Ouachita Stories

Ashlee Burt, a senior studio art major from Arkadelphia, will have her art on exhibit April 27 to May 3 at Artists Spirit Gallery in downtown Arkadelphia.

Burt will be displaying oil paintings on canvas along with several drawings, all with a focus on figurative representation and abstraction. Although there is no class connection to her exhibit, she credits Donnie Copeland, assistant professor of Art and Design at Ouachita Baptist University, with lending her quite a bit of help in preparing for the show.

Because this is her first gallery exhibit, Burt said this is a very special opportunity for her.

"It means quite a bit to me since it is my first time to be included in any type of gallery, and it will assist me in moving forward in a professional aspect," Burt said. "It also gives me a chance to provide something to the local community and to work with other professionals in the fine arts field. As a studio artist, it is my goal to be in a gallery.

"It has presented quite a challenge, since the gallery requests over twice the amount of works required for OBU's senior exhibits," Burt added. "This has led me to push my skills and creativity to new levels over the past two semesters."

Burt's connection with Artists Spirit Gallery came through personally presenting gallery owner Barb Boswell with her portfolio. After reviewing it, Boswell agreed to hold an exhibit just in time for spring commencement.

Burt, who will graduate from Ouachita in May, will then relocate to Fayetteville, Ark., with her husband and daughter. She will be pursuing her master's degree through the University of Arkansas's MFA program and hopes to show several exhibits in multiple galleries in that area over the next few years.

By Emory Jacobs