A&E Advisory for July 30-Aug. 5: A time for showing off

Aug. 1-31
Art: Meet the Life Styles artists
FAYETTEVILLE — Unique artwork by clients of Life Styles Inc. has been rotating among coffee shops and other locales throughout the year. Through the end of August, their artwork will be showcased at Ozark Natural Foods in Fayetteville. A reception for the artists is scheduled for 10 a.m. until noon Saturday (Aug 4) .

This exhibition, You Are What You Paint, is the latest in the Art of Life Styles series. Life Styles is a nonprofit organization that serves adults with disabilities in Benton and Washington counties.

As with most galleries, sales are shared, with the artist receiving half of the proceeds and the other half going back into the program to help pay for supplies and professional instruction.

The next installment of the Art of Life Styles series will be in October at ArtSeen 107 in Bentonville.

Aug. 1
Art: Calling all volunteers
BENTONVILLE — It’s a little known fact that the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art utilizes more volunteers than it does paid employees.

Museum officials will host a drop-in open house for would-be volunteers from 3-7 p.m. in Crystal Bridges’ volunteer lounge, which is located in the museum’s lower lobby. Potential candidates will get a chance to mingle with staff and other volunteers to discuss volunteer opportunities and training. No need to sign up — just show up.

Aug. 2-30
Art: Juried competition at ACO
SPRINGDALE — The Artists of Northwest Arkansas, a group devoted to promoting the visual arts in Springdale, is hosting its 18th annual Regional Art Exhibition Aug. 2-30 at the Arts Center of the Ozarks.

ACO will host a reception for the artists from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 11.

The exhibition is a juried competition featuring two- and three-dimensional original works from artists in a 10-state area. The arts center bills the exhibition as “a wonderful example of regional talent, and big crowd pleasers.”

More than $3,000 in prize money will be awarded. The exhibit also supports a college scholarship for an area high school student and art classes for children in foster care.

Aug. 4
Eats: 59th annual Decatur BBQ
DECATUR — With a population of roughly 1,700 folks, one might think that Decautor is a town where everybody knows everybody. For those who don’t, the town’s annual barbecue is a great way to complete the task.

It has seemingly everything needed for a summer festival in a rural area: a fun run; a car show; arts and crafts; a parade; a chicken, hamburger or hot dog dinner; local bands; and a beauty pageant. The festival ends with a performance by James Wesley.

The concert is free, though you’re encouraged to bring your own lawn chairs. There is a fee for parking. Everything takes place at Veterans Park, 1105 N. Main St.

Information comes from Kim Wilkins, (479) 752-3912
or [email protected]

Aug. 5
Art: First Sundays in Winslow
WINSLOW — The public is invited to meet artist Nodie Williams at a reception 2-4 Sunday at Ozark Folkways, 22733 U.S. 71 in Winslow. The reception will feature Williams’ newest pieces, which entail water media on paper and canvas.

She’s been called “an animal’s best friend” for her use of them in her works. She describes this new body of work as, "exploring a more abstract element, while retaining the animal theme, more evocation, than provocation."

Her paintings have been shown widely shown in Arkansas and across the country, including shows in Shreveport, La.:, Memphis; and New York City.  Her paintings hang in private collections in Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Florida, New York, Louisiana and Virginia.

Admission to Sunday’s reception is free with refreshments provided. It’s part of the ongoing First Sundays at Ozark Folkways, held once a month, featuring art and music. More info is available at (479) 634-3791 or [email protected].