The Garrison Studio – An Arkansas Treasure

A few years ago, I was spending a lot of my time on the 7th floor of UAMS hospital in Little Rock. My mother was there for treatment, and we were in the hospital off and on that year for visits lasting several weeks at a time. Mother and I would go for walks a couple of times every day to get out of her hospital room for a bit and to get a little exercise. The hospital hallway made a big loop around the floor. It was perfect for walking! There were beautiful paintings and framed photography hung along the corridors, giving us and the other patients something to see and talk about as we walked along. One painting in particular always caught both of our eyes. It was a standout favorite for both of us. The colors and use of light were so rich and serene and beautiful. We connected with it. It provided a moment of respite, of escape, of peaceful joy during a challenging situation every time we saw it.

As we journeyed through that year, that same painting continued to be a shared spot of joy for us whenever we were back in the hospital. I made a note of the artist’s name, Bill Garrison, telling myself I would research information about him one day when I had more time….I knew then that I would love to have one of his paintings someday…but didn’t really imagine that it would ever be possible for me….

Fast forward now to last year… When I finally did sit down to research this talented artist, I happily discovered that he lives in Russellville, Arkansas. I decided to visit the Bill Garrison gallery last summer, so I made the drive down Arkansas’ scenic highway 7 to the studio showcasing the works of both he and his wife, Gloria (also a wonderful artist!). I had no idea what to expect – and I was a bit nervous. I can sometimes feel timid when meeting new people and often feel awkward in unfamiliar situations and places.

Visiting a gallery was definitely not a familiar routine for me, and as I turned off the highway and drove down their lane, my confidence waned a bit. There was no need for worry, however. When I pulled up, Mr. and Mrs. Garrison came out to greet me like old friends. I instantly felt welcome and comfortable. We chatted for a few minutes then I walked into their studio…..and I was blown away. A large number of incredibly beautiful art was displayed all around the room, all beautifully framed by Mr. Garrison himself.

It was soon obvious that Arkansas is definitely Mr. Garrison’s inspiration. There were lovely scenes painted in locations from around the state all over the walls. Whenever I would exclaim about the beauty of a painting, Mr. Garrison would delightedly tell me exactly where he had found that particular scene to paint. In fact, he showed me that he always puts the GPS map coordinates on the back of each of his works to record where they were completed. I can’t even adequately describe how beautiful they all were…and since I love Arkansas, most every painting was a lovely celebration of my home state.

I knew I wanted to buy a painting – but the decision of which one was difficult! Did I want the beautiful picture of a field painted in Conway County – the county of my birth? Another tempting choice was a landscape of cool greens and blues showing a beautiful stream with trees shading the water and rocks. Another painting displayed a beautifully shaded, peaceful dirt road with spots of sunlight peaking through the canopy of trees. I truly loved them ALL. Mr. Garrison’s art is an Arkansas treasure!

I finally happily settled on a gorgeous work called “Spadra Autumn”. As the title suggests, it features beautiful fall colors and the light in the painting is just breathtaking. I couldn’t wait to get it home and hang it on my wall….and I have enjoyed it every day since. I find myself often taking the time to pause and study it a bit whenever I walk by. It brings me such joy!

Several weeks after buying the painting, I decided to drive down and see if I could locate the spot of this beautiful scene using Mr. Garrison’s GPS coordinates. According to the map, I was looking for a spot just north of Clarksville on a little county road. I was looking from side to side as I drove along slowly, knowing I must be getting close….As I was driving across a small low water bridge I looked to my left….and there was the scene from my painting. The colors were different, because it wasn’t fall yet, but it was still so recognizable and looked so instantly familiar to me. It made me smile – and it made my painting all the more meaningful and enjoyable to see where it had originated.

If you love art…..or Arkansas….or beauty….I highly recommend a trip to the Garrison “Treehouse Studios” Gallery in Russellville. Call for an appointment and head down to see these true Arkansas treasures. I look forward to going back someday myself!

Contact Information:

Treehouse Studios

https://www.facebook.com/BillGarrisonFineArt

Bill Garrison Fine Art

https://www.facebook.com/BillGarrisonFineArt/

Treehouse Studios Website

http://pages.suddenlink.net/billandgloria/index.htm

Exquisite Creatures

Crystal Bridges Exquisite Creatures Entrance

This past May, I purchased tickets to see two different temporary exhibits that are currently being presented at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. The first exhibit was the one I was most excited about…..and the reason I was going. The second exhibit, titled “Exquisite Creatures”, was more of an afterthought – an add-on to experience since I was going to the museum anyway… As it turned out, “Exquisite Creatures” was so….exquisite….that I liked it much better than almost anything I have ever seen at this venue.

Crystal Bridges Exquisite Creatures Entrance
Crystal Bridges Exquisite Creatures Entrance

This unique and intriguing exhibit was created by artist, designer, photographer, and author Christopher Marley. According to his website biography, his life’s work is to broaden the world’s appreciation for the earth’s amazing organisms and minerals. With the help of a worldwide network of people and institutions that share his passion for nature, he collects an incredible variety of flora and fauna and more with which to create his designs. I cannot begin to imagine the effort this takes.

I was not really certain what to expect when I visited Crystal Bridges to see the exhibit. Entering the gallery, the first pieces I saw were delicate wall presentations made from real butterflies. They were unbelievably beautiful. As with so many things, these pictures do not do them justice. I was immediately hooked – and excited to see all that this experience had to offer.

The next section featured……a lot of bugs …. insects to be more precise, carefully arranged and brilliantly lit. Some of them were honestly so pretty – with such brilliant natural colors reflecting the lights – they actually resembled precious jewels. The artist’s talent and attention to detail in designing these pieces were extraordinary. The colors, shapes, and textures blended beautifully.

Another section utilized incredibly delicate shells from around the world. The variety and intricate details were fun to see and study.

And then…….the next section definitely got my attention! Snakes have always been something I have tried to avoid. I don’t even like seeing pictures of them! However, the art that Christopher Marley had designed using colorful and unique snakes from around the globe was so lovely that I forgot to be bothered by the fears we often assign to these creatures. I was mesmerized by the intricate details and incredible variety when seeing these creatures up close.

The exhibit also included rocks, and roses, and sea creatures, and so much more….each design carefully created and constructed from the actual natural objects.

For me, this art exhibit was beautiful, educational, inspirational,…..and emotional. I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by the variety, detail, and beauty the Lord has provided for us. There are so many examples of His wondrous designs, which to me reflects how deeply He cares for us. It was an absolutely wonderful exhibit – and I am so glad I visited!

If you’re interested, I encourage you to go!  The price of admission is $12.

The exhibit is temporary – so check Crystal Bridges’ website for information. It’s definitely worth your time!