Tonight, some of Searcy’s favorite local art studios will participate in 1st Friday Art Nights. The participating studios will stay open two hours longer than their normally scheduled hours.
According to Searcy.com, this will give residents the “opportunity to come by and see what they are doing in the way of supporting the arts.”
AJ’s Art Studio, located on Arch Avenue, is participating. Owner Audra Jones said her studio offers a variety of services, including art classes, kid’s parties and custom pet portraits. Jones is excited about the community involvement through the 1st Friday Art Nights.
“I can’t share my love of art and creativity without the community,” Jones said.
Jones said she would love to use art to impact the community in a positive way.
“Meeting new people and sharing what I love is amazing,” Jones said. “Art is a great stress-reliever and a wonderful way to express yourself, for both kids and adults.”
The Stevens Art Gallery in Harding’s art building will also be participating. The gallery includes pieces from students, faculty and alumni, and some are for sale.
Senior graphic design major Rachel Gibson has a piece displayed in the Stephens Art Gallery titled “See you tomorrow, Compadres.”
“It is about how friendship doesn’t occur in a vacuum — the shocked faces of my friends represent a view into the future,” Gibson said. “Time is weird in the way that it takes time to foster and grow relationships, but time can also be a factor that can help drift apart if effort is forgotten.”
According to Gibson, the involvement of Searcy’s community with the Harding community is very important for growth.
“I am very excited about new opportunities for students to be a part of the Searcy art community,” Gibson said. “It’s a great opportunity to learn from others and grow as an artist and as a person wanting to be involved in a community.”
Senior art major Abigail Wilmsen emphasized the importance of the event to Searcy’s community.
“Anytime a community takes interest in their art, it is a place of growth,” Wilmsen said. “Art is a way of showing what kind of place a community is. It’s an expression of who we are as people.”
Wilmsen encouraged all to attend.
1st Friday Art Nights will take place every first Friday of the month starting on Nov. 3. Other business participating include: Make.do, Glass From the Past, Think Idea Studio, Fran’s Art and Frame, The Artistry, Searcy Art Gallery, Gallery 803, Kibo Midnight Oil and Glenn Pollard Studio.
