DECATUR -- The Gallery Cafe in Decatur was briefly transformed from restaurant to art gallery last Saturday afternoon when three area artists got together to display their work there.
Michael Kelley of Gravette had the initial idea for the art show. Mike, who is a Gravette High School graduate and majored in art at the University of Arkansas, is known for his fantasy art and has also recently gained notoriety for windows he has painted and some chalk drawings he did on sidewalks in Decatur. He recruited Steven Martinez, also of Gravette, and Decatur photographer Rita Kay Furrow and the three put together a show.
Several folks dropped in between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday when the three hosted an artist's reception at The Gallery. The artists said they did not keep track of how many came by but all three were pleased with the attendance. "It exceeded all our expectations," Furrow reported. They suggested it might be the first of several of art shows.
Painting is sort of a sideline for both Kelley and Martinez. Kelley, in addition to his artwork, has a furniture refinishing business. Martinez does catering for many area events and operates the popular eating spot The Hard Luck Cafe, in Gravette. Several of his paintings are on display there. He has been painting since 2009 and is particularly known for his very realistic paintings of well-known singers and entertainment figures.
Furrow has been a Decatur resident since 1977. She said she has taken photographs for a long time but Saturday was the first time she had displayed her work. She is a waitress at the Gallery and some of her photos are still hanging on the wall there.
General News on 04/01/2015