evident in her remarkable body of work.
Within the grounds of RAM, one can find a sculpture titled “Mother and Son,” generously donated by Carter in 1996 as a tribute to Polly Crews, the former director of the Fort Smith Art Center, and in memory of Crews’ son, Stuart. Carter explains that the sculpture portrays a close bond between a mother and her son, yet there exists a certain tension within their relationship. She draws parallels to the famous painting “American Gothic,” highlighting the coexistence of deep love and underlying tension, as parents assume the roles of authority while grappling with personal preferences. The sculpture beautifully encapsulates the complexities of parenthood.
Margaret Speer Carter’s artistry has left an indelible mark on the art world, and her retrospective exhibition at RAM is a testament to her talent and dedication. Visitors can expect to be enthralled by the evolution of her artistic style and the profound emotions her artworks evoke.
Located at 1601 Rogers Avenue in downtown Fort Smith, the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum offers fine art exhibitions from world-class artists, important traveling exhibitions, permanent collection exhibitions, as well as art by emerging artists in its modern, 16,000-square-foot facility. From professional art workshops and juried art contests to online art classes and free Saturday art-making programs, RAM connects with schools, visitors, and community members of all ages and backgrounds to support the cultural needs of the region. The museum’s summer hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 to 6, and Sunday, 1 to 5. Visit the website for more information (fsram.org) or call: 479-784-2787. Admissions to exhibitions at RAM are always free.
