Conway's Historic District artists celebrate the second anniversary of the First Saturday Art Walk from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday. The arts-dense district draws patrons of the arts, both the serious collector and casual viewer, from throughout the area to visit the galleries, meet resident artists, see working studios, the shops and historic points of interest. Start your tour at the Visitor's Center, 903 3rd Ave., which has maps and brochures to help you find your way.
Here's a breakdown of galleries and studios:
Art By Marina,
909 Norman Alley
This gallery features the fine art of Marina Hearle from Minsk, Belarus who studied in Europe and has worked in design around the world. Her work includes contemporary abstracts, landscapes, scenes from old Europe and other subject matter.
Blue Wave Beads,
1112 3rd Avenue
Resident artist Meredith Schmidt creates, shows and sells handmade jewelry and handbags incorporating semi-precious stones, glass beads and silver and copper. The gallery store also sells jewelry making supplies.
Deborah Broad Gallery,
315 Main Street
The gallery features an eclectic mix of art and artists, jewelers, potters, sculptors, fabric artists and painters. Via Alexandria, Va., St. Croix, and Taos, N.M., Deborah Broad's fine-art pastels are not to be missed.
Gifu Art Xchange,
315 Main Street
The art of Tony Adkins, Robert Lukey, Chris Majors, Kanesha Bryant, Walter Allen, Calvin Blassingame, Debra Broad, Greg Brauch. Millie Doud, Bill Strydesky, Sharon Willick and others fill the newly renovated building, once downtown Conway's hardware store.
J. Adams Art Studio & Gallery,
1017 3rd Avenue
The gallery features the beautiful, colorful landscape paintings of well-known local artist, Ruth Cox. Also art supplies on sale, samples of Reiki (the healing art) and a workshop.
Moegan's Fine Art Gallery,
913 Norman Alley
In its new location Moegan's features Lois King, porcelain artist, who will be demonstrating porcelain painting and potter John Johnson.
My View Beyond,
900 3rd Avenue
The gallery/percussion store features Loraine Scalamoni, Wilmington, N.C. artist and teacher, for the month of April with an opening reception, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday. Also, hand-built drums and the art of gallery owner David Piper are on display.
The Painted Banana,
1020-B 4th Avenue
The newly remodeled gallery features artist Don Parrotta, who uses exotic foreign woods to create wooden bowls and sculptures. Also, paintings, clay sculptures, ceramic works and metal artwork on display.
Pop's Glass Gallery and Studio,
911 Norman Alley
The gallery and working studio will have free glass blowing demonstrations from 11a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday. The interactive demonstrations give visitors the chance to meet the artists and learn about this 2,000 year-old craft.
-Paul Grimshaw, for Weekly Surge