Opening reception for Longhua Xu show tomorrow

DeltaARTS’ fall exhibit celebrates ‘The Soul of Arkansas’

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 Arts Council Living Treasure recipient, emigrated from China to the U.S.

in 1989, and settled in Hot Springs, Arkansas, 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 profi cient 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, DeltaARTS 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 today, from noon to 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 & DELTAARTS

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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

Submitted photo

Support DeltaARTS

It has been a busy fall at DeltaARTS, with plenty of events and even more planned for the holiday season, and none of it would be possible without the support from folks like Ryan and Roger Nichols, the 2019 Membership Kick-Off Family and longtime DeltaARTS supporters! Renew or join today at deltaarts.org, or look for your official 2019 membership brochure. Find out more on the DeltaARTS Facebook page.