SAAC presents “Close Encounters – From Details to Dreamscapes,” an exhibition of works by Little Rock artist Shelley Gentry in the Merkle Gallery from June 30 through July 30. An opening reception honoring the artist will be held on Tuesday, June 30, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. The reception and exhibition are free and open to the public.
A painter, gallery co-owner, and passionate observer of the world around her, Gentry brings a vibrant and engaging collection of artwork that showcases her distinctive approach to color, pattern, and composition. Working primarily in acrylics, her paintings range from detailed realism to expressive abstraction, united by recurring themes of shape, pattern, contrast, and whimsy.
Gentry earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities with an emphasis in Art from Hendrix College in 1986 before pursuing an Associate Degree in Interior Design from the Harrington Institute of Design in Chicago. From 1990 to 1994, she combined her backgrounds in fine art and architectural interiors while working in the Interiors Division of the renowned Chicago architectural firm Perkins+Will. In recent years, she has established herself as a full-time artist and gallery co-owner of Art Group Gallery in Little Rock. Her work can be found in private collections throughout the United States and in corporate collections across Arkansas.
“I am an artist – a painter, a keen observer, a lover of color,” Gentry says. “My work ranges from detailed realistic pieces to expressive abstract creations, all connected by recurring themes that shape my portfolio.”
Whether inspired by the geometric facets of a crystal goblet or the winding pathways of a remembered garden, Gentry transforms everyday subjects and experiences into dynamic visual explorations. Her paintings often feature bold color palettes, dramatic value contrasts, textured surfaces, and layered compositions that invite viewers to look closer. In “Close Encounters – From Details to Dreamscapes,” viewers are invited to journey from intimate observations of familiar objects and scenes into imaginative spaces shaped by memory, emotion, and wonder.
Humor also plays an important role in her work. Through playful titles and imaginative compositions, Gentry seeks to create moments of joy and connection. One example is her painting The Power Couple, which depicts a pair of oversized cardinals gazing directly at the viewer with personality and charm.
“In a world in which we are constantly bombarded with sensory noise, it can be hard to slow down and truly take in what’s around us,” Gentry says. “My art is an invitation to reconnect with everyday experiences and objects, celebrating the beauty they offer.”
The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to experience Gentry’s unique artistic vision and her ability to balance technical skill, expressive creativity, and an uplifting sense of wonder.
For more information about the exhibition, contact SAAC at (870) 862-5474. SAAC galleries are free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
