SAAC will celebrate several of its “Golden Triangle” artist-neighbors from Magnolia, Arkansas with its January exhibitions. Dr. Moises Menendez’s show, “Moises Menendez: Miscellaneous Portraits, Landscapes, and Still Life,” will be on display in the SAAC Lobby Gallery from Monday, January 5, 2026, through Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The public is invited to an artist’s reception on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 p.m.
A retired general surgeon and longtime Magnolia resident, Menendez is well-known locally for both his medical career and his remarkable artistic talent. His last SAAC exhibition in 2020 showcased masterful charcoal and graphite portraits of famous individuals who have made significant contributions to society. Since then, Menendez has continued to expand his range, returning with a vibrant and diverse new collection featuring oil, pastel, and charcoal portraits, expressive landscapes, and detailed still lifes.
Born in Lima, Peru, Menendez showed talent at a young age, sketching trains, horses, and airplanes before being recognized by a visiting European artist in high school. Although his early passion for art was set aside during his medical education, he carried Picasso’s reminder close to heart: “Every child is an artist; the problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
Menendez came to the United States in 1970 for medical and surgical training, intending to return to Peru until he met his future wife. They married in 1975, and he has lived in Arkansas since 1977, building a surgical career while gradually reconnecting with his artistic roots.
That reconnection took shape in the 1990s when friends encouraged him to join a group of El Dorado artists and study under Argentine painter Jorge Villegas. Oil painting, charcoal, and portraiture soon became central to his practice, and workshops, books, instructional videos, and Sunday sessions with local artists at SAAC helped him grow.
The birth of his first granddaughter in 2005 reignited his passion. Sketching and painting her portrait launched a renewed dedication to art that continues today. Menendez is now a self-taught artist who prefers pastels but also works in charcoal, pencil, oil, and watercolor, with his grandchildren as his favorite subjects.
The January exhibition offers a focused look at Menendez’s most recent artistic explorations, showcasing expressive landscapes, thoughtful still lifes, and a wide range of portraits that highlight both his technical skill and the personal stories that drive his work.
SAAC’s galleries are free and open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit us at 110 East 5th Street in El Dorado or call 870-862-5474.