The June Exhibit at Justus Fine Art Gallery welcomes summer with a selection of work by Robyn Horn, Dolores Justus, Dennis McCann, Sammy Peters, Sandra Sell, Pete Sixbey, Gene Sparling, Elizabeth Weber, Emily Wood and other artists. The opening reception occurred Friday, June 7 as part of the monthly Gallery Walk in downtown Hot Springs. 

 

Dennis McCann’s series of intricate pastel work of folding chairs and bicycles captures the essence of summer. 

 

“Most of my artwork uses strong sunlight and shadows to establish interesting compositions and the subjects represent ‘a slice of life’ both past and present,” McCann said. 

 

Dennis McCann earned B.A., B.S.E. and M.A. degrees from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. His work has been included in numerous regional and national exhibitions, including “Art Basel/Spectrum” in 2016, the “59th Annual Delta Exhibition” at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Art in 2017, “2019 RAM Invitational” at the Fort Smith Art Museum and the “2019 National Exhibition: Reflections in Pastel” in Little Rock to name a few of the over 200 exhibitions of McCann’s work. 

 

Robyn Horn’s sculptures and paintings utilize organic elements with geometric form. Her work has been included in numerous public and private exhibits and collections throughout the United States and abroad including New York City, London, Houston and Los Angeles.

 

Sammy Peters describes his work as a living dichotomy, straddling the line between ambiguity and rhythm. His medium includes oil, wax, and mixed media paintings with features in numerous exhibitions throughout the nation and abroad including recent solo and two person shows. 

 

“My paintings have an intrinsic tempo within them that may not be obvious at first glance. I begin to sense the rhythm of the painting early in the work, and often that sense of rhythm asserts itself in devices like ladder shapes or stripes or polka dots or various marks,” Peters said.

 

Emily Wood earned a M.A. in Fine Art from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and also studied at the Art Students’ League of New York City. Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibits throughout the South including: the “Delta Exhibition” at the Arkansas Fine Art Museum, the “Arkansas Arts Council Small Works on Paper Touring Exhibition,” “Posted and Painted,” at UALR, “Arkansas Women to Watch 2011,” and others. Wood’s most recent work is created with a variety of surfaces using water media. 

 

“Art making is about the discovery of techniques and ideas, but wonderfully about self-discovery. Part of the need for me to create art is a desire to validate and examine a sense of self. One of the many functions of the arts is to heighten our senses and to offer a different way of seeing that will enhance a person’s experience with the world around them,” Wood said.

 

Peter Sixbey’s painting journey began with time at the Kansas City Art Institute. Sixbey brings his technical knowledge to his own paintings thanks to his long career in art conservation and preservation. A selection of his succulent paintings is featured in the June show. 

The June Exhibit will remain on display until June 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday or by appointment. For more information, visit justusfineart.com.

“Morning Ride” by Dennis McCann. Courtesy of Justus Fine Art Gallery.