In the early 90’s, as Hot Springs began to see a resurgence of the arts, local artists found there was no outlet for their work. These artists had a minimum of experience in marketing their work, had a lifetime of training in their field, or had come here from other locations where they enjoyed an outlet for their work.
The goal of the fledgling group, established in 1990, was to provide a place to work, grow and exhibit, as well as have the support of other artists. We started with one dozen members and now have over thirty regional members. We maintain the original concept of the workshop—to be an artists' cooperative, which means we manage all the day-to-day activities of the gallery.
Artists Workshop Gallery opened at Spencer's Corner, through the generosity of the owner and manager of that building. Without the space they made available to us, we might not even exist today. In 1992 the Artists' Workshop Gallery moved across the street to its current location at 810 Central Avenue.
Our artists have varying backgrounds and experience:
• some are fairly new artists
• some hold college degrees in Art
• some have studied (and continue to study) in Europe, Australia, South Africa, and elsewhere
• some have had professional careers in art: teaching, advertising, illustrating, etc.
The workshop also serves as a gallery where the walls, panels and pedestals are full of innovative and creative paintings, drawings, sculpture, note cards and other works for the public to view and purchase at affordable prices. Many of our original framed paintings start at less than $100.00, with a few over $500.00. We are indeed the best buy in town for those who appreciate original art. We are affordable largely because the members own and manage the gallery.
Our work is largely representational (realistic), with some impressionistic works and a few abstracts.
Many of our artists have won regional and national awards and some of them participate in art fairs and exhibits throughout the United States. The work of many can be found in permanent collections all over the world.
Many people from other locations have visited our Workshop Gallery and found it unique. Several have expressed intent to return to their state and start their own workshop and gallery. A Little Rock group sent a delegation that came to ask for instructions on how to begin and our secret for success. They now have a thriving workshop and gallery.
The American Artist magazine has written and published an article on our facility and the quality of artistic talent we have attracted.
We think we are successful because we fill a real need for local art to be exhibited and sold. There is a sense of pride and camaraderie, and a desire to constantly improve our craft. We are fortunate that people of recognized talent have joined us and are eager to share with each member their abilities to expand our horizons. Many of our member artists offer workshops to help others hone their craft.
When you come to the workshop, you will be greeted by working artists who also double as managers, salespersons, bookkeepers, curators, secretaries, and janitors. In other words, the artists are the workshop.
Come by to see us and enjoy the atmosphere of artists at work.
