SAAC is excited to host the opening of artist Mary Claire Parker’s debut exhibition titled “The House on Willow Creek Road.” Please join us for a special opening reception on Thursday, January 9th from 5:30-6:30 PM to celebrate with the Mary Claire. This reflective collection of works will be showcased in the Lobby Gallery from Thursday, January 9, 2025, to Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
Mary Claire Parker, a freshman at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, is pursuing a major in Marketing while drawing inspiration from her tactile memories of home. “Right now, my future plans are to survive my second semester of college. That’s all I’ve got planned…but alsooooo move to Miami!!! Since my family is moving to Miami, I decided to make this exhibit a collection of memories from our Willow Creek Road home,” she shares. The exhibition features a series of painted acrylic canvases, each depicting cherished items and views from the family residence that have shaped her childhood.
Mary Claire’s connection to the South Arkansas Arts Center runs deep. As a child, she participated in numerous plays and musicals, becoming an integral part of the arts community. “I can’t wait to see Mary Claire Parker’s artwork in the Lobby Gallery at SAAC in January! She has been involved in SAAC activities since she was in elementary school—always charming and delightful!” recalls SAAC’s former Business Office Manager Kelly Campbell. “I taught her how to use a desk phone, and she brought me cookies. I think she was in the sixth grade when she applied to be SAAC’s intern. When I retired three years ago, I passed Mary Claire’s application on to Laura (She got the job).”
Mary Claire proudly served as SAAC’s Student Intern during her senior year at El Dorado High School, from Fall 2023 until August 2024. Also that year, she performed in both of SAAC’s main stage community theatre productions, “Once Upon a Mattress” and “Harvey.”
Now, as she embarks on her artistic journey, SAAC is proud to present her artwork to the public for the very first time.
Visit the South Arkansas Arts Center to explore Parker’s exhibition. The SAAC galleries, located at 110 East Fifth Street in El Dorado, are free and open to the public Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.