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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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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After ranting last week like a banshee gone wild, this week I will rave concerning the promise of co-operative efforts by all segments of the community to promote the arts of Eureka Springs.

Don't get me wrong, as I do not apologize for speaking out against the blatant discrimination that has reared its ugly head in our town. However, I am encouraged any time all fractions of Eureka work together in a positive manner.

A fine example of «working together» occurred last Tuesday night when approximately 150 guests attended the art reception at the Bank of Eureka Springs. The purpose of the event was to present the quality and diversity of the art and artists of our community to the executive staff of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and an associate editor of American Style Magazine.

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Too damn bad that the entire populace of Eureka Springs can't be as accepting of all people as is the town's art community.

Recent animosity towards gays in Eureka Springs has come from some of its most prominent business and church leaders. This is especially true in reference to the sorry ass «They're coming to your town» film. I am shocked and very disappointed to find out how some of those «smiling, how are you» folks feel about their homosexual neighbors. Almost made me want to move after more than twenty years of living, loving, creating, and enjoying being here. But HELL NO, I am not budging. It is my town too!

To you sons-of-bitches who think that I am hurting your poorly run businesses, and that I am going to hell, a pariah, should stay in my closet, type of guy, you've got another think coming. My heels are dug in. And no, those heels are not spiked. They are New Balance.

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Yes, those cutting edge arty types are coming to Eureka!

The directorial staff of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the chief editor of American Style magazine will visit local galleries and tour Eureka Springs this month. A reception will be held in their honor at the Bank of Eureka Springs. Steve Schmidt of the Eureka Springs Artists Registry has selected art to be exhibited at the event that will show the quality and diversity of artwork available in Eureka Springs.

Featured artists are: Drew Gentle, James Yale, Larry Mansker, Denise Ryan, David Pettit, Cynthia Dupps, Zoi Young, Ron Lutz, Jody Stephenson, Karin Boudet, David Hussey, Jack Miller, Mike Butler, Zeek Taylor, Mark Rademacher, Carol Sarri, John Rankine, Al Hooks, John Wiley, John Willer, Mary Springer, Ken Concar, Carol Peacock, Wendi Beauford, Fran Carlson, Jim Nelson, Max Elbo, Cynthia Kresse, Ralph Wilson, John Stalling, and Valerie Damon.

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2007 was a very good year for the arts in Eureka Springs with many events, new galleries, festivals, and great press that helped further the town's reputation as an art destination.

The Abetica gallery in Rogers promoted Eureka Springs by hosting two shows early in the year. A February show featured Al Hooks, Zeek Taylor, and Jason Feltrope. The gallery hosted a Eureka Springs group show in March featuring such notable locals as Denise Ryan and Mark Rademacher. Both receptions and shows were very well received.

May brought the Festival of the Arts that featured dozens of events. The festival kicked off with the highly anticipated artrageous parade on the first weekend. Saturday evening gallery receptions were held each week. During the month, Zarks once again brought Tim Cotterill, the Frogman, to town for what has become one of the most anticipated shows of the year.

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Christmas that is.

For last minute shopping think of Eureka Springs galleries and local artists for unique gifts and one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers. Wikepedia states that Eureka Springs has 20 galleries in the downtown area. However, more art can be found on North Main and on the Highway (62 east and west).

While on the west side of town, visit Studio 62 at 335 W Van Buren. The gallery is owned and operated by Jody Stephenson and Ron Lutz. The husband and wife team offer 2 dimensional work at the location where they also live and maintain studios.

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If you are still shopping for Christmas gifts you can find one-of-a-kind offerings this Saturday, December 15th, at Hollydaze, a show and sale by six Eureka Springs artists. The art boutique will be open from noon to 8 p.m. in the Space above the Sweet Spring Antique Mall, the white building with red awnings on the corner of Pine and Spring.

Sisters Zoi and Sherry Young will be among the participants. Zoi will show new works that include found stones turned into sculpture, a new and exciting direction for this artist. Whimsical and stylized drawings by Sherry are sure to please those on your gift list.

Long time resident photographer Richard Quick will offer colorful images of local portraits and beautifully shot scenes of Eureka Springs. Richard, who maintains a studio on White Street, will have photos featured in the pages of the Feb issue of American Style Magazine. If you are a resident of Eureka Springs chances are very good that you have a portrait included in Quick's collection. Go look for «yourself».

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The 3rd annual Eureka Springs Fall Art Fair this past weekend was a success on many levels. Due to great attendance, good sales, combined with the enjoyment of a fun social event, artists were well pleased with the final results. An exhibit of such scale takes weeks, even months, of prep work by both the artists and the producer Steve Schmidt and his able team.

The cold weather seemed to draw folks indoors and the chill in the air enhanced the holiday buying atmosphere. Many locals showed up to support the town's artists and were joined by visitors from as far away as California and Hawaii. When local art is purchased by out of state tourists it extends the reputation of Eureka Springs as an art colony.

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