"Iris" by Laura Wattles

Artwork by Laura Wattles, creative director at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, is on display until Oct. 31 in an exhibit at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, with a reception slated for 5 p.m. Sept. 14.

 

Wattles’ exhibit, titled “Maidenhair,” is on display in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, located at 5210 Grand Ave., and features 14 watercolor portraits on paper that attempt to “convey the joy and life of the subjects.” The works signify the evolution of Wattles as an artist, as she transitioned from photorealism to the loose and playful brushstrokes that define the paintings in the exhibit.

 

“For many years, I worked with pencil in exacting detail and photorealism, and one day realized that what used to be fun for me was now a chore,” Wattles said. “So I’ve spent the last few years learning to undo the precision, to let go of the fear of making mistakes, and to make painting and drawing joyful again.”

 

Wattles has worked in the Marketing and Communications Office at UAFS for five years and possesses more than 25 years of experience in the marketing field. She earned her bachelor’s degree in graphic design and illustration from Missouri State University.

 

The Sept. 14 reception will be held in the Reynolds Room lobby where the exhibit is displayed. Exhibit hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fridays.

 

For more information about the exhibit, contact the Campus and Community Events office at 479-788-7300.