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About the Cover . . . “Lovers”  

By Longhua Xu    Acrylic 30” x 40”  When The Springs Magazine invited me to create the cover for their February 2026 issue, I found myself facing an unexpectedly challenging decision. Although my primary language is sculpture—working in bronze, stone, wood, glass, and clay—this project called for a painted image. After much reflection, I chose to focus on a timeless subject: lovers.  Love has been interpreted by artists for centuries, which

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Art Moves 2026 Call for Artists 

Art Moves: We the Arts, the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail art exhibit, is accepting entries from artists through January 25.  The City of Hot Springs Arts Advisory Committee, in collaboration with the Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance (HSACA), is calling for artists to submit to the upcoming 2026 installation of Art Moves, titled “We the Arts.” The exhibition adorning the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail between Hollywood Ave and

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About the Cover . . . 

“Holiday Cheer”  Tree Decor by Shelley MacGibbon | The Mood Floral Co.  We are so very thankful to Shelley MacGibbon of The Mood Floral Co., whose creativity and generosity bring such beauty to our holiday season. She designed a stunningly decorated tree that graces our December cover, and we appreciate that she graciously allowed us to photograph it. The ornaments and accents came from her eclectic shop, a place filled

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About the Cover . . . 

Bliss  By Grace Williams (Acrylic on canvas 11”x14”)  Summer may be fading, but our Springs team isn’t ready to say goodbye just yet. This joyful cover—brought to us by way of Cutwell 4 Kids—is our way of holding on. You can catch this gem on display (and up for grabs!) at Birth of An Artist, the 11th annual art sale hosted by Cutwell 4 Kids on November 29.  Bliss is

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–About the Cover 

The Cowboy  October’s Issue Is Here—Packed with Local Flavor and Film Fest Highlights!  Our October issue is brimming with exciting events, creative energy, and community celebrations. We’re honored once again to feature the official 16-page Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival Guide, spotlighting the festival and its incredible lineup.  This month’s cover features an evocative photo from the American West taken by Tom Bergmann, cinematographer of the fascinating new documentary The

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About the Cover . . . 

“Vasti Jackson”  Photo Courtesy of Big Steam Blues & Roots Music Festival  Our September cover features none other than Mississippi blues legend Vasti Jackson—a soulful nod to Beats & Beans: The Ultimate Blues & Bites Festival, rolling into Hot Springs this month. (Catch the full scoop on pg. 3.)  Big thanks to Joe Powell at Big Steam for tracking down the photo and to Joe Dempsey, whose resolution wizardry brought

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About the Cover . . . 

“Jackson in the Garden”  by Susan Baker Chambers  We were just minding our own business when we heard some unmistakable growly-howly-whining.  Turns out Jackson—lounging in Susan’s garden—was feeling a little snubbed after Irma McLeod’s Black Flower landed the July cover. Equal time was in order. So, August is officially dedicated to the canine world, with none other than Jackson as our cover dawg.  From the looks of his pose, Jackson

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About the Cover . . . 

“Black Flower”  by Irma McLeod  Summer has officially arrived, and our July cover captures the spirit we were searching for—artsy, whimsical, a little mischievous, and just plain delightful. When we saw Black Flower by the talented Irma McLeod, we knew we’d found the perfect fit. This fabulous feline feels like it’s moments away from pouncing on some mysterious garden surprise. Curious? We are, too!  We invite you to embrace the

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About the Cover . . . 

“Mystic Ozark”  Photo Courtesy of Mystic Ozark  This month, we take great pleasure in introducing Mystic Ozark, the latest gem in Hot Springs’ historic downtown bathhouses. Mystic Ozark provides an entertaining and educational downtown presence for Mid-America Science Museum.   Turn to page 9 of this issue for a sneak peek at the Mystic experience that features interactive themed environments, water features, projection mapping, and engaging hands-on exhibits.  Five years in

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About the Cover 

The Visitor   By Longhua Xu Longhua Xu’s formal arts training began in 1971 under the Chinese National Arts and Crafts Company. He was one of 50 students in all of Shanghai selected to lead a new generation of professional artists following the end of the Cultural Revolution.   In 1972, at 18 years old, he rose to national prominence with exhibitions across China, including the Shanghai Art Museum. He was one of

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About the Cover . . . 

“Invasion of the Bubble!”  Photo of Livie Thompson  By Photographer Ashley Thompson  At just 10 years old, Livie Thompson is a true Renaissance girl—an artist, athlete, and the youngest official volunteer of the Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance (HSACA).  During the 2024 Arts & The Park festival last April, Livie lent a helping hand with the Cutwell 4 Kids Graffiti Wall, created by Anthony Tidwell, fearlessly braved the rain, and even took a well-earned

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About the Cover . . . 

“VOV 21st Anniversary Tiger”   Artist: Shelby Wylie  (Fountain Lake Charter High School)  When Low Key Arts (LKA) music festivals hit town, we often look to Sonny Kay, Executive Director of LKA, for inspiration for our cover art.  When we asked if he had anything stunning in the art vault for Valley of the Vapors Music Festival he came up with this terrific tiger feature they’re using for Valley of the

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Bitty Martin’s New Novel Will Be Released in March 

(L to R) Johnette Connelly Taylor, niece of “Killer Wife” first victim, Joe Connelly; Evaline Rowland Connelly (no relation to Johnette), sister of the third victim, Don Rowland; and Bitty Martin, author.  Bitty Martin has completed her second Hot Springs true crime, Killer Wife: The True Story of Bonnie Connelly and the Men

SIGNS: MARCH 2026 – Eclipse & Equinox: The Turning Point of March 2026 

By Chana Prince Greetings Fellow Travelers,   March 2026 carries powerful turning-point energy. The Total Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on March 3 brings emotional insight and practical clarity. Virgo asks for refinement—health, habits, work, and daily devotion come into focus. What feels messy now is ready to be organized with

Master Gardener Plant Sale and Garden Show 

Thousands of plants will be for sale at the Garden Show.  Save the date – Garland County Master Gardeners will be holding their annual Plant Sale and Garden Show one day only on Saturday, April 25, from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Garland County Fairgrounds. Entry is free

Master Gardeners: Springtime is just around the Corner… 

by Susan Koenig  Springs around the corner.Our excitement builds. Our need to dig in the dirt will soon be fulfilled. We’re planning our gardens and shopping seed catalogs. We’re preparing our pots and watching video blogs. We’re dreaming of the garden and buying seeds and plants, And figuring how to get rid of the squash bugs and ants! The sun’s rays