“Jackalope” is one in a series of Michael Arnold’s “Twisted Mythic” fantasy creatures.
Emergent Arts will introduce the limited western art series “Twisted Mythic” at Gallery Walk, Friday, July 1.
Amelia Houser and local artist Michael Arnold present a series of four fantasy desert-influenced creatures: the legendary Jackalope; the gnarly Javelina-Raven; the stealth Squirrel Cat; and the thorny Barrel Cactus Owl Bear. Arnold was inspired to create these unique creatures following a month in the Sonoran Desert as an artist-in-residence.
This “Twisted Mythic” Series of fantastic critters evolved as a creative collaboration between Houser and Arnold after he gifted her with a jackalope sketch.
From that, visionary wheels started turning and they conjured more fantasy creatures – a take on how the jackalope came to be, and speculations on how others may have evolved. The javelina-raven virtually popped onto the paper, and following a trip to the high country, a bobcat-squirrel materialized. The Barrel Cactus Owl Bear emerged from late-night campfire conversation, completing the series.
Houser currently shares her home between Arizona and Arkansas. Arnold resides in Arkansas and is known for his graphic design work for Mountain Valley Water. The limited series will be available in signed prints, stickers, buttons, and silkscreens (bring your own T-shirt). Join in the fun and fantasy at Emergent Arts, 341-A Whittington Ave., Friday, July 1, 5:00 – 9:00 pm.
