The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Art Gallery will open three new exhibits beginning the week of Aug. 16. They will feature an exhibit of non-conventional artwork from 22 states, the 34th Annual Small Works on Paper touring exhibit, and the work of self-taught mixed-media artist Butch Anthony. 

The first exhibit, “A Visionary Vernacular Road Trip,” will be on display in the Brad Cushman Gallery in the Windgate Center of Art and Design from Aug. 16 to Oct. 15. The exhibition features non-conventional work, including folk art, outsider art, and self-taught art, created by artists not formally trained. The work comes from as early as 1854-60 to works created throughout the 20th century, as well as objects made in the 21st century. 

This represents the first of two special exhibits curated by Gallery Director Brad Cushman. Works are on loan from 18 public and private collections from Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, and Michigan. A reception will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 15. A catalog will accompany the exhibition published by the gallery program.

“The series features visionary makers of pictures and sculptural objects inspired by a divine spirit, as well as seemingly ordinary people making marks and transforming commonplace materials into extraordinary art to communicate messages to a keen observer,” Cushman said.

UA Little Rock will also host the 34th Annual Small Works on Paper touring exhibition in the Maners/Pappas Gallery in the Windgate Center from Aug. 18 to Sept. 27. The exhibit showcases 26 artists from across Arkansas and 38 artworks during the yearlong tour. The Arkansas Arts Council, a division of the Arkansas Department of Heritage, sponsors the traveling exhibition.

“Small Works on Paper” is a juried visual art exhibition that showcases artwork no larger than 18-by-24 inches. Now in its 34th year, the exhibition spotlights Arkansas artists who are members of the Arkansas Artist Registry, an online gallery.

Judy Ledgerwood, a professional artist and recently retired professor from Northwestern University, served as the competition juror. She reviewed about 200 submitted artworks and selected 38 pieces for the show. 

The third exhibit features work by Butch Anthony, a self-taught mixed media artist and art collector from Seale, Alabama. Anthony’s work will be on display in the Focus Gallery in the Windgate Center from Aug. 17 to Sept. 27.

Anthony lives on an 80-acre compound filled with outdoor art, animals, and his house. It’s also known for the Museum of Wonder, which is described as a modern-day cabinet of curiosities filled with art, artifacts, and found or gifted objects.

In conjunction with the “Road Trip” survey exhibits this semester, the exhibit will feature Anthony’s mixed media vintage photograph combinations from the collection of Jeanne Lockeby Hursley and Timothy Hursley of Little Rock.

The UA Little Rock Art Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Patrons can also make appointments to visit the galleries outside of the public hours by contacting the gallery director. For more information, contact Cushman at becushman@ualr.edu or 501-916-5103.

In the upper right photo, Susan Chambers’ “Coreopsis and Coxcomb” will be featured in the 34^th Annual Small Works on Paper exhibit.