If you have an eye for different forms of art then the Friends of Contemporary Craft (FOCC) — an auxiliary membership group of the Arkansas Arts Center (AAC) — second annual studio tour is not to be missed. The tour, taking place on Saturday, April 9, provides a rare opportunity to delve inside the artist’s world and visit the studios of eight local craft-based artisans working with media such as clay, glass, fiber, metal and wood.
The tour kicks off with a reception at 9 a.m. at the New Deal Gallery and Studio (2003 South Louisiana Street) with complimentary coffee and refreshments and the opportunity to converse with hosts metalworker Jeff Waddle and wood artists Lee Weber and John Hardy.
Viewing is free, but if any pieces spark your interest, a percentage of the artists’ sales will also go to the FOCC, thus helping to support this crucial local arts group. Also, at each studio there will be the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win artwork from one of four artists: Louise Halsey, a fiber artist from Ozark; Becki Dahlstedt, a ceramicist from Mountain View; Jeff Waddle, a metalworker from Little Rock; and David Smith, a ceramics instructor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Tickets will be available at each studio and are $10 each, three for $25 or four for $30. Winners will be contacted after the studio tour and proceeds will also benefit the FOCC.
Participating artists’ studios may be visited in any order and include:
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Sofia V. Gonzalez (natural-dyed textiles); 1117 N. Tyler St.
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Patricia Holifield (fused glass); 5110 Country Club Blvd.
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Andy Huss (metal sculpture); 14125 County Farm Road
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Burke Johnston (metal jewelry and enamels); 5 Sonata Trail
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New Deal Gallery and Studio (wood and metal); 2003 S. Louisiana St.
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Mike Nichols (set design); Arkansas Repertory Theatre Scene Shop, 714 S. State St. (open 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. only)
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David and Paula Smith (ceramics); 8213 Westwood Ave.
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Donnell Williams (fused glass and metal sculpture); 29 Glenmere Drive
Following the tour, there will be a raffle drawing and closing reception at Boswell-Mourot Fine Art (5815 Kavanaugh Blvd.) from 4-7 p.m, where artisan Michele Fox will also showcase her crocheted metal jewelry, and additional pieces by other artists will be available for purchase.
For more information about the studio tour, visit the FOCC Facebook page. For general information about the Arkansas Arts Center, contact (501) 372-4000. If you have any questions on how to become a member of the Arkansas Arts Center and FOCC, click here or call (501) 372-4000.