“Fun & Color: The Art of John Goodwin,” a vibrant exhibition featuring the work of Arkansas artist John Goodwin, will be on display in SAAC’s Merkle Gallery from March 30 through April 30. Join us for the artist reception honoring Goodwin on Monday, April 6 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Born in El Dorado, Goodwin earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Louisiana Tech University and now lives in Little Rock. Much of his career was spent working in sales for the photography, pre-press, and printing industries, where he specialized in fine art reproductions. Today, he works as a full-time artist creating what he affectionately calls “fun art” – bold, colorful works often centered on cultural and musical themes.
Goodwin’s artwork has been featured in numerous group exhibitions across Arkansas and internationally. His blues-inspired imagery can be found in Memphis on Beale Street, as well as at institutions including the Delta Blues Museum, the Delta Cultural Center, and the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. Goodwin has also been selected as the official poster artist for the King Biscuit Blues Festival four years in a row, including 2025.
Goodwin describes this exhibition as a meaningful homecoming. “I’m so proud and excited to have this exhibition in my hometown at the South Arkansas Arts Center where I grew up being inspired by the work of others,” he said. “It’s really a full circle moment for me to come back and have my own art shown here.”
Influenced early by Silver Age comic books, Goodwin incorporates strong, vivid colors and graphic elements reminiscent of comic art into paintings that blend realism with a touch of fantasy. The result is a playful, visually engaging style that he describes as “fantasy realism.” His work is meant to evoke whimsy and enjoyment. “These are paintings that offer a sense of whimsy, which I like to call ‘Fun Art’ rather than ‘Fine Art,’” Goodwin said. “My goal is nothing deeper than pure visual entertainment and hopefully a smile of recognition.”
While Goodwin is widely known for his music-themed paintings, the exhibition will also feature scenes from El Dorado and Louisiana, cultural icons, and unexpected everyday subjects, ranging from regional imagery to food, reflecting the artist’s joy in exploring a wide variety of themes.
The exhibit is open for viewing during SAAC’s regular hours, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more about John Goodwin
website: johngoodwinsartworld.com link
Facebook: John Goodwin link
Instagram: john14007 link