Trinity Gallery for Arkansas ArtistsAugust 12 through November 6, 2011 Opening reception on August 12, 5 - 8 pm, in conjunction with downtown Little Rock's 2nd Friday Art Night

This unexpected pairing features new figurative drawings by El Dorado artist Jorge Villegas with Conway artist Jim Volkert’s conceptual sculpture.

In his latest series, Villegas departs from earlier abstract works and explores portraiture, observing, “I realize with surprise how much I am taken with human beauty.” His deepest memories have always been visual, from his father’s hands to the beauty in his mother’s eyes. These works acknowledge this and reflect his sentiment, “Through the eye, love attains the heart.”

Volkert’s work is the natural result of his boyhood interest in hobby shops, his studio art training, his many years as a museum professional and his fascination with “the object” and its next level of engagement. Each work starts with a painting that has caught his eye become something new.

“Some objects are machines that sit strangely at the cusp of pivotal art historical moments. Some are illogical extensions of the idea of the work,” he explains, “And some are simply referential bon-bons.”

The sculptures will be on display in the River Market Pavilions and in the adjacent area of Riverfront Park. The works featured will include all types of media, style, subject matter, and size.Admission to Sculpture at the River Market is free.Sculpture at the Market will run from 9AM to 5PM on Saturday, October 15 and from 10AM to 4PM on Sunday, October 16.On Saturday, Sculpture at the River Market will take place in conjunction with the Farmers' Market.On Friday, October 14, there will be a preview party where patrons will get the first chance to see the artwork, visit with the sculptors, and purchase sculptures. Tickets for the preview party are $100.The sale and show is sponsored by the City of Little Rock and the National Sculptors’ Guild. Proceeds from the sale of artwork will fund upgrades in Riverfront Park and the River Market.

New children’s workshops for the holidays include “Ornament Making” for ages 6 to 9 years with Miranda Young. This workshop is an opportunity for children to contribute to the family ornament collection. Debbie Poe and Donna Uptigrove will instruct” Toy Making”, which teaches young students ages 6 to 9 to make simple toys and games. They will tap into their imaginations to create items for themselves or for gifts.

Info at Arkarts.com

The Annual October Fall Arts and Crafts Fairs in Northwest Arkansas will showcase artists and craftspersons from all corners of the nation. The fairs date back more than fifty years when the oldest of the shows, the War Eagle Fair, opened in 1954.

Scheduled shows include:The Annual War Eagle Fair, October 13th through the 16th,

War Eagle Mill Farm, 11036 High Sky Inn RD, (outside of) Hinesville, AR. Exhibitors include: weavers, woodworkers, carvers, basket makers, artisans in stained glass, pewter, and scores of other arts and crafts, including oil and acrylic painting, watercolors, sculpture, metal-working, and photography. Sharp's Show in War Eagle, October 13th through the 16th, adjacent to the War Eagle Fair. Info at 479-789-5683.

War Eagle Mill Arts & Crafts Fair, October 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th, on the grounds of the historic War Eagle Mill. This show is also adjacent to the War Eagle Fair. Professional craftspeople will offer original, handmade works that will include country decorative items, folk art, watercolors, oil painting, pottery, stoneware, quilts, and more.

Regional Arts & Crafts Fair, October 14th and 15th at two locations: Holiday Inn Convention Center in Springdale, and the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers, AR. Additional info: (479)756-6954

43rd Annual Bella Vista Arts & Crafts Festival, October 13th, 14th, and 15th, Bella Vista, AR. This fair includes a Fine Arts Market tent among the 300 juried exhibitor booths. Exhibitors go through a stringent jury process to be accepted. For info visit:www.bellavistafestival.org/

The Jones Center Arts & Crafts Festival, October 13th through October 15th, Springdale, AR.

The Frisco Station Mall Arts & Crafts Festival, October 13th through the 16th, 100 N Dixieland, Rogers, AR

The Spanker Creek Farm Arts and Crafts Fair, October 12th through the 16th, 8464 W McNelly RD, Bentonville, AR.