August 20 – November 28, 2010Co-organized by the Gardiner Museum, Toronto and the Racine Art Museum, Wisconsin.Bigger, Better, More is the first major exhibition of ceramicist Viola Frey’s works since her death in 2004.

Frey is most renowned for her large-scale monumental figures. In this show, the large colossal ceramic sculptures greet viewers head on with arms outstretched and looking directly into visitors’ eyes. Frey’s paintings, plates and drawings are also on view. Frey’s work is influenced by her family, especially her grandmothers and mother, artists Mark Rothko, Henri Matisse and Andy Warhol.Admission will be charged for this exhibition.

LITTLE ROCK, AR) –The Arkansas Arts Center announces a $100,000 gift from The Trinity Foundation of Pine Bluff. The gift was presented to assist the Arts Center in continuing its mission of bringing arts and education to Arkansans.    “The Trinity Foundation recognizes the Arts Center as a key cultural institution for Little Rock and the state of Arkansas,” said Haskell Dickinson, Vice President of the Foundation. “Our gift is to encourage the Arts Center to challenge the community by curating ambitious exhibitions and building programs that fulfill their mission”.

The Trinity Foundation was founded in 1953 in Pine Bluff. They primarily fund education, youth services, student scholarships and the arts in Arkansas. The Foundation receives support from four businesses: Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel Co.; McGeorge Contracting Co.; Cornerstone Farm and Gin Co.; and Standard Investment Co.  “We are more than delighted with the recent gift from Trinity Foundation”, said Joseph Lampo, Arts Center Interim Director. “Gifts in significant amounts are always appreciated. The timing of this gift could not have been better in its demonstration of confidence in the Arkansas Arts Center. It came with a letter of support stating “we are proud of your mission and recent Pharaoh’s exhibition.” This gift was given with the purpose of helping the Arts Center continue its role as a cultural leader in our state and the region. With this gift, we can confidently move forward to execute our strong program offerings.”

(LITTLE ROCK, AR) –In conjunction with a city-wide celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution, the Arkansas Arts Center will present the exhibition A Century of Revolution: Mexican Art since 1910 September 1 – November 21, 2010.  A Century of Revolution is organized by the Arkansas Arts Center and curated by Sarah Holian.

The 1910 Revolution in Mexico was the starting point in a series of struggles that brought political and social change. Each turning point in the conflict prompted a flurry of artistic creativity. A Century of Revolution illustrates these visions for revolution through the renowned collections of Mexican art housed at the University of Texas at Austin and private collections.

This exhibition is divided into four themes – A Century of Revolution, Theaters of Revolution, Student Revolutions and Revolutionary Identities.  Featured artists include Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, José Guadalupe Posada, Manuel Manilla, Arnold Belkin, Pedro Coronel, Jose Luis Cuevas, Rocio Maldonado, Julio Gálan and more.Guest Curator Sarah Holian earned an Master of Arts in art history from the University of Texas at Austin and is a currently a doctoral candidate in art history at the Graduate Center at the City University of New York where she is specializing in art of the United States and Latin American art.  Holian is also a lecturer in the History of Art and Architecture Department at DePaul University.

2nd Annual Arkansas Underground Film Festival Aug. 13 -15, 2010 Malco Theatre Complex

819 Central Avenue  Hot Springs, AR 71901

Cost: $7/night,  $10 VIP Pass VIP Pass includes admission to all films, after party events,  and discount to Sunday’s “intro to Film” workshop. A $38 value!

Village Commons  1423- C South Main Street, Little Rock                          2nd Friday Artwalk  August 13th,  2010  5:00pm - 8:00pm

Artists Justin Bowles, Aldo Fonticiella, Tara Fletcher-Gibbs, Nathaniel Dailey and Melverue

Take the Main Street exit off of Interstate 630 and drive south two blocks. Village Commons is on the left between Daisy Gatson Bates and 15th Street

BACKGROUND: Art enthusiasts and everyday philanthropists may find their luck turned for the better this Friday the 13th during Second Friday Art Night.