If you’ve ever visited Eureka Springs, you know this town is a destination for all things art. It is no wonder that American Style Magazine recognized Eureka Springs as a Top 25 Arts Destination. Hundreds of working Arkansas artists find their inspiration right here in Eureka Springs. The streets of the Historic District are lined with art galleries, art enthusiasts come out to the 2nd Saturday gallery stroll to meet artists and the whole month of May celebrates May Festival of the Arts. Check out this list of the 6 best Arkansas artists in Eureka Springs.
An Arkansas Artist Devoted to Wildlife
The Susan Morrison Signature Gallery is a store dedicated exclusively to the work of artist Susan Morrison. Found at 78 Spring Street, work from Susan’s American Wildlife Expeditions is featured. Susan states that her work is dedicated to the preservation of wildlife and wildlands. In addition to being a working artist, Susan is also a poet, author, and environmentalist. She has won a United Nations Award for Corporate Excellence in the Environment and also a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Awards.
Wood-working
When it comes to handcrafted wooden sculptures, the J. A. Nelson Gallery on Spring Street has just what you are looking for. Featuring the work of James Andrew Nelson, these sculptures are created from a variety of types of wood including bass, birch, and pine. Each piece of wood is hand-selected from a small family-run mill in Oklahoma. James has lived in Eureka Springs with his wife Susan since 1974.
A Family of Arkansas Artists
Father and son, Mark and Eli Hopkins bronze sculptures can be found at 83 Spring Street Gallery. 83 Spring Street Gallery is the flagship studio gallery for the Hopkins bronze work. The gallery features retired and also sold out pieces that can only be found at this Arkansas location. Eli learned all he needed to know about art from his father and released his first bronze sculpture in 2002. His sculptures focus mainly on wildlife but also include a range of his other interests.
Copper Work
The Jewel Box Gallery at 40 Spring Street sells the work of artist David Rush. His unique works of art are created with a blowtorch on copper sheets. His art is professionally matted and framed and ready to add to any room’s décor. In addition to his copper work, he does architectural work like backsplashes and bar tops. If paintings are more the type of art you are looking for, check out Eureka Springs artist Denise Ryan. In addition to her art, Denise is a teacher at the Holiday Island Art Guild. She has won many awards over the years including 1st place awards in the National Pen Women’s Show, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Art Exhibit and the Eureka Springs Fall Art Show. She has been living in Eureka Springs since 1989.
A stay at a bed and breakfast is a must when visiting Eureka Springs. Arsenic and Old Lace is a bed and breakfast mansion tucked away from all the action of the Historic District of downtown. Sitting on the hills of the Ozarks on Hillside Avenue, this beautiful BnB is home to five guest rooms each complete with private bathroom. A complimentary breakfast is served in the morning and homemade snacks available throughout the day. Find a little peace and quiet in the gardens or on the wrap around veranda. For reservation information or questions about staying with us, please call 479-253-5454.
Photo courtesy of Tim Rodenberg