Stevens Art Gallery hosts art exhibit featuring abstract paintings by Searcy couple

Feb. 19, 2019 | Art & Design |

The Stevens Art Gallery at Harding University will feature the VanHook art show titled “This is Us.” The show opens Monday, Feb. 25 and will run through Friday, March 8. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and admission is free.

Rick and Kelly VanHook are Searcy artists who specialize in abstract painting.

“Our abstract paintings are representative of the world we see and the emotions we feel,” said the VanHooks. “We are both inspired by modern art and architecture. We really like to use shapes in an unexpected way to create a smart, bold statement. Most importantly, our love of color is what really makes the artwork pop.”

There will be approximately 30 paintings on display in the exhibition.

“Bright, hopeful and spatially complex, these paintings by the VanHooks represent some of the best of the Searcy artist community,” said Daniel Adams, art professor and department chair. “Searcy is a fantastic city of culture and arts, as can be seen at events like Get Down Downtown, Beats and Eats and 1st Friday Art Night Searcy, or at venues such as Art Alley, Searcy Art Gallery and many others. We are so glad to showcase the VanHooks as part of our commitment to connect Harding's mission through the Stevens Art Galleries to Searcy's cultural heritage.”

Rick began painting full time in 2015 after retiring from a career in sales. Kelly has been actively painting since 2005, and she also works as a full time executive broker with Dalrymple Residential. They both grew up in Searcy and have been married since 1998.

“Our paintings are statement pieces that are a reflection of the experiences and memories we have had in our lives,” said the VanHooks. “We are blessed to be able paint together every day.”

The VanHooks frequently travel around Arkansas and surrounding states for art shows. They currently have artwork on display at Local Colour Gallery in the Heights in Little Rock. To find out more about the artists and their paintings, visit vanhookart.com . They can be reached by email at vanhookart@yahoo.com or by phone at 501-230-4567.

For more information about this exhibit as well as other upcoming events in the art department, visit harding.edu/art or call 501-279-4426. To learn more about special events and services offered by the University, visit harding.edu/community .