Helena, AR -- The 2005 Small Works on Paper juried exhibition will be on display at the Delta Cultural Center beginning May 3. The exhibition will be on display at the Delta Cultural Center Visitors Center, located at 141 Cherry Street in historic downtown Helena. Admission is free and the exhibition will remain on view through May 27.

Now in its 18th year, the Small Works on paper exhibition is presented annually by the Arkansas Arts Council. This year’s show, which features 37 works by 33 Arkansas artists, was juried by Jay Etkin, artist and gallery owner in Memphis, TN. Jay holds an art degree from Brooklyn College in New York. After judging the entries, he released the following statement: “I have had the pleasure of jurying several art exhibitions in the state of Arkansas. The 2005 Small Works on Paper exhibition sponsored by the Arkansas Artists Registry gave me the opportunity, once again, to be exposed to the vast range of talent this state produces. My intention was to be inclusive. Significant works in numerous media were presented. In the final selection the viewer will encounter colored pencil, photography, pastel, mixed media, oil, and acrylic pieces.

“I approached the selection process in a fair and precise manner. From the diverse submissions, I looked for technical skill, but what I truly needed was an emotional response. In the end I had to personally connect with the work (whether the work was traditional or experimental in nature). I continue to be impressed with the work of Arkansas artists. Arkansas is obviously rich in talent, as this exhibition affirms.

In addition to selecting the artwork, Etkin also selected six pieces for purchase awards. Works selected for purchase become a permanent part of the visual arts collection of the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas.

The five artists selected to receive purchase awards are as follows: J.P. Bell of Fort Smith, Sheila Cantrell of Batesville, Shelley Gipson of Jonesboro, Jimmy Halter of Conway and Ben Krain of Sherwood. Purchase award recipients receive a cash award equivalent to the value of the selected work.

The Delta Cultural Center shares the vision of all seven agencies of the Department of Arkansas Heritage--to preserve and promote Arkansas heritage as a source of pride and satisfaction. Other agencies within the department are the Historic Arkansas Museum, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the Old State House Museum, the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, the Arkansas Arts Council and the Natural Heritage Commission. ###

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