Ozark
Mountain
Artists
Studio
Tour
Mountain
Artists
Studio
Tour
Third Annual
September 18-20, 2009
Newton County, Arkansas
Newton County, Arkansas
The Artists of the 2009 Ozark Mountain Artists Studio Tour
We are pleased to report that more artists have joined the tour this year. They are listed below in alphabetical order. Clicking on the picture of any of the artists will open their feature page in a separate window . Their individual pages provide a nice sampling of their work, their bio, location, and email and personal website if appropriate.
We are pleased to report that more artists have joined the tour this year. They are listed below in alphabetical order. Clicking on the picture of any of the artists will open their feature page in a separate window . Their individual pages provide a nice sampling of their work, their bio, location, and email and personal website if appropriate.
The Artists
"Singing Waters" by Don Kitz
Don Nelms, Photographer Mt. Sherman
Don Nelms owned and operated automobile dealerships in NW Arkansas for 32 years. In 2001 he sold Nelms Auto Park to the Penske Auto Group. He and his wife, Millie moved to Newton County and Don began his journey into the world of photography. In the last 5 years, he has pursued images of nature throughout the Ozarks. He has published 2 slideshows (Fall on the Buffalo & Spring in the Ozarks). In the last year he has selected 300 photographs for printing. Approximately 200 of them are printed on canvas and framed without glass in the new Nelms Gallery.
Nelms Gallery has been listed as one of the top ten things to see in Newton County. You will find a variety of landscapes, wildflowers, wildlife and natural abstracts. The grounds have over 4 miles of walking trails, ponds, picnic areas, and a beautiful view of far off mountains. The inside of the Gallery has a contemporary feel, but on the outside it has a large wrap around porch perfect for sitting, rocking, and enjoying the view.
Don Nelms owned and operated automobile dealerships in NW Arkansas for 32 years. In 2001 he sold Nelms Auto Park to the Penske Auto Group. He and his wife, Millie moved to Newton County and Don began his journey into the world of photography. In the last 5 years, he has pursued images of nature throughout the Ozarks. He has published 2 slideshows (Fall on the Buffalo & Spring in the Ozarks). In the last year he has selected 300 photographs for printing. Approximately 200 of them are printed on canvas and framed without glass in the new Nelms Gallery.
Nelms Gallery has been listed as one of the top ten things to see in Newton County. You will find a variety of landscapes, wildflowers, wildlife and natural abstracts. The grounds have over 4 miles of walking trails, ponds, picnic areas, and a beautiful view of far off mountains. The inside of the Gallery has a contemporary feel, but on the outside it has a large wrap around porch perfect for sitting, rocking, and enjoying the view.
Michael Dougherty, Photographer Compton
Michael Dougherty's work provides a glimpse into the beauty of the landscapes and the life of wildlife in NW Arkansas. He seeks images with long tonal scales animated by low angle light. His works range from area wildlife to landscapes to wild flowers. His work has been displayed and sold in 4 states. "People have often said they like my photography because it is emotional. I seek moments in time and light that tell a story about my subjects. My hope is to help people share the beauty that is NW Arkansas."
He and his wife Mandy live on 21 acres adjacent to the Ponca Wilderness (with their cat, chickens, and ducks).
Michael Dougherty's work provides a glimpse into the beauty of the landscapes and the life of wildlife in NW Arkansas. He seeks images with long tonal scales animated by low angle light. His works range from area wildlife to landscapes to wild flowers. His work has been displayed and sold in 4 states. "People have often said they like my photography because it is emotional. I seek moments in time and light that tell a story about my subjects. My hope is to help people share the beauty that is NW Arkansas."
He and his wife Mandy live on 21 acres adjacent to the Ponca Wilderness (with their cat, chickens, and ducks).
Scott Baldassari, Acrylic Painter Parthenon
Born in Chicago, inspired and encouraged by a family full of Artists. Tutored under several excellent Artists, but without any "institutional" art education, I am a completely self taught artist who has been drawing and painting as I've seen fit since childhood. Dropped a hectic business life in Chicago, and came to the Ozarks in the 70's in search of a simpler life.
I've spent chunks of the last 15 years doing art & craft shows, selling wholesale to gift shops and galleries, painting locally for tourists, and doing commissioned paintings for people all over the country. Lately, I have spent my weekends and sunny days in the creeks, on the bluffs (and sometimes at Scenic Points on the side of the Highway), Painting and peddling my work (I like to call it direct marketing). I live a simple life, making a fair living from my creations, and am rewarded by being able to live my life in these mountains I love so dearly. Currently, I am working on half a dozen commissions, and looking forward to my weekends on the side of the road; Painting and Peddling. Life is Good…always has been.
I am a realist... and a romantic. As much as I love reality; life, (and paintings) can always use a little "romance". I think my work speaks for itself. If it requires explanation, I am not communicating very well. Beauty and Communication after all, is what art is all about.
Born in Chicago, inspired and encouraged by a family full of Artists. Tutored under several excellent Artists, but without any "institutional" art education, I am a completely self taught artist who has been drawing and painting as I've seen fit since childhood. Dropped a hectic business life in Chicago, and came to the Ozarks in the 70's in search of a simpler life.
I've spent chunks of the last 15 years doing art & craft shows, selling wholesale to gift shops and galleries, painting locally for tourists, and doing commissioned paintings for people all over the country. Lately, I have spent my weekends and sunny days in the creeks, on the bluffs (and sometimes at Scenic Points on the side of the Highway), Painting and peddling my work (I like to call it direct marketing). I live a simple life, making a fair living from my creations, and am rewarded by being able to live my life in these mountains I love so dearly. Currently, I am working on half a dozen commissions, and looking forward to my weekends on the side of the road; Painting and Peddling. Life is Good…always has been.
I am a realist... and a romantic. As much as I love reality; life, (and paintings) can always use a little "romance". I think my work speaks for itself. If it requires explanation, I am not communicating very well. Beauty and Communication after all, is what art is all about.
Merlyn Lazorow, Painting, Ceramics, Fabric Mt. Sherman
I was born in Newton County but, like so many people from Newton County, I was raised in Kansas City. I maintain a cabin and studio on Mount Sherman where I feel fortunate to be able spend summers My artistic spirit is very much grounded in nature which manifests itself in all of my artistic endeavors whether it be dyeing textiles to be fashioned into garments, sculpting clay, or developing intaglio prints of flora and fauna.
I was born in Newton County but, like so many people from Newton County, I was raised in Kansas City. I maintain a cabin and studio on Mount Sherman where I feel fortunate to be able spend summers My artistic spirit is very much grounded in nature which manifests itself in all of my artistic endeavors whether it be dyeing textiles to be fashioned into garments, sculpting clay, or developing intaglio prints of flora and fauna.
Forrest Waltmann, Carving, Sculpture Jasper
Forrest Waltmann has won more than 20 national competitions with his work. His work is displayed in a permanent exhibition at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Stafford, KS, and is featured at Roy's Gallery in Lawrence Kansas.
"I try to express in mere moments what nature does in many centuries. The wooden sculptures of aging stone, covered with moss and beauty, birds that look soft and alert, as if living in an instant of time balanced between the past and future, are mine to sculpt. My goal as an artist is to create peace, grace and beauty, to invoke pleasant memories hidden within, to show nature's unique fragile place on earth. "
Forrest Waltmann has won more than 20 national competitions with his work. His work is displayed in a permanent exhibition at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Stafford, KS, and is featured at Roy's Gallery in Lawrence Kansas.
"I try to express in mere moments what nature does in many centuries. The wooden sculptures of aging stone, covered with moss and beauty, birds that look soft and alert, as if living in an instant of time balanced between the past and future, are mine to sculpt. My goal as an artist is to create peace, grace and beauty, to invoke pleasant memories hidden within, to show nature's unique fragile place on earth. "
James Foreman, Painting Marble Falls
My work concerns itself with questions relating to the environment. However, I also enjoy doing three styles of comparative, impressionistic portraiture. As well, I also do what I call "corporate suites". These are groupings of similar related images. A portion of he purchase price of my larger works always goes to an environmental related cause or art departments in schools, and this contribution can be made tax deductible to the purchasers of my work.
My work concerns itself with questions relating to the environment. However, I also enjoy doing three styles of comparative, impressionistic portraiture. As well, I also do what I call "corporate suites". These are groupings of similar related images. A portion of he purchase price of my larger works always goes to an environmental related cause or art departments in schools, and this contribution can be made tax deductible to the purchasers of my work.
Rebecca Holden, Painting, Ceramics, Fabric Jasper
As a child Rebecca preferred mud pies and finger paint to playing with dolls. She learned to sew her own clothes in Junior High and Art was the only class in which she excelled in High School. Since that early beginning she has continued to learn new skills, including an auto body repair and painting course in the late 1970's.
A long time member of the Arkansas Craft Guild, in the spring of 2000 Ms. Holden established the Old Carriage House Art & Fine Craft Gallery in Jasper. Holden recently sold the Old Carriage House Art & Fine Craft Gallery, in Jasper, so she will be at the site of her future studio on Ridge View Road. She is looking forward to being able to work "at home" soon.
As a child Rebecca preferred mud pies and finger paint to playing with dolls. She learned to sew her own clothes in Junior High and Art was the only class in which she excelled in High School. Since that early beginning she has continued to learn new skills, including an auto body repair and painting course in the late 1970's.
A long time member of the Arkansas Craft Guild, in the spring of 2000 Ms. Holden established the Old Carriage House Art & Fine Craft Gallery in Jasper. Holden recently sold the Old Carriage House Art & Fine Craft Gallery, in Jasper, so she will be at the site of her future studio on Ridge View Road. She is looking forward to being able to work "at home" soon.
Don Kitz, Egg Tempera Deer
Don Kitz born in 1939 in New Jersey. His training as an artsist was at the Philadelphia College of Art, The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, San Antonio College and the San Antonio Art Institute. BA, MFA, Greenwich University, He worked as an illustrator for the Army medical center in Texas, Don moved to NW Arkansas in 1981 and taught art at North Arkansas College,1983-2005
He works in egg tempera using egg yolk and pigment on gessoed panels. Don also works in watercolor and oil.
He is a member of the Society of Egg Tempera Painters. The Eureka Springs Artist Guild and the Ozark Mountain Artist Group.
Don Kitz born in 1939 in New Jersey. His training as an artsist was at the Philadelphia College of Art, The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, San Antonio College and the San Antonio Art Institute. BA, MFA, Greenwich University, He worked as an illustrator for the Army medical center in Texas, Don moved to NW Arkansas in 1981 and taught art at North Arkansas College,1983-2005
He works in egg tempera using egg yolk and pigment on gessoed panels. Don also works in watercolor and oil.
He is a member of the Society of Egg Tempera Painters. The Eureka Springs Artist Guild and the Ozark Mountain Artist Group.
Louise Reynolds, Painting, Ceramics, Fabric Jasper
Louise Reynolds has lived in the Jasper Area since 1995 and resides with her husband Ivan. They are currently refurbishing the historic building where the Spring Street Arts studio/shop located on the east side of the square in Jasper. The media you may see at the gallery are watercolors, clay, handpainted silks, and glass fusion.
Louise Reynolds has lived in the Jasper Area since 1995 and resides with her husband Ivan. They are currently refurbishing the historic building where the Spring Street Arts studio/shop located on the east side of the square in Jasper. The media you may see at the gallery are watercolors, clay, handpainted silks, and glass fusion.
Phyllis Hurd, Painting, Ceramics Low Gap
I have always expressed myself best via drawing, painting and ceramics. In the 90's I used a process that involved crayons, ink and modeling pastel subjected to heat. I have made Christmas cards from hand made papers, drawings and watercolors but lately, I have folded the pages of used books, then altered them further with drawings.
My preferred medium changes with the seasons. I work with oils and/or ceramics in the warmer months, watercolors and acrylic paintings in colder months.
My home and studio are located on top of a mountain near Jasper, Arkansas, with a 12-mile view of the Henson valley. I have chickens and also sheep that mow my yard. There is an abundance of wildlife such as turkey, elk and bear to photograph and draw in this area. There are many nearby sites to visit/explore -- from the beautiful Buffalo River to Boxley Valley where there is an established herd of elk.
I have always expressed myself best via drawing, painting and ceramics. In the 90's I used a process that involved crayons, ink and modeling pastel subjected to heat. I have made Christmas cards from hand made papers, drawings and watercolors but lately, I have folded the pages of used books, then altered them further with drawings.
My preferred medium changes with the seasons. I work with oils and/or ceramics in the warmer months, watercolors and acrylic paintings in colder months.
My home and studio are located on top of a mountain near Jasper, Arkansas, with a 12-mile view of the Henson valley. I have chickens and also sheep that mow my yard. There is an abundance of wildlife such as turkey, elk and bear to photograph and draw in this area. There are many nearby sites to visit/explore -- from the beautiful Buffalo River to Boxley Valley where there is an established herd of elk.
Micki Nelson, Silver Jewelry Parthenon
The ancient art of lost wax casting is my specialty. I sometimes feel like a "mad scientist" conducting experiments in alchemy as I bring the elements of fire and metal together with a pinch of hocus-pocus thrown in for luck! An exact science it is not, and many hours of preparation can result in either a fine piece of jewelry or a blob of scrap metal in the flash of a torch! My work honors the many miraculous life forms which reveal themselves to the gentle observer. A love of adventure and exploration in caves and in water is expressed as well. I also do gold jewelry on special orders.
The ancient art of lost wax casting is my specialty. I sometimes feel like a "mad scientist" conducting experiments in alchemy as I bring the elements of fire and metal together with a pinch of hocus-pocus thrown in for luck! An exact science it is not, and many hours of preparation can result in either a fine piece of jewelry or a blob of scrap metal in the flash of a torch! My work honors the many miraculous life forms which reveal themselves to the gentle observer. A love of adventure and exploration in caves and in water is expressed as well. I also do gold jewelry on special orders.
Janine Croxford, Solar Sensitive Dying, Beaded Body Sculptures Deer
Who am I? I'm a glad-to-stay-at-home artist in the Arkansas Ozarks. My formal art education was bought from the University of Wisconsin. The Real art education came from 15 plus years of traveling to Renaissance Faires and juried street fairs around the country. Current passions include solar sensitive dying with which I create a one of a kind clothing line and beaded body sculptures.
Who am I? I'm a glad-to-stay-at-home artist in the Arkansas Ozarks. My formal art education was bought from the University of Wisconsin. The Real art education came from 15 plus years of traveling to Renaissance Faires and juried street fairs around the country. Current passions include solar sensitive dying with which I create a one of a kind clothing line and beaded body sculptures.
Chuck Hazard, Ceramics, Painting Deer
Encouraged by artistic parents, Chuck Hazard began drawing and painting at a very early age. When it came time to choose a career path, he naturally gravitated to the arts majoring in painting , sculpture, and ceramics at Grossmont Community College of San Diego. Intending to continue on at the University of California at Berkley life took a different direction with marriage and a Son. After a fast paced life in the corporate world, the decision was made to get back to his love for the beauty of nature, pottery, and sculpture. After three years of living in the Ozark Mountains, Chuck's work reflects his connection with the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.
Encouraged by artistic parents, Chuck Hazard began drawing and painting at a very early age. When it came time to choose a career path, he naturally gravitated to the arts majoring in painting , sculpture, and ceramics at Grossmont Community College of San Diego. Intending to continue on at the University of California at Berkley life took a different direction with marriage and a Son. After a fast paced life in the corporate world, the decision was made to get back to his love for the beauty of nature, pottery, and sculpture. After three years of living in the Ozark Mountains, Chuck's work reflects his connection with the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.
Wendell Norton, Painter Mt. Judea
Wendel Norton earned a BA in fine art from Hendrix College. He studied painting with Olive Chaffee in St. Louis Missouri.
He founded Norton Arts Studio, in Dallas, Texas and Norton Arts, Inc. in New York City. These companies are currently involved in fine arts oriented projects.
He is a Life Member of the Art Students League in New York City, where he studied sculpture with Philip Pavia who was a leading figure in the New York School of artists. He also studied painting with Phillip Sherrod founder of the Street Painters.
Wendel has exhibited his personal artwork throughout the Southwest in group and one person shows. Gallery showings and representations have included ASL Gallery, Stendahl Gallery and Foster Gallery in New York, Baker Gallery in Dallas, and Rivermarket Gallery in Little Rock.
Wendel Norton earned a BA in fine art from Hendrix College. He studied painting with Olive Chaffee in St. Louis Missouri.
He founded Norton Arts Studio, in Dallas, Texas and Norton Arts, Inc. in New York City. These companies are currently involved in fine arts oriented projects.
He is a Life Member of the Art Students League in New York City, where he studied sculpture with Philip Pavia who was a leading figure in the New York School of artists. He also studied painting with Phillip Sherrod founder of the Street Painters.
Wendel has exhibited his personal artwork throughout the Southwest in group and one person shows. Gallery showings and representations have included ASL Gallery, Stendahl Gallery and Foster Gallery in New York, Baker Gallery in Dallas, and Rivermarket Gallery in Little Rock.
William McNamara, Painting and Woodcuts Low Gap
We all have within us the impulse to look into the clouds and find an image, to see a face in a rock, a scene in the grain of wood. We also have the impulse to make a mark, whether it be a scratch on a rock, a line in the dirt, or a brushstroke upon paper. By learning to control the movements of our hands, we can create our own patterns, own own clouds in which to look and find images.
We all have within us the impulse to look into the clouds and find an image, to see a face in a rock, a scene in the grain of wood. We also have the impulse to make a mark, whether it be a scratch on a rock, a line in the dirt, or a brushstroke upon paper. By learning to control the movements of our hands, we can create our own patterns, own own clouds in which to look and find images.
Mary Olson & Maggie Weeden, Cement, Jewelry, Mosaics, & Rustic Furniture Erbie
Mary Olson and daughter Maggie Weeden live minutes from the Buffalo River at Erbie. We are constantly amazed and inspired by its both subtle and outrageous beauty. Self-taught aspiring mosiac artists we work with glass, tile, cement and ''found " stuff. Our studio is part 1930's ozark architecture and part straw bale so if you want info on stucco and straw bale come on down. We will probably be working on a mosiac or a colorful recycled bottle wall over the weekend so feel free to bring any bottles or broken dishes, pottery, or cool rusty stuff with you when you come see us. Thanks for checking us out
Mary Olson and daughter Maggie Weeden live minutes from the Buffalo River at Erbie. We are constantly amazed and inspired by its both subtle and outrageous beauty. Self-taught aspiring mosiac artists we work with glass, tile, cement and ''found " stuff. Our studio is part 1930's ozark architecture and part straw bale so if you want info on stucco and straw bale come on down. We will probably be working on a mosiac or a colorful recycled bottle wall over the weekend so feel free to bring any bottles or broken dishes, pottery, or cool rusty stuff with you when you come see us. Thanks for checking us out
Ron & Sydney Cox, Woodturning Parthenon
"Over 20 years ago we fell in love with Newton County and the wonderful native trees. Our excitement of turning wood has grown throughtout the years. We use an old lathe with no duplicator so each of our pieces are truly one of a kind. We believe wood is a living element and perhaps even possesses a spirit. We want to bring out the inner beauty and harmony of each turning. We make useful pieces that can be handed down generation after generation. "
Ronnie and Sydney live and turn in Howling Wolf Hollow in Parthenon, Ar. surrounded by the quiet beauty these hills have to offer. They have 5 big beautiful wolves that sing for their delight!
"Over 20 years ago we fell in love with Newton County and the wonderful native trees. Our excitement of turning wood has grown throughtout the years. We use an old lathe with no duplicator so each of our pieces are truly one of a kind. We believe wood is a living element and perhaps even possesses a spirit. We want to bring out the inner beauty and harmony of each turning. We make useful pieces that can be handed down generation after generation. "
Ronnie and Sydney live and turn in Howling Wolf Hollow in Parthenon, Ar. surrounded by the quiet beauty these hills have to offer. They have 5 big beautiful wolves that sing for their delight!
Cynthia Lynn Dollard, Batik Jasper
Cynthia Dollard has lived and worked in Newton County for many years. Her main medium is batik wax resist, although she works in a variety of materials. The wax resist process dates back to the early Egyptians. Cynthia has worked with this method since 1972. Her painterly style is unusual for the technique, and demonstrates her study of academic painting methods, as well as her commitment to experimentation and the creative process.
Cynthia Dollard has lived and worked in Newton County for many years. Her main medium is batik wax resist, although she works in a variety of materials. The wax resist process dates back to the early Egyptians. Cynthia has worked with this method since 1972. Her painterly style is unusual for the technique, and demonstrates her study of academic painting methods, as well as her commitment to experimentation and the creative process.
David Walker Sculpture, Ink, Photography, Design Parthenon
David Walker works as a designer and photographer out of his historic gallery and studio store front in Parthenon. His work ranges across many media including sculpture, painting, inks, photography and design. His studio/gallery is the old gray storefront in downtown Parthenon. Mr. Walker has done many commissioned works, and is represented by the Eurekan Art gallery in Eureka Springs. Mr. Walker is originally from California, and has lived in NW Arkansas since 1991. His works are in many corporate, celebrity, and private collections nationally. In addition to his artistic endeavors, he does public art projects and commissioned work in other states from his studio/gallery in Parthenon.
David Walker works as a designer and photographer out of his historic gallery and studio store front in Parthenon. His work ranges across many media including sculpture, painting, inks, photography and design. His studio/gallery is the old gray storefront in downtown Parthenon. Mr. Walker has done many commissioned works, and is represented by the Eurekan Art gallery in Eureka Springs. Mr. Walker is originally from California, and has lived in NW Arkansas since 1991. His works are in many corporate, celebrity, and private collections nationally. In addition to his artistic endeavors, he does public art projects and commissioned work in other states from his studio/gallery in Parthenon.
Pamla LaDon Kommer-Klenczar , Acrylics, Pen and Ink, Colored Pencils Ponca
I live in the Boston Mountain Range of the Ozarks, on the side of a mountain in the middle of a forest, with 4 large dogs and 1 husband. My passion is painting! I love to paint with my pens, pencils and brushes from the photorealistic to the surreal!
I live in the Boston Mountain Range of the Ozarks, on the side of a mountain in the middle of a forest, with 4 large dogs and 1 husband. My passion is painting! I love to paint with my pens, pencils and brushes from the photorealistic to the surreal!
Rick Heller, Sculpture, Carving & Flute Making Pettigrew
Since I was a teenager of 16, I have been a craftsman working with wood in a wide variety of ways. In 1969 I started building custom dulcimers with a partner at the Gate Hill Artists Cooperative in Stony Point, N.Y., along the Hudson River. My line of wildlife wood sculpture included Swans, Geese, Blue Herons, Egrets, Eagles, songbirds, Giraffes, Rocking horses and ducks.
I met a flute maker and struck up a very close friendship which continues today. For several years I worked with this man (Michael Allen of Coyote Oldman Music).Creating the Native American style cedar flute, Plains style flute, or as commonly called, Love flute, has been my pleasure since 1990. I've been creating Native American style flutes since that time, along with other flutes for recording artists and professional musicians around the country. Currently I am working on recording my own music and hope to offer it soon.
Since I was a teenager of 16, I have been a craftsman working with wood in a wide variety of ways. In 1969 I started building custom dulcimers with a partner at the Gate Hill Artists Cooperative in Stony Point, N.Y., along the Hudson River. My line of wildlife wood sculpture included Swans, Geese, Blue Herons, Egrets, Eagles, songbirds, Giraffes, Rocking horses and ducks.
I met a flute maker and struck up a very close friendship which continues today. For several years I worked with this man (Michael Allen of Coyote Oldman Music).Creating the Native American style cedar flute, Plains style flute, or as commonly called, Love flute, has been my pleasure since 1990. I've been creating Native American style flutes since that time, along with other flutes for recording artists and professional musicians around the country. Currently I am working on recording my own music and hope to offer it soon.