I know I sometimes aspire to have an artistic outlet other that designing web sites - don't get me wrong, I really enjoy web development - but I have trouble starting somewhere.

I look at lots of art obviously, and I know what styles and genres appeal to me, but oh where to start? In web development, the hardest part is the overall design of the site and the layout of the constituent parts. Once I have that accomplished, the rest of the process just seems to come gushing out of my head and onto the screen.

I have always wondered about this question. I assume art is what anybody says it should be. The dictionary says it is...

" the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance."

I am a website developer by trade and Rhonda always says that what I do is art and I say not really because its just a collection of tricks I have learned how to do. Of course then when I speak to artists about the subject, I find out that the art world is full of tricks of the trade.

November 15, 2008

 The Metal Museum is pleased to present an Iron Pour and Art Machine Performance by the artists of the Society for the Preservation of Humanity. This exciting event will take place on the Museum grounds in conjunction with the opening of our new exhibition, Contemporary Cast Iron on November 15th from 5 - 8 pm. The process of pouring iron is a frenzied but well-orchestrated choreography. Positioned on opposite ends of the pouring zone, two copulas will be fed refined coal, iron, and atmospheric air. With the introduction of fire, this mixture will produce 120 pounds of molten iron at 3000 degrees Fahrenheit every 10 to 15 minutes. A team of artists will then tap each cupola and, using a two-person ladle, pour the metal into awaiting molds. After the molds are poured they will be broken open to reveal new works of art. The event will also feature performances utilizing assorted "art machines" that have been specially crafted by the artists. The Iron Pour and exhibition opening are free for Museum members and $20 for nonmembers. Founded in 1976, the National Ornamental Metal Museum is the only Museum in the Americas dedicated to the preservation and advancement of the art and craft of fine metalwork. Located at 374 Metal Museum Drive, the Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday, noon - 5 pm. For more information, call 901-774-6380 or visit www.metalmuseum.org.

The Small Works On Paper exhibition is an annual touring visual arts exhibition coordinated by the Arkansas Arts Council. This juried exhibition tours statewide from January to November. Purchase awards are given at the discretion of the juror.

This years awardees were Virmarie DePoyster of North Little Rock, Jerri Hillis of Hot Springs, Benjamin Krain of Sherwood and William M. McClanahan of England. The recipients received a cash award equivalent to the value of the selected work.

Congratulations to you all.