Rosslyn Elliott

CALS •

Symbols and Shamans: Experience the Art of Matthew Castellano

Matthew Castellano talks fast. He has to keep up with the speed at which his creative ideas are tumbling through his thoughts. Talking to him is a lightning-quick trip through evocative phrases. He’ll mention a powerful folklore archetype in his work, but without elaborating, trusts the listener to get the full meaning from his quick riff, like a skateboarder jumping to coast the edge of a bench for only seconds before speeding on to a new challenge.
The Butler Center for Arkansas Studies •

An Unconventional Life Expressed in Crocheted Art

Tina Oppenheimer is an accomplished and prolific artist in crochet. Her pieces are arresting, often several feet wide, and frequently employ floral and geometrical motifs drawn from the mandala tradition. Mandalas were introduced to the West by famed psychiatrist Carl Jung, who felt that creating these circular, natural patterns originating from Buddhist and Hindu culture was a soothing and healing activity. Mandala-type patterns are found in nature and also appear in the art of many other cult
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Rock and Roll Electrifies an Instant Classic

THE BIRTH OF LOUD is an unforgettable journey through the golden age of rock and roll, peopled with working class heroes, rebels, and eccentrics. Author Ian S. Port uses the parallel lives of guitarist Les Paul and music engineer Leo Fender to trace the process of the invention of the “loud” electric guitar. Through the jangle and buzz of this story of dueling strings comes a much larger story about how these guitars both served and shaped a musical revolution.
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Artist Roman Muradov Finds the Secret of the Creative Process in "On Doing Nothing"

The title of Roman Muradov’s latest book, "On Doing Nothing: Finding Inspiration in Idleness," might suggest that this 96-page book will be a whimsical ode to downtime on the couch, with humorous illustrations. The book does include illustrations by the author, who is an award-winning artist. And the illustrations are witty, though in a mind-bending way that invites a second look, and a third.
The Butler Center for Arkansas Studies •

“Part to Whole” Exhibition Brings Love of Nature to West Gallery

“Part to Whole” opens this Friday and is full of natural wonders! If you love art, nature, or both, this exhibition offers an experience not to be missed. Breathtaking works of sculpture and painting will be exhibited by six members of an artist group including Mia Hall, Robyn Horn, Dolores Justus, Barbara Satterfield, Sandra Sell, and Elizabeth Weber. We got a sneak preview from Barbara Satterfield as she supervised the installation of her work “Bits of Sticks.” Because the “Part to Whole” exh
CALS •

Jessica Carder’s Artistic Vision Sees Truth Deeper than Realism

At a time when the world often seems driven by vast, clashing forces beyond our understanding, Jessica Carder believes that art can answer our search for meaning. “Human beings, we like our symbols,” Carder says. “With everything going on in the world, in the environment, it’s chaos across the board and we can’t communicate what we’re experiencing. So we cling to these stories about angels, demons, dragons and wolves.”
The Butler Center for Arkansas Studies •

Blues, Jazz, Spirituals Bring the Cool Groove of Renowned Charlie Hunter Trio

With a career spanning more than 25 years and 20 albums, renowned guitarist Charlie Hunter consistently pleases audiences as an innovative writer and bandleader. Accompanying Hunter on this tour stop in Little Rock are celebrated jazz vocalist Dara Tucker and Grammy Award–winning drummer and percussionist Keita Ogawa. Charlie Hunter speaks on the joy of intimate concerts, simple settings, and timeless music.