Creating art for the most part is a solitary endeavor. An artist spends many hours in a studio working alone except for the company of an invisible muse. Social interaction with other creative beings takes place on rare occasions usually at receptions, art shows, or encounters in coffee shops and bars.

For a change of pace I consented to be involved in a group project working with two of Eureka Springs' finest artists, Valerie Damon and Larry Mansker.

Our greatest challenge was to merge three very different styles of work into a cohesive conclusion.

Keep reading →

We knew it was bound to happen.

Choppers in the air, FBI with 12» telephoto lenses cleverly concealed in black sedans and tall grass plus more State Police than flies at a July picnic. They were poised, ready, alert and on-guard en masse.

For weeks they have been working with local law enforcement in surrounding states, going over list after list of known trouble makers: Other gangs. Other gang wannabees. Renegade bad boys.

Keep reading →

We found Noah on Highway 62 yesterday hauling beasts off the Ark one by one.

We're not sure if the animals pictured at right were destined for the burnt offering or if they're busily replenishing the world's stock of pink elephants by now. (We didn't want to ask.)

But Noah was last seen headed west and, as we know, when the animals head out, the rainbow isn't far behind.

Keep reading →

This sign at Caribe Restaurante y Cantina says it all: The Hells Angels are here with their faithful companions and the town is excited--the vast majority of the town anyway.

Regional TV stations did manage to dig deep enough to find somebody to complain on camera. But, when you actually drive down the highways in Eureka Springs, marquee after marquee welcomes the angelic hellions to town.

Local service personnel are delighted to have them because MC's, especially 1%ers, are generally good tippers... except the Christian MC's, who tend to leave religious tracts on the table and give their money to the church.

Keep reading →

Now that I am a mother to three almost grown children, when I look back at my childhood I am amazed and thankful for the way that my parents raised me. As a Baptist Minister it would have been really easy for my father to place everyone into two classes: the sinners and the believers.

I believe that he chose not to do this and chose rather to look at every single person he met as an individual. My parents taught me to accept everyone for who they are and to look for each person's individual beauty and talents. I have tried to pass this along to my own children in their upbringing as well as I feel it was one of the greatest gifts my parents could give me.

Last year one of my aunt's, my mothers sister, passed away. Unfortunately I am at that place in my life where it seems I am losing someone every few months. This particular aunt was a very loving aunt to me and was one of my favorites. At her funeral my father had tears slowly dripping down his now wrinkled face. When I asked him if he was ok, he whispered into my ear, «I am sad that your aunt has died without ever being able to accept her daughter.»

Keep reading →

Ohio born artist Cynthia Re Robbins journeyed on a long and exciting path before reaching her present destination of Eureka Springs.

As is true of all artists, her experiences are reflected in her work and in Robbin's case they have transcended into mystical and stunning images rendered in oil and pen & ink.

Keep reading →

The missionary disciples of the Gay News Independent Mini Cooper Ministry went out to cruise the multitudes today-- where we observed a curious phenomenon: nearly every motel marquee on our official E/W village arterial (US Hwy 62) says, «Welcome Hells Angels.»

That's right. The Hells Angels are coming to town. They're expected to rumble over the enchanted borders of our quaint little Victorian motorcycle village on Wednesday. Clearly, the staunch defenders of righteousness --the ones who keep business hours on Highway 62-- are mighty excited.

Is it just us? Or is there something deliciously ironic about good, Christian, family-values-promoting motels, hosts of our new «tear down the sinful deviant strongholds» friends the Jericho Riders, posting a «Welcome Hells Angels» message on their street-side marquees?

Keep reading →

NOAH? YOU CAN RETIRE NOW

Sinner: «We don't believe that a Rainbow is a symbol of perversion or an alternative lifestyle. We do believe it is our promise from God that the world will never be flooded again.»--Jericho Riders motorcycle ministry.

Keep reading →

Predictions that the Domestic Partnership Registry would doom faith-based tourism in Eureka Springs were, apparently, way off target. A Christian motorcycle group from Missouri says hundreds of its followers will join thousands of gay visitors to celebrate the city's annual Summer Diversity Weekend, Aug. 3-5.

Identifying itself as an «independent motorcycle ministry,» the Jericho Riders plan to roll into town on Friday, Aug. 3 for a 7 p.m. «prayer walk,» what we assume is Show-Me-State colloquialism for what we locals call a «pub crawl.» By enacting a Domestic Partnership Registry, the group says, Eureka Springs «has given in to Satan and his tactics.»

Lord knows, Democracy IS the devil's workshop.

Keep reading →

This just in from the Gay News Bureau Secret Shopper Ministry....

Ta da! It's the de rigeur fashion statement for the joint Diversity/Jericho Riders Kiss 'n Witness Soiree, August 4th, high noon in Basin Park.

Dahling, simply everyone who is anyone will be wearing this kicky separate because, in Summer Diversity season, white Beefy-T is the new black.

Keep reading →