The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs and First Step–Art Ajar are proud to announce the publication of Natural State, a selection of twenty stories from The Art Center’s 2009 Short Story Writing Competition. Each story is 150 words or less and expresses in some way the idea of natural state. These stories may be short in words but go to great lengths to describe their story. The artworks included in the book are produced by men and women participating in the Art Ajar program and is their expression of natural state.

Art unleashes creativity and self-expression, so it is an ideal way for people with disabilities to express themselves. Adults with developmental disabilities who participate in the First Step Day Service Program at its Hot Springs facility have the unique opportunity to participate in an art program designed to do just that.

Called Art Ajar, the overwhelmingly successful Program taps into the rich artistic resources of the many professional artists who live and work in and around Hot Springs. . Local artists such as Johnce Parrish, a Fine Art Center board member, visit the Program regularly to facilitate workshops on a variety of art methods and media such as watercolor and acrylic painting, pastels and charcoal, ink, collage, and weaving.

Many pieces of artwork produced by the men and women participating in the Art Ajar program have been displayed at local art galleries and other venues. The Program not only provides adults with developmental disabilities a valuable means of expression, but it also instills confidence in learning new skills and an awareness of being productive members of the community.

A reception and book signing sponsored by MOCA, was held on Friday, December 11 th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The original drawings and paintings from Art Ajar will be on display and for sale. The authors and illustrators were eager to autograph copies of the book and answer questions about their inspirations.

The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs and First Step–Art Ajar are proud to announce the publication of Natural State, a selection of twenty stories from The Art Center’s 2009 Short Story Writing Competition. Each story is 150 words or less and expresses in some way the idea of natural state. These stories may be short in words but go to great lengths to describe their story. The artworks included in the book are produced by men and women participating in the Art Ajar program and is their expression of natural state.

Art unleashes creativity and self-expression, so it is an ideal way for people with disabilities to express themselves. Adults with developmental disabilities who participate in the First Step Day Service Program at its Hot Springs facility have the unique opportunity to participate in an art program designed to do just that.

Called Art Ajar, the overwhelmingly successful Program taps into the rich artistic resources of the many professional artists who live and work in and around Hot Springs. . Local artists such as Johnce Parrish, a Fine Art Center board member, visit the Program regularly to facilitate workshops on a variety of art methods and media such as watercolor and acrylic painting, pastels and charcoal, ink, collage, and weaving.

Many pieces of artwork produced by the men and women participating in the Art Ajar program have been displayed at local art galleries and other venues. The Program not only provides adults with developmental disabilities a valuable means of expression, but it also instills confidence in learning new skills and an awareness of being productive members of the community.

A reception and book signing sponsored by MOCA, was held on Friday, December 11 th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The original drawings and paintings from Art Ajar will be on display and for sale. The authors and illustrators were eager to autograph copies of the book and answer questions about their inspirations.

The Short List is being sold for $10 and the proceeds benefit The Fine Arts Center community art programs and Art Ajar.

Nancy Baxter

Dr. Marla Cowie

Rachel Dunnahoe

Christie Eddlemon

Neala Gunderson

Jacquelyn Heath

Becky Hughes

Christy Lindsey

C.J. Messer

Virginia Miller

Charles Sanovich

Michael Spinali

Angie Stickels

Candy Washburne

Artists

Kristal Barber

Brenda Bowles

Rene Chaperon

Kathy Czekala

Mae Hill

Joya Hoeft

Chelseia Hortman

Jerry Lee Howell

Michael Shane Lynch

Robert McWha

Olivia Sasser

Bubba Scott

Elnora Smit

Vicki Smith

Angelina Songer

Leslie Waymack