April Artists of the Month:
Lisa Crews
Artist Statement:
When I was a little girl drawing was one of the few things I would get praise for instead of scolded. I have always practiced making art as a preoccupation and now for a few years as an occupation.
Clay is my primary medium but I enjoy making whatever I want out of any material I choose. The subjects in my work come from my reverence for nature, a desire to make happy characters, and an urge to make an occasional political jab. I also recreate historic ceramics and make pieces that reference iconic works of art.
I am a contemporary folk artist working in mixed media.
My work is currently available at EureKan Gallery and Curated Gallery in Eureka Springs, Gallery 26 in Little Rock and the Arkansas Craft Gallery in Mountain View.

Dawn Ward
Artist Statement:
Dawn Ward works in a variety of media including digital photography, printmaking, sculpture and fiber art. Her current work is solely based on the use of recycled, upcycled and reused materials from found objects, vintage jewelry, fabric scraps, used clothing and yarn. She has a MA in studio art, a PhD in Art Education and has taught university classes and workshops for over 26 years. She exhibits both locally and nationally and is the Advancement Coordinator for the Eureka Springs School of the Arts.
Rheo Rhees
Artist Statement:
My love of pebbles, beach glass, and pottery, began while living on an island in SE Alaska. I would spend hours scanning the beaches for “little treasures.” Always intrigued, and wishful, to know what story each piece could tell, yet knowing, they will hold their story tightly within.
One day I stumbled upon the work of Artist Sharon Nowlan; whom I happen to think is the “Guru” of simply stated, classy pebble art; which inspired me to recreate many pieces while adding my own twist.
I like to call my art “WASHED-UP” with the belief that there is beauty in things broken. Derived from nature; softened by the elements, only to once again, be new. I believe sometimes less is more, and that is what I enjoy, keeping my art pieces simple and classic, not to overstated.
One thing I do not do, is alter my stones, beach glass, or beach pottery. I take pride in using each piece “as is.” I think each little piece has value in exactly how they were formed, tumbling on the ocean floor until chance had it, it lands gently on the shores of a beach.
The beach glass and pottery come from SE Alaska; the pebbles come from various lakes such as, Bear Lake Idaho/Utah, and Flathead Lake in Montana, as well as the many beaches of Irelands Celtic Sea/Atlantic Ocean.
My home is in the NW corner of Arkansas, in the wonderfully unique, and artsy town of Eureka Springs.