Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University’s Department of Art and Design hosts guest artist Jason McCann’s exhibit, “Paintings, Drawings and Prints,” in Hammons Gallery until Sept. 30. McCann also will lead a pastel workshop on campus Sept. 30.

Donnie Copeland, chair of the Art and Design department, invited McCann to display his exhibit after seeing his work on display around the state.

“Having Jason and his work on campus is a great opportunity for all of us,” Copeland noted. “His works are engaging; they touch on the ins and outs of contemporary life.

“He is someone we should be familiar with as he is an artist whose work you will probably encounter at some point around the state,” Copeland added. “Having him here to speak in the gallery and lead a workshop gives us the chance to gain insight into his work and studio process.”

McCann’s artwork tends to focus on urban architecture as well as figurative subject matter. His pieces exude energy and spontaneity, captured through expressive paint application and color.

“The primary goal I set when I start a new piece is to show not only what the object is, but the energy it possesses,” McCann said. “All artists that work within a representational construct must choose how they will describe or manipulate the reality they want to communicate.”

Since 1995, McCann’s artwork has been displayed in numerous shows and exhibitions across the southeast United States. He currently teaches art at Little Rock Central High School and Arkansas Governor’s School.

McCann will lead a pastel workshop Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. in Moses-Provine 218 on Ouachita’s campus. The workshop is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is recommended due to limited openings.

For more information on the exhibit and to register for the workshop, contact Donnie Copeland at [email protected] or (870) 245-5559.

By Chelsea Whelpley