DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY/dewayne@mcnews.online
MOUNT IDA – The Ouachita Artists’ Gallery and Studio unveiled their very own quilt pattern last week with the help of Paul Griffin and members of the Mount Ida Lions football team.
The Quilt pattern has been dubbed “The Ouachita Bear Paw” pattern. According to a statement released by the Gallery, the name was chosen to recognize the rich history of bear in Arkansas. The statement points out that Arkansas was initially known as the Bear State. At one point in the early history of Arkansas it was estimated that there were upwards of 50,000 bears in the Natural State. However, overhunting of the species in the early 1900’s culled that number to 50 at one time.
New bears were introduced in 1958 by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Through careful monitoring and protection, the numbers have grown to around 3,000 in the state. It isn’t that uncommon to find black bears roaming the Ouachitas once again in Montgomery County. Hunting the black bear has even been reinstated on a limited basis.
The Ouachita Artists’ Gallery and Studio is also represented in the vibrant colors used in the pattern. The strong, vivid colors found in the pattern would be just as comfortable on an artists palette. The specific colors used can be found in the Gallery’s official logo.
The colors can also be found anywhere in Montgomery County. The Gallery’s statement explains the meaning of each color. The dominant blue represents the clear sky reflected in Lake Ouachita and calls to mind the rivers and streams found in abundance. The green represents the shortleaf pine trees native to this area, as well as other native trees. The bright red, yellow, orange and white accents recall the wide variety of flowering fruit trees and wildflowers that bloom throughout the year, as well as the brilliant colors found in the fall foliage each year.
The quilt pattern was erected on the Gallery’s back wall facing George Street. Paul Griffin, owner of Mount Ida Print Shop, hung the pattern last week. Members of the Mount Ida Lions football team took time from their busy offseason workout schedule to offer help in hanging the large print. The print was painted by members of the Ouachita Artists’ Gallery and Studio on four sheets of plywood which were hung together to form the pattern.
Ouachita Artists is a group of Montgomery County residents and residents of adjacent counties who have come together to support local arts and crafts and those who create them. The Gallery is located at 135 S. West Street next door to the Montgomery County News office. They provide a place for artists and craftsmen to work and display their wares. They also provide a venue for sales that ordinarily would not be available to individuals.
The group conducts numerous educational events throughout the year for all ages and levels of artistic ability. They also provide classes for residents at the Assisted Living, 4-H Clubs and others throughout the year.
For more information regarding the Ouachita Artists Gallery and Studio visit their Facebook page, or call (870) 867-3115.
