About the Cover

On Top

Recent Stories

About the Cover … Tree/Cycle of Life

“Tree/Cycle of Life” is a collaborative art exhibit at Mid-America Science Museum featuring work by woodturning sculptor Gene Sparling and colored pencil artist, Linda Williams Palmer. When he is not in his workshop/studio, Sparling will likely be found hiking the Ozark Highland and Ouachita Trails. He has miles of trails with mountains, springs, creeks, meadows, and abundant wildlife, right outside his back door, providing the raw material for bowls like

Read More »

About the Cover…Local Artist Ernest Nipper

Among Hot Springs’ most productive resources in its art community is Ernest Nipper, a Camden native who returned to Arkansas in 1988 after a 32-year career as an executive for Illinois Bell System in Chicago. He and his wife of 33 years, Rosemary, were avid volunteers for many of the city’s notable art functions. He is one of the original founders of the Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute, actively engaging

Read More »

About the Cover … “Venus of the Springs” Mural

When your city gives you gorgeous murals, the best thing an artsy magazine can do is showcase them on our cover. This beauty, titled “Venus of the Springs,” was barely dry when Jeremy Rodgers (Yes! Jeremy of our November cover) gathered up his cameras and headed our way. He captured Venus in all her beauty and even got some snaps of Thomas Nagin and Patrick Cunningham, building owner and mural

Read More »

About the Cover … Ernie Bolieu, Native American Jewelry Designer

Ernie Bolieu, Native American Jewelry Designer To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we asked our friend Ann Gilbert at American Art Gallery to ask if her friend, Ernie Bolieu, would consider sitting for a portrait for our November cover. When Ernie graciously accepted we called on local photographer, Jeremy Rodgers, to capture Ernie’s “essence.” And capture him, he did!  Ernie, Jeremy, and his camera worked together effortlessly and the result

Read More »

About the Cover… Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival Marks 31 Years!

2022 Marks 31 Years! Two Ways to Attend. Click here for a link to the printable Festival Guide. This year marks the 31st year of the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival and is the longest-running non-fiction film festival in North America. HSDFF will return to the Arlington Resort Hotel as the main venue with two screens hosting in-person screenings. The 2022 festival is embracing an expansive hybrid approach and making

Read More »

About the Cover … Hot Water Hill Music & Arts Festival Artwork by Chris & Sandy Meeks

When it comes to finding outrageous covers for The Springs Magazine, sometimes it just takes asking the right person. In this case, a casual ask to Sonny Kay over at Low Key Arts lead to our good fortune in snagging a second Chris Meeks cover. (Check out our March 2021 issue.) Chris and his wife Sandy are the creative geniuses behind this madcap poster designed for Hot Water Hills Music

Read More »

About the Cover … Happy 33rd Anniversary Gallery Walk

Happy 33rd Anniversary Gallery Walk The Springs Magazine called on artist Gary Simmons for one of his famed Gallery Walk cartoons for our August cover to commemorate the 33rd Anniversary of Gallery Walk. Simmons likes to portray us at our finest and he certainly managed that with his comical cartoon. We hope you’ll take a trip to Downtown Hot Springs for Gallery Walk on Friday, August 5, from 5-9 PM.

Read More »

About the Cover … Dinos on the Loose at Mid-America Science Museum

Our on-the-spot reporter heard a rumor that this gal (guy?) might be lurking in the wilds at Mid-America Science Museum, along with some of her/his buddies! Upon inspection, our reporter heard much roaring and stomping and caught a glimpse of this humongous creature …  EEEEEK!!! Parents! Find safe harbor for your children! Our reporter got a photo but we haven’t seen nor heard from her since she emailed her story

Read More »

About the Cover…“Wildflowers” by Kristi Ahlquist

16” x 20” acrylic mixed media Whimsically, the simple flowers and combination of colors of “Wildflowers” by Kristi Ahlquist bring to mind a rich earthy foundation, the aqua color of a peaceful pond, and the golden warmth of our sun, reminding this editor of the loveliness of spring in all its simplicity and glory. Ahlquist picked up a paintbrush for the first time twelve years ago after a devastating cancer

Read More »

About the Cover … Celebrating Women in Jazz & the Arts

Celebrating Women in Jazz & the ArtsOur March cover celebrates National Black Women in Jazz and the Arts Day by featuring I. J. Routen, aka Dr. I. J. Routen, a jazz musician and so much more. Please take the time to learn more about her on page 13 in this issue. Thanks to Ebony Blevins of MsCameralady.com for permission to use the photo and to Richard Stephens for his vibrant

Read More »

About the Cover… Celebrating the Central Theatre

Rix has repainted the original wall detail, upgraded theatre and stage lighting, added a disco ball and different types of seating options. Central Theatre was acquired in December 2020 at the height of the COVID pandemic. The Theatre is a gem in Hot Springs that has been overlooked & underutilized for decades. Hot Springs real estate broker and developer, Chris Rix of Rix Realty, took on the daunting renovation.  Immediate

Read More »

About the Cover… Our 30th Anniversary!

Thanks to all of you who have made 30 years possible!!!!! The Springs Magazine’s 30th Anniversary cover is a tribute to the many artists, festivals, celebrations, beautiful people, and to the remarkable history of the Hot Springs community. The creativity, diversity, and talent harbored in our town have given us plenty to report on over the years. There are so many people to thank for making this possible. To Sonja Lash

Read More »
On Trend

Most Popular Stories

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