Celebrating ‘The Soul of Arkansas’ at ASU Mid-South

Opening reception for DeltaARTS’ fall exhibit Nov. 15

DeltaARTS Development & Communications Director DeltaARTS, in partnership with ASU Mid-South, will kick off their fall art exhibition, “The Soul of Arkansas” featuring the work of artist Longhua Xu, with an opening reception on Friday, Nov. 15, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., at the ASU Mid-South Reynolds Center.

The exhibition will display 18 paintings from Xu’s collection, which depicts scenes and people he observed when traveling throughout the state.

Xu, who was the 2019 Arkansas

Treasure recipient, emigrated from China to the U.S. in 1989 and settled in Hot Springs, Ark., in 1990.

Since then, he has created countless pieces of public art for parks, schools, and hospitals, as well as numerous pieces for private collectors. Several of his works have gone on to be designated national treasures and cataloged in the Smithsonian Institution Catalogue of Great Public Works.

“In order to fully express one’s ideas, thoughts, and emotions, one must be proficient in all techniques of art,” Xu says. “Since art is not separated by country or race, then it should also not be separated by technique or medium. This way, the expression of those ideas and visions are limitless.”

Xu continues to explore new avenues of expression through stone carving, relief sculpture, bronze, pottery, oil, acrylic, and even architecture.

“We are honored to exhibit the work of Longhua Xu, the 2019 Arkansas Art’s Council Living Treasure artist, this fall,” said Alex Waddell Smith, Delta-ARTS Executive Director.

“What is so unique and special about Mr. Xu’s work is how relatable and recognizable his subjects are to the people of Arkansas. We know the community will be moved by his very obvious love and admiration for the experiences he has encountered in our great state.”

The public also is invited to bring a lunch and attend a talk by the featured artist on Thursday, Nov. 14, from 12-1 p.m. at DeltaARTS, 301 S. Rhodes, in West Memphis. The exhibit will be available for viewing at the Reynolds Center Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.

to 5 p.m. through Dec. 13.

This exhibition is made possible with support from the Rockie Smith Endowment for the Arts at ASU Mid-South and special support from Bobbi Dodge, State Rep. Deborah & Dr.

Scott Ferguson, Pat and Antzee Magruder, Melissa’s Catering, and Trent & Melissa Pierce.

Established in 1972, DeltaARTS provides quality imaginative arts education to more than 12,000 Delta residents through a variety of programs. DeltaARTS is a graduate of Momentum’s program for nonprofit excellence, and is a two-time recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Award for Excellence in Arts Education