War Eagle documentary and painting unveiled

 

About 80 people gathered at the Fort Smith Public Library on Thursday night (Mar. 17) to see an advance screening of the documentary “Bridge to War Eagle,” and to see the Fort Smith unveiling of John Bell Jr.’s newest painting.

Bell, a popular Fort Smith artist, is featured in a documentary produced by the Emmy-winning team of Larry Foley and Dale Carpenter. The documentary, “Bridge to War Eagle,” is a collection of poignant stories framed by the old steel bridge and iconic grist mill on War Eagle Creek in the Ozark Hills.

The documentary is a 30-minute film about a wild stream, protected only by the folks who use it, and illustrated by the stories of those who love it. Foley said August is the earliest it may appear on AETN TV.

Maxine and John Bell are seen first in the documentary as they visit the War Eagle mill and bridge to take photos of different angles in preparation for the painting. And the end of the documentary includes a collection of photos that quickly come together to show Bell’s painting in stages from first stroke to completion. Maxine took the photos, Foley said.

Foley, who grew up in Van Buren and his parents still live there, said a reason he decided to do the documentary on War Eagle Creek was because the War Eagle mill and bridge area “is one of the most iconic images in Arkansas.”

He told the Fort Smith audience that former U.S. Sen. David Pryor told him his first date with his future wife, Barbara, including a walk across the War Eagle bridge. Also, Foley said Richard Davies, the director of the Arkansas Parks & Tourism Department, proposed to his wife on the bridge.

Although a prominent part of the almost 30-minute documentary, Maxine and John Bell had not viewed the completed product until Thursday. John said he was pleased with the final version, and joked with the crowd about his role.

“I think I had the hardest part. I had to pretend to be a handicapped artist,” Bell said.

To that point, Foley said he has an answer prepared for the first person to ask about what afflicts John Bell.

“Absolutely nothing,” Foley said of his planned response, which drew applause and laughter.

The original painting and prints are for sale at the David Gates Gallery, 4900 Rogers Ave., Suite 103-I, in Fort Smith.