The Arkansas State University-Beebe Art Department is showcasing the artwork of internationally recognized artist Dr. Gary Simmons throughout the month of March at the England Center Art Gallery.
Simmons, owner of Gary Simmons Studio in Hot Springs, has built a career that blends science, illustration, and fine art. His academic background includes studies in graphic design, zoology, scientific illustration, literature, and education, influences that are reflected throughout his detailed and thoughtful artwork.
“As one might expect, the diversity of my background is integral to my subject matter,” Simmons said. “I walk a fine line between compulsiveness about detail and romanticism about the subjects.”
Although Simmons had no formal art education, he officially embraced his identity as an artist in 1976. At age 35, he began working as a freelance artist full time. In 1992, he joined the art faculty at Henderson State University, where he taught for 22 years.
His artistic journey began during his freshman year at Southern Illinois University, when a work-study job in the zoology department introduced him to pen-and-ink illustration. Simmons created highly detailed drawings for faculty research publications, launching a fascination with the medium that has continued for more than 6 decades.
During his career, Simmons conducted national pen-and-ink workshops for Koh-I-Noor Rapidograph technical pens and authored the book “The Technical Pen: Techniques for Artists.” The book was originally published in 1992 by Watson-Guptill Publishers, later translated into Chinese and Russian, and republished in 2005 by Echo Point Books.
Recurring themes in Simmons’ artwork include the Greek myth of Leda and the Swan, a challenging subject explored by artists for centuries. Birds also remain a central focus in his work, especially the intricate beauty of feathers, the power of raptors, and the crow as both a totem and mythic figure.
“Details speak to me,” Simmons said. “They are small things that hold together the viability of any subject. It is in detail that keeps the viewer most engaged and often holds the most mystery.”
The England Center Art Gallery is located at 201 North Orange Street in Beebe and hosts exhibitions by students and featured artists throughout the academic year.
Admission to the gallery is free, and the public can visit Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Thomas Fernandez at 501-882-8913 or the England Center Art Gallery reception office at 501-882-4495.
Arkansas State University-Beebe is the only 2-year college in Central Arkansas offering an Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degree. The program includes emphasis areas in vocal music, instrumental music, theater, graphic design, and creative arts enterprise.
The college offers a 2-year curriculum designed for transfer toward a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. ASU-Beebe operates campuses in Beebe, Heber Springs, Searcy, Little Rock Air Force Base, and online, providing associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training.
For more information about ASU-Beebe programs, call 501-882-3600 or visit asub.edu.
If you have information you would like to share with the ArkansasRadio.com radio stations, submit your event at
https://arkansasradio.com/submit-event/
Leave a Reply