The Medium Presents Its Inaugural Visual Art Night Showcasing CXF Visual Artists

The Medium, a venue for artistic innovation in downtown Springdale, announces its first-ever Visual Art Night, a new addition to the Creative Exchange program (CXF).  CXF breaks down barriers for artists by offering crucial support, including time, money, and free space, to help them connect with their audiences and explore new ideas.  The Creative Exchange Fund is supported by the Tyson Family Foundation.

The Visual Art Night offers a unique opportunity to explore the creative processes of the first quarter CXF artists-in-residence Beatriz dos Santos Furtado and Maria Pineda, as well as an exhibition by Markeith Woods in the Main Gallery. Guests can enjoy light refreshments while they visit resident artists’ open studios to meet the artists, get a firsthand look at how they work and learn about their creative processes.

“We’re excited to open our doors and welcome the public to experience the energy and innovation of the Creative Exchange Fund within The Medium. Visual Art Night is not just an event; it’s a celebration of the vibrant artistic spirit that’s stirring in downtown Springdale” said Amber Perrodin, Artist & Community Manager at The Medium.  Visitors will have the chance to explore the world of The Medium and its ongoing dedication to fostering a brave, thriving arts community.

Event Details

Date: Friday, November 10, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: The Medium, 214 S. Main St., Springdale, AR
Admission: Free and open to the public
Featuring: Beatriz dos Santos Furtado, Maria Pineda and Markeith Woods
Extras: Guided tours of The Medium and light refreshments

About Beatriz dos Santos Furtado – Creative Exchange Fund Artist-in-Residence
Beatriz dos Santos Furtado is a visual artist from Brazil who works primarily in clay and is interested in the concept of “enchantment” as a tool of political and social critique.  Furtado’s work consistently draws from pop culture imagery, fashion items, and Western fairy tales, in conjunction with references from her personal inventory of childhood memories, Brazilian iconography, folklore, and language.

About Maria Pineda – Creative Exchange Fund Artist-in-Residence
Maria Pineda’s drawings take culturally relevant objects, like Mexican beers or food dishes, and approach them with a childlike way of seeing and making and is self-described as “not concerned with traditional drawing or painting techniques.”  Pineda uses a variety of mediums and an emphasis on vibrant color and pattern making, elevating everyday objects and turning them into playful and visually interesting cultural icons.

About Markeith Woods – Creative Exchange Fund Spectra Recipient
In addition to the open studios, the event will showcase a visual art exhibition entitled Friends From Another Mother by the accomplished artist Markeith Woods. Woods’ work explores the “underlying tension of the Black psyche [through] colorful portraits of everyday life in America.”  At their essence, Woods reconceives the image of the black man and community as one of contemplation, reflection, and inevitable action toward changing their stories of subjugation.

About The Medium
The Medium is a radically inclusive venue for creative expression that offers affordable and equitable access to space for artists and creatives of all backgrounds.  Founded in 2020 in partnership with the Tyson Family Foundation, The Medium is reimagining the region’s longest-standing independent arts facility into a responsive, community-focused creative destination.  The Medium is an artist-led project of CACHE.

About the Tyson Family Foundation
Established in 1970, the Tyson Family Foundation supports efforts for education, health, arts and culture, youth programs, and a scholarship program for Tyson Foods employees and their families.  The foundation has endowed and supported local, regional, and national organizations committed to furthering access to knowledge, promoting creativity, and supporting communities.  President Olivia Tyson currently leads the Foundation.

Featured image:  Markeith Woods: A Daily Walk in Washington Heights Acrylic, collage, pastels, wood and found objects 6 x 7 ft 2023