CAE opens year with Jaak Kindberg exhibit

Van Buren's Center for Art and Education kicked off the new year with the debut of its January exhibit, "Hard Lines, Soft Edges." The center hosted an opening reception for the exhibition on Sunday (Jan. 5) afternoon giving visitors the chance to browse a diverse collection of sculptures, paintings, and clock designs by Greenwood-based artist Jaak Kindberg.

Well-known for his metal sculpture work, Kindberg transforms various scrap material into unique creations. His pieces range in size and subject, with some as large as 13 feet tall. Kindberg has fashioned many musical instrument sculptures, including guitars and cellos. He also has created several time pieces and other large-scale unique designs.

Kindberg's work can be found throughout the country. Several of his sculptures are displayed in cities in Florida, Iowa, Missouri, and Texas. Two of his creations can be seen in Fort Smith in front of the Regional Art Museum on Rogers Avenue.

In addition to his work with recycled metals, Kindberg is an accomplished oil painter and mixed medium artist. Numerous oil and acrylic paintings were on display at CAE, with themes ranging from cows to dancers to abstract nautical works.

Kindberg attributes his eclectic taste and talent to his tendency to be bored easily.

"I like to change it up. For example, I painted a few sailboat pieces and then was ready to move on to something else," said Kindberg. "I get bored easily."

Several other regional artists are also featured in CAE's January exhibit. Pieces from Betty Campbell, Karen Carney, Johnnie Howells, Laurel Kidd, Patricia Lappin, Debra Sisson and many others were on display in the center's Studio Gallery.  Handcrafted jewelry by Arlene Price was also included in the exhibition.

Admission to the reception was free and was open to the public. The majority of works included in the exhibit are available for purchase through CAE. "Hard Lines, Soft Edges"  will remain on display through Jan. 24.