On Saturday, Feb. 11, Mid-America Science Museum will open its new exhibit “Tree/Cycle of Life, An Exploration of Art and Science Inspired by Arkansas Trees.” The art exhibit features work from renowned local artists Linda Williams Palmer and Gene Sparling.
“Part of the museum’s mission is to inspire interest in the sciences, and art is one of the most engaging tools for sparking the curiosity of young minds,” said Mid-America Science Museum CEO, Diane LaFollette. “The museum is thrilled to be hosting Arkansas artists and to display works that draw attention to the beauty of the state as well as the importance of environmental science and the conservation of the state’s natural resources.”
Tree/Cycle of Life will display many pieces by both artists to focus on the natural heritage of Arkansas and the important role that trees and forests play in our lives, in the ecology of the state, and in the economy.
Educational activities, developed by the Museum’s education department, will include a tree still life drawing circle, a collaborative mural, paper bag tree sculptures, and a Fibonacci in nature exercise. The Forestry Division of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture will provide educational materials and activities as well.
Linda Williams Palmer is a renowned artist and received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 Governor’s Arts Awards ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion. Her work has been included in AETN’s award-winning documentary “Champion Trees.”
The film tells the story of Palmer’s 15,000-mile journey across Arkansas to photograph the trees she would feature in her book of charcoal and colored pencil portraits, “Arkansas Champion Trees; An Artist’s Journey.” In 2006, Palmer was awarded “Signature Status” by the Colored Pencil Society of America.
With an early interest in woodworking, Gene Sparling has honed his skills using Arkansas timber to create pieces of furniture, vessels, and sculptures highlighting the natural beauty of wood.
His work was selected to be featured in the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock and has also been featured by the Arkansas Craft Guild and the Ozark Folk Center. He has served as a voice for wildlife and habitat conservation throughout the country.
Tree/Cycle of Life will run in the museum’s Hall of Wonder from Saturday, February 11 to Sunday, May 7. The exhibit is included in the price of general admission. Adults are $12 and children ages 3-12 are $10. Seniors aged 65 and older, teachers, and military are $11. The museum’s hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Named “2022 Best Museum in Arkansas Runner-Up” by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette readers, Mid-America Science Museum features more than 100 exhibits and is Arkansas’s largest hands-on science center and first Smithsonian Affiliate.
Mid-America Science Museum is located at 500 Mid America Blvd, Hot Springs. For tickets or more information, visit midamericamuseum.org or call 501-767-3461. Facebook: MidAmericaScienceMuseum.
