SAAC invites you to see a new exhibit curated by local artist and educator, Maria Botti Villegas. “In Sync” is a watercolor and mixed media exhibit with works created by participants of Villegas’ virtual workshops. These pieces will hang in the Lobby Gallery November 2-December 5, 2021. An artist’s reception featuring these artists as well as glass artist James Hayes, whose exhibit will be showing in the Price and Merkle Galleries, will be held Nov 6, 6:00-7:30pm.
“I am very happy to curate “In Sync”, a watercolor and mixed media exhibit at SAAC,” said Maria. “The show is eclectic and rich, and includes art from some of the participants in my virtual workshops during the period from October 2020 to May 2021. I’m very thankful to SAAC for giving me the opportunity to touch the creative process of these participants and to the participants for challenging themselves to a new adventure!”
“There were three different workshops based in water media experiences. From Arkansas landscapes to personal abstract designs, participants had the time to practice or acquire new techniques and also develop more familiar methods of painting on paper. Workshops were intense and the participants responded very well to the tasks ahead. The common ground was experimentation and creativity. I enjoyed seeing different kinds of artists, beginners and experienced, including three generations of the same family in one workshop!”
“Thanks to our virtual meetings, artists from as far away as Little Rock and Fayetteville worked during the workshops in the privacy of their homes”.
Some of the artists who participated in the virtual classes and whose art is included in the show are Susan Barnes, Katy Callaway, Barbara Hogg, Ann Palculict, Lee Scroggins, Doug Stanton, Amélie Wise and Robin Wise.
Maria, a professional muralist, illustrator, and multidisciplinary artist, was born in Buenos Aires Argentina. She holds a 5- year degree from Pueyrredón School of Fine Arts in her native country, Argentina. Maria has been an art educator at SAAC for over 25 years. She became a citizen of the United States in 2004.