Carolyn Fox, July 2010 Artist-of-the-Month

The featured artist for July at Ouachita River Art Gallery is Carolyn Fox of
Monroe, Louisiana. Carolyn has always loved to draw, even as a child. After raising her family, she began to take painting lessons (funded by a birthday present from her mother). Now one of her greatest joys comes from being an art instructor at the West Monroe Senior Center.
Carolyn’s show, Kids Just Want to Have Fun!, was inspired by memories of playing as a child and by watching children in play over the years. These paintings were done in several different media. Some were done for parents, grandparents and neighbors or friends. Others are family pieces and depict her own grandchildren. Viewing this collection of "water babies" will certainly bring back memories of one's own childhood or of raising children. The artist says, “The God-given beauty in nature and my love of life are ever present in my work. I strive to create paintings that summon emotions of nostalgia.” I think she has succeeded in this mission.

T.A. Roberts, Artist-of-the-Month June 2010

The featured artist for June 2010 at Ouachita River Art Gallery is T. A. Roberts of Grayson, Louisiana. T. A. was raised in the small sawmill town of Clarks, Louisiana. He learned from the local residents to be industrious and ingenious, making needed household items when possible. Lumber was plentiful and inexpensive, and everyone had woodworking tools and basic carpenter skills. As his furniture making skills improved and better equipment became available, his interest expanded to include woodturning on the lathe.

Retired from his own oil business, T.A. holds a Masters in History, reached the rank of Captain in the U. S. Army, and has studied with well known woodworkers. He attended woodturning classes at Arrowmont in Gatlinberg, Tennessee and went to Provo, Utah this spring for further woodturning studies.

T.A. says, “In woodturning your only limiting factor is your imagination and the size of your woodturning blank. I generally begin with an idea of what the finished result will be, but sometimes it changes during the turning process. God has created a multitude of beautiful woods. Every piece is different, making working with it a challenge. I strive to enhance the intrinsic beauty of the wood in a form which is pleasing to the eye.”

The Ouachita River Art Gallery, 308 Trenton Street, West Monroe invites you to come see T.A. Roberts’ show during the month of June 2010. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Gallery member’s work can also be seen at ORAG’s extension gallery located in the lobby of Ouachita Independent Bank/Bankers Mortgage Plaza at 18th and Louisville in Monroe. Call 322-2380 for more information.