It is winter in Eureka Springs and not much going on or so it seems. However there is much activity in the town's art studios. Although cold and gray days can be depressing making many want to hibernate, they seem to increase an artist's productivity. With Spring and the tourist season just around the corner, some of us are beading, some are forming clay on a wheel, and some of us are painting.

As I paint, my mind will tune into a theme and sometimes stick to that theme for hours on end. I do not know if the themed-mind-trip is obsessive thinking or more akin to a meditative mantra-like journey. Whatever it might be it cannot be shook off, just like those pesky songs that stick in one's head (It's A Small World After All...). Talking with other artists, I know this occurrence is widespread.

During my last painting session it was a song, «In My Life» by the Beatles, setting my thought pattern for the day. It made me think of lovers and friends I still can recall. My friend Gaye Adegbalola kept coming to mind.

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In mid April a new magazine, ionART, will hit the newsstands! The publication will help promote Northwest Arkansas as a major art center. Perhaps I should say, «To let everyone know we are a major art center, because we truly are.»

When completed Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville will bring major changes to the art landscape of the area and will have a huge impact on all aspects of the economy of NW Arkansas. IonART will strive to unite through print the area art communities so we can be ready for that exciting change.

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The cookbook publishing business hasn't been real lucrative lately, so I decided to get a real job. While I could sit around the office and play on the Internet all day, my creditors have this pesky attitude that I should actually PAY my bills. Not only that, but I have a jones to deal with. It's called food. I admit it. I eat every day. Sometimes several times a day.

I need cash.

I tried whoring myself on the street corner. Didn't work. My only prospect was a Moms Mabley look-alike who said something like, «Oooooo baby! I be lovin' some o' that young stuff!» I gave HER money just for calling me 'young'.

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None. Both would like to be our moral police and force their extreme views on society. The tali-bigots from Missouri and on down to Tupelo are working to set straight the immoral residents of Eureka Springs. And yes, that includes our artists!

An article in a newsletter that I wrote for the artist registry was published in a local newspaper. It was a rather lengthy «year in review» story about events and accomplishments of Eureka's art community during 2007. A letter was written to the editor of the paper questioning why «I (Zeek) hoped that art would bring Peace and joy to the world in 2008.»

Although the author of the letter said he was bothered by the statement, it seemed to me like a rather harmless wish that no one would possibly object to. However the author of the letter responding to my writing did object. He apparently feels that some public art, primarily at the Artery, is and has been offensive to Christian families visiting Eureka Springs. How then could I possibly think art could bring Peace and joy?

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