The next installment of the Art Department, a quarterly exhibition series hosted by Thea Foundation, will feature the first-ever collaborative exhibition by artists Hannah Genevieve Lawrence and Chris Swasta. The exhibition, titled “Limbs and Strands,” will be up April 3 through April 30 in the Thea Foundation gallery, and a reception will be held Friday, April 3, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Thea Foundation. $20 at the door covers heavy hors d’oeuvres by Ben E. Keith Foods and an open beer and wine bar, including beer and specialty water by 2020 Art Department season sponsors, Lost Forty Brewing and Mountain Valley Spring Water. Guests can also enter to win free art by our featured artists and tickets to Thea’s next Art Department opening in September. 

The “Limbs and Strands” exhibition will feature pottery by Swasta and macramé by Lawrence. Of the collaborative exhibition, Lawrence says, “With my contemporary take on macramé and Chris’s modern pottery, I think it’s going to present traditional craft mediums in a new way.”

Providing more insight into the collaborative exhibition, Swasta says,”This exhibit is quite special because not only do we get to express our own line of work that we do on a regular basis, but we also get to combine our work and think of new ways to push ourselves to do better. Collaborations like this are unique because they make us think outside of the box from what we normally do and think of new and innovative ways to express ourselves.” 

The “Limbs and Strands” exhibition will be divided into three parts: Lawrence’s macramé, Swasta’s pottery, and the collaboration of their two mediums. Plants sponsored by Plantation Services will also be featured in this special exhibition. For the opening reception, all items will be available for purchase, and both artists will be present to discuss their work and inspirations, according to a press release.

Based in Little Rock, Lawrence majored in studio art with a focus in fiber arts at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville. Her main medium combines macramé and weaving techniques. Lawrence’s love of vintage and contemporary art has led to her current direction. She most recently showcased work in the “SHE” exhibition at M2 Gallery in Little Rock. To spread her love for textiles, Lawrence frequently teaches workshops. 

Swasta, whose work is widely sold in varying Little Rock stores under the name Rolling Hills Pottery, will present a wide array of his detailed pottery, with many functional pieces included. Native to Arkansas, Swasta was born in North Little Rock, where he also attended high school. Once he returned to Arkansas after years spent in Nebraska, Swasta worked initially on-contract with the Arkansas Repertory Theatre before becoming an instructor at the Arkansas Arts Center. 

The opening reception for “Limbs and Strands” will be 21+ and guests should be prepared to show their identification prior to entry.

Thea Foundation is located at 401 Main Street in North Little Rock. Gallery hours are M – F, 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 – 5 p.m. For more information, visit theasartdepartment.com, call 501-379-9512 or email amanda@theafoundation.org. 

ABOUT THEA FOUNDATION

Thea Foundation’s mission is to advocate the importance of the Arts in the development of our youth. Three programs are implemented statewide to support this mission—Thea Scholarships, Art Closet and Arts Reconstruction. Since 2002, Thea Foundation has awarded more than $2.3 million in scholarships to Arkansas students and provided more than $1.5 million in art supplies and creative materials to underfunded schools through the Art Closet program. In addition, Arts Reconstruction is their focused effort to help teachers receive professional development and supplies to enable a better platform to advance in their own careers and schools. The collective aim is to enrich young minds through the power of the Arts. Named for the daughter of Paul and Linda Leopoulos, Thea Foundation carries on the legacy of Thea Kay Leopoulos, who thrived academically, socially and emotionally thanks to her artistic pursuits. For more information about Thea Foundation, call (501) 379-9512 or visit theafoundation.org.