GENTRY — Back in the early 1970s, little did the people of Westville realize they had a budding world-class artist among their own. Sherry Carlton Nelson was born and raised in that small Oklahoma/Arkansas border town.
Now a celebrated abstract artist with her studio home-based in rural Benton County, Sherry recalls that her artistic gift began to emerge around the age of 10.
“Being the oldest of four kids, I had very little time to myself. Helping with my sister, brothers, the farm work and school, when I did have ‘me’ time, I’d grab pencil and paper, head to the timber, climb my favorite tree, park my backside in that one fork and draw. It was very relaxing for me,” she said.
By seventh grade, Sherry not only continued regular art classes in school but was taking college-level classes from a University of Oklahoma art teacher one to two times a month. At age 16, she and a close friend opened a gift shop in Prairie Grove as a summer project.
“We made everything by hand. Pottery, soap carvings, macramé, stained glass, decoupage, et cetera … Each piece being an original design.Too, I was able to display and sell my paintings and sketches,” Sherry said.
“In high school, we were very fortunate to have an art teacher who allowed me to be me when doing any project. I honestly don’t think Miss Fox realized what an impact she had on me. In fact, we keep in touch after all these years,” she said.
During one art class, the students were given an hour free to do anything they chose. Sherry designed an album cover for the rock band Deep Purple. Little did she know, this was enteredin a nationwide contest. Out of the thousands of entries, Sherry’s placed in the top 25. During her senior year, three ofSherry’s paintings were shown in a gallery in Dallas, resulting in blue ribbons and certificates of recognition.
“I treasured those as if they were gold,” she said.
At age 26, tragedy struck. A fire broke out in the house she called home at the time and consumed everything she owned, including proof of these accomplishments. All was gone forever. That devastation dampened Sherry’s spirit to continue with her art.
“Life has a way of changing the path a person intends to take,” she said.
For various reasons, she put her pencils, paper and paint brushes on “the back burner” for over 25 years.
“When my Dad passed away in September, I decided to start painting again to help with the grieving process. Little did I know, my artistic spirit would ‘rise from the ashes’ and come back full force. I did a painting I call SYL Dad. I don’t believe in saying good-bye. I just say ‘See You Later.’ Those were the last words I said to my Dad,” she said.
After talking with wellknown artist Cecil Savage, Sherry made the decision to embark on a new adventure and do something with her Godgiven talent. Thanks to support and encouragement from many, she’s doing just that by having note cards, post cards and different sizesof prints made. The originals are for sale as well, with the exception of SYL Dad.
“I have 15-20 paintings done so far. All are abstract and splatter for the most part. I’ve always preferred to lay my canvas flat down on the floor. For whatever reasons, it just makes more sense to me. I use acrylics and interior house paint,” she said.
Her schedule as a caregiver has made it difficult to do in-person visits with prospective clients. However, by phone, Sherry has been able to contact several places that are interested in displaying and selling her work, including small galleries, coffee houses and gift shops in the Eureka Springs area.
“I’m fortunate to have friends and family in and out of state helping me as well. My significant other, Gerald MacLennon, is being a huge help too with his expertise in photography and graphic design. He’s been working with the printing company to make sure it’s all done right,” she said.
Her paintings can be seen on the Londonbased online art gallery ARTQ.net under “Sherry Carlton.” People are encouraged to take a look and sign her guest book.
Contact with this artist can be made through Facebook page, Sherry Carlton Studio … this can be used for any and all inquiries. A portion of her sales will go to the H.O.P.E. Cancer Foundation in memory of her husband, David Nelson, and her dad, Junior Carlton.
News, Pages 7 on 12/12/2012