Special to the News-Times
The South Arkansas Arts Center will welcome a new exhibit by local artist Margaret Combs starting on June 2.
"Blooms and Doodles," a bright and engaging show that is sponsored by Cadence Bank, will hang in the Merkle and Price galleries through June 30.
An artist's champagne opening reception will be held on Friday, June 2, at 7 p.m.
After a career of creativity, including owning a hair salon, a fabulous dress shop and an amazing florist shop with friend Gay Bechtelheimer, Combs is back to her love of creating art, which has been a passion of hers for years.
A long-time SAAC member and artist who regularly participates in the membership shows, Combs said she is excited to bring her colorful multi-media works to SAAC.
"My first entry in an art show was in a student show held at the El Dorado Boys Club. I was a 1959 senior in El Dorado High School and Mrs. Denny was my art teacher," Combs said. "This show was inspired by my and Larry's daily walks where I took lots of photos of nature's beauty. Large abstract paintings have always been of interest to me, so I tried that, too. Next came neurographic art, which is intuitive doodling with markers, color pencils, and acrylic and watercolor paints."
Combs said she learned the acrylic pouring technique during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Because I had collected a lot of art supplies, I went digging in all of my hiding places for things to work with. And because I had plenty of time, I started to use my newfound art. I fell in love with it and couldn't stop. Pouring acrylic was my first adventure during this time and then it was on to adding resin to the mix," she said. "My hope is when you see my work that it will make you feel happy and relaxed. Know that I loved making every piece!"
For more information on this exhibit, call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474 or visit saac-arts.org. Gallery viewing hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SAAC is located at 110 E. 5th St. in El Dorado.