ddp gallery presents Intuition: Paintings by Megan Chapman and Ceramic Works by Helen Phillips. The exhibition is from August 15 – September 29, 2007. A reception for the artists will be held on Thursday August 30 from 5-8pm. The gallery is located at 7 East Mountain Street, between Fayetteville's historic Downtown Square and North College Avenue.

Gallery owner, Dede Peters, named the current exhibition "Intuition", for two reasons. One is that both artists use their own individual perceptive insight when they create. The other is that the viewer has an immediate, instinctive sense of the work when they see it.

Megan Chapman, a Fayetteville native, paints in jeweled, natural hues. Chapman uses a variety of media including oil, acrylic, pastel, graphite, charcoal and other mediums to create the layers in her work. Brush and overlay techniques produce horizon lines and vertical blocks of color that imbue the paintings with a sense of landscape and architecture. Chapman further draws the viewer into her tranquil paintings with her use of organic symbols. Prevalent is the lotus flower and a seed-like shape - that for the artist - represent an object ready to burst with knowledge. Megan Chapman paints to music, often being inspired by the lyrics. As a musician can match notes to verse, Chapman is able to match title to content. For instance, "Cast Away" shows a lone oval-shaped seed symbol in a different color and physically separated from a flock of seeds. The dreamlike painting is sure to reach each viewer's subconscious.

Helen Phillips had been working with clay for almost fifty years. Her art, whether functional or sculptural is a fusion of spirit and matter. Clay is the matter, the medium that best conveys her feelings about living and dying, anxiety and delight, love and fear. Currently living and working Bruno, Arkansas - Phillips has traveled all over the globe to be inspired and hone her technique. She found familiarity with the Japanese ideals of strength and honesty as well as the connection of spirit and natural worlds. In West Africa, she confronted her fear of wild and dark art -turning it to fascination that flowed easily into her inspired pieces. She shared her immense knowledge of raku, wood and kiln firing combined with her technical wisdom of throwing, coiling and hand building by teaching for twenty-five years, retiring from the University of Central Arkansas in 2001. At ddp gallery one can see both her functional and sculptural pieces. The functional work consists of teapots, mugs, plates and bowls – all safe for dishwasher, microwave and oven use. Her sculptural work includes decorative vessels, wall pieces and her archetypal house-like sculptures. "Fragments of Out Past" resembles a round dwelling with window-like cutouts. It rests on a hand built wooden base and is topped with a found metal piece, perhaps from an old bicycle. The inspiration for this piece came from listening to news reports of cultural losses in the Middle East. Haunted by the imagery of loss, Phillips felt compelled to get it out of her body and into the world – ready to encounter the viewer.

More information about Megan Chapman, Helen Phillips and ddp gallery can be found at www.ddpgallery.com or by calling (479) 442-0001.

VIDEO - Shirin Neshat:
http://barbaragladstonegallery.com/neshat.asp?id=332

INSTALLATION - Tara Donovan:
http://www.acegallery.net/artistmenu.php?Artist=8&035;

SCULPTURE - Richard Serra:
http://www.diacenter.org/exhibs_b/serra/

WORK ON PAPER - Henry Darger:
http://www.hammergallery.com/Artists/darger/Darger.htm

PAINTING - Mark Rothko:
http://collections.sfmoma.org/THA873*1$2064*271622

PHOTOGRAPHY - Sally Mann (maybe "The Last Time Emmett Posed Nude":
http://www.artnet.com/Artists/ArtistHomePage.aspx?artist_id=11072&page_tab=Artworks

CRAFT - Gee's Bend Quilt:
http://www.quiltsofgeesbend.com/quilts/

FURNITURE - haven't nailed that down yet

EPHEMERAL ART - Andy Goldsworthy:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Goldsworthy

LOCAL ARTIST I DON'T OWN YET - Toma Miller:
http://www.ddpgallery.com/exhibitions/tomamiller/works/toma06.html

RIDE - Early 70's Porsche 911 Targa, Silver or Metallic Blue:
http://www.autosportdesigns.com/Sales/images/1220-28153.jpg

An exhibition of paintings titled, Toma Miller: C'est bien fait quand meme is currently showing at ddp gallery. In two weeks,13 of the 18 paintings have sold. The the translates to "It is well done nevertheless." The exhibition opens May 2 and continues through June 9, 2007. A reception will be held on Thursday, May 3rd from 5 – 8pm. The gallery is located at 7 East Mountain Street, between Fayetteville's historic Downtown Square and N. College Avenue.

"Toma's work juxtaposes quiet with bold," says gallery owner Dede Peters. "There are so many subtle layers to discover in each work. Tiny pencil sketches join sherbert-colored prisms on surfaces of sky blue and white washes. Bold black lettering spreads across the panels revealing Toma's love of graphics."

Toma Miler, a native of southern Louisiana, moved to Fayetteville in 2000 to attend the University of Arkansas. Upon graduating in 2003 with an MFA in Painting, he returned to Louisana, teaching grade school and high school in New Orleans. He and his wife, Christine, moved back to Fayetteville just before Hurricane Katrina.

"Drawing has always been a reflex for me," Miller states, "growing up in Catholic schools, my books were covered in kraft paper and I drew on them constantly." An uncle 8 years older than Miller introduced him to punk rock and new wave. Miller soon began playing bass and guitar. Along with the music came skateboarding and Miller found himself surrounded in an atmospere of inspring graphics. His mother encouraged him to go to college where art classes started as a a perifpery ot his education. His printmaking continually won awards from both his peers and the faculty. Screen printing remains won of his favorite mediums and influences his work as a product developer for a Wal,Mart based handbag and apperal desiger.

More information about Toma Miller and ddp gallery can be found at www.ddpgallery.com or by calling (479) 442-0001.

ddp gallery presents an exhibition of kinetic sculpture titled, Matt Richards: Mobiles. The exhibition opens March 21 and continues through April 28, 2007. A reception will be held on Friday, March 30th from 5 – 8pm. The gallery is located at 7 East Mountain Street, between Fayetteville's historic Downtown Square and North College Avenue.

Gallery owner, Dede Peters, can't remember the exact path of discovering mobile artist, Matt Richards, other than that it was through the Internet. Richards formed the concept for his business, Ekko Mobiles, while pursuing his mechanical engineering degree. As Richards and his engineering friends tinkered during downtime to create kinetic works of art, he discovered the joy of merging art with his technical background. What began as novelty gifts for friends quickly evolved into Ekko Mobiles.

Richards' Ekko designs echo the works and style of Alexander Calder—father of the mobile and fellow mechanical engineer. Richards even employs the same techniques as Calder to create unique, high-quality works of engineered art. Part artist, part "problem solver," Richards enjoys both the technical and artistic challenges of creating mobiles. His penchant for perfectionism and extreme attention to detail ensures top-notch creations each and every time.

When Richards isn't making mobiles, he's spending time with his wife, Kathryn, and their 8 month-old daughter, Riley. He currently resides in Houston, Texas.

Dede Peters installed the standing mobiles on pedestals - made of rough timber and natural stone – by local stone masonry and timber framing company, Hammer and Chisel. "I knew I wanted to have pedestals to contrast and complement the mobiles, so I chose a more organic presentation. I gave Hammer and Chisel creative freedom with the design and their creations are beyond my expectations. The gravity of the mobiles on pedestals works very well with the hanging mobiles." Peters and artist, Richards chose s pring to show the mobiles, "so the gallery doors will often be open and people can come in, sit, stand or lie on benches and enjoy the kinetic motion of the colorful mobiles."

ddp gallery will host a reception on Friday, March 30th from 5-8pm in partnership with two other receptions, Art Market l(ocated behind Flying Burrito) and Kaos Creative (Mountain And Locust).

More information about Matt Richards and ddp gallery can be found at www.ddpgallery.com or by calling (479) 442-0001.

ddp gallery presents an exhibition of mixed media paintings titled, Jon Lee: hand me down pumas. The exhibition opens on January 31 and continues through March 10, 2007. A reception for the artist will be held on Thursday, February 8th from 5 – 8pm. The gallery is located at 7 East Mountain Street, between Fayetteville's historic Downtown Square and North College Avenue.

Memphis-based artist, Jon Lee, represents ddp gallery's first out-of-state, solo exhibition. Gallery owner, Dede Peters, first saw Lee's work at the Brooks Museum of Art in Memphis during 2005 and has been following his work since.

Lee was born and raised in Dumas, AR and moved to Memphis to attend the Memphis College of Art, graduating with a BFA in Printmaking in 2003. While in school, Lee utilized the technology and mechanics available to him to inspire his printmaking. Upon graduation, he was forced to become more resourceful in order to produce art. He turned to street art for inspiration and began working on canvas and panel. Lee is a full-time artist, spending his days painting on as many as 60 works at a time. He uses several different kinds of paint from latex to polycrylic to aerosol. He doesn't let any materials go to waste, often wiping his brushes clean on one of the many boxes in constant production for "The Great Wall of Boxes." The installation of the "The Great Wall of Boxes" changes, depending on the location and available boxes. Lee enjoys creating the combinations; the 10 x 10 inch boxes are displayed in three different ways at ddp gallery. "It is fantastic to see Jon's smaller pieces with his larger works," says gallery owner, Dede Peters. "The presentation allows the viewer to see how art can be displayed in different combinations. I'm also proud to show such a talented young artist who has successfully combined his street skills with his fine art skills. This is a great opportunity for the public to put legal graffiti-style art on their walls."

Peters hopes for a successful reception on Thursday, February 8th, from 5-8pm. "Jon has a dynamic personality, it is hard not to like him."

More information about John Lee and ddp gallery can be found at www.ddpgallery.com or by calling (479) 442-0001.

- ddp gallery presents an exhibition titled, Small Work 2006 featuring the work of 12 artists. The exhibition opens on December 13, 2006 and continues through January 20, 2007. A reception for the artists will be held on Thursday, December 14th from 5 – 8pm. The gallery is located at 7 East Mountain Street, between Fayetteville's historic Downtown Square and North College Avenue/71B.

Gallery owner, Dede Peters, is using a unique approach to present the works of 12 artists for the upcoming exhibition, Small Work 2006. "The work will be displayed on picture ledges, creating a mantle feel," Peters states, "I want to make it easier for people to visualize art displayed in their own home or office." Another aspect that makes this show different from a traditional gallery show is that the patron will be able to take the work home with them when they purchase it, typically one must wait until the end of the exhibition to pick up the work. "This lets the patron purchase for the holidays." The gallery is providing free gift-wrapping.

Small Work 2006 will be an annual exhibition featuring smaller, more affordable pieces of art. Peters wants to encourage people to discover the thrill of collecting. "I've included a diverse range of artists and mediums." The artists are:

• Ben Strawn, local illustrator, presents his whimsical views of life including animals in fairytale-like settings
• Benjamin Edwards, local ceramic artist and instructor, presents his coveted mugs, teapots and more
• Bryan Moats, local artist now living in Kentucky, presents new interpretations of old photographs worked over with pastel
• Duane Garner, local painter, presents abstract paintings on panel and paper
• Henrik Kam, San Francisco photographer, presents black and white images of his worldwide travels
• Kathy P. Thompson, local artist, presents her much desired platters
• Megan Chapman, local painter receiving national attention, presents oil on canvas paintings
• Douglass Legg, San Francisco photographer, presents his "Play Series" of images taken with a Diana camera
• Tonya Tubbs, local artist, presents magnetic dolls made from vintage cloth scraps
• Cindy Arsaga, local mixed media artist, presents oil paintings and encaustic work
• Dede Peters, local artist, presents small mixed media works on panel and black and white photographs
• Adam Posnak, ceramic artist and musician, presents pottery with a contemporary twist.

Peters is encouraging the public to come to the gallery often during this exhibition since the displays will change often and a person may see a work that they missed on the first visit.

Gallery hours are Wednesday-Friday from 12-7, Saturday from 10-5 and by appointment. Please check the website or call for extended holiday hours.

More information about Small Work 2006 and ddp gallery can be found at www.ddpgallery.com or by calling (479) 442-0001.

Downtown Fayetteville's newest gallery, ddp gallery, presents an exhibition of mixed media art work titled, Kathy P. Thompson: Recent Work. The exhibition opens on November 8 and continues through December 9, 2006. A reception for the artist will be held on Friday, November 10 from 5 – 8pm. The gallery is located at 7 East Mountain Street, between Fayetteville's historic Downtown Square and North College Avenue.

It has been a long time since Fayetteville artist, Kathy Thompson, has had enough art for an exhibition; she usually sells what she creates almost immediately. Thompson supplements her income as a visual artist with interior design and color consulting, teaching adult and after-school art for kids, installing her custom tile work and selling her highly sought after ceramic dishware. A year ago Thompson celebrated the re-opening of Bordino's, wowing patrons with her interior design and custom creative touches including the found-art display boxes, inscribed doors and light fixtures.

In early 2005, Thompson decided to work towards an exhibition of her paintings while working on the "Lamar Project Series." The series was born from her experience as the first Artist-in-Residence at Lamar Outdoor Advertising, a national billboard company headquartered in Baton Rouge, LA. At the plant, she worked on silkscreens with a crew used to creating large advertisements; by the end of the residency, 10 days later, both artist and printers had a new appreciation for each other's line of work. Thompson brought the large pieces back to Fayetteville and continued to work on them in pastels, oil sticks and pencil. They depict imagery Thompson continually uses in her work - bundles, circles, patterns and organic shapes.

The exhibition also includes a series of self-portraits created from thick pieces of panel with recessed boxes. The surfaces of the paintings depict the face or body while the holes, covered in slashed aluminum mesh, open to reveal hidden objects. What is hidden represents what one feels, sees or thinks in the heart, eye or brain.

Finally, two 3 x 7-feet paintings on canvas are shown. Thompson declares these as "works in progress since 1985." They are heavily collaged with memorabilia from Thompson's life including love letters, construction items, organic materials and drawings by her son, Quin. Thompson feels they are very close to being completed, but not just yet.

Kathy P. Thompson: Recent Work is the second exhibition for ddp gallery. Gallery owner, Dede Peters, was thrilled to sell a number of pieces from the inaugural exhibition, Don Lee: Works on Paper by Fort Smith painter and professor, Don Lee.

After years of pondering opening a gallery, Peters jumped at the opportunity to have a space downtown. "I feel as if I'm getting in on the ground level of something" referring to new commercial and residential development happening around Fayetteville's historic Downtown Square. "I'm passionate about art and really enjoy the business of art. I'm looking forward to creating a space that nurtures art - where people feel comfortable looking at, discussing and buying art."

Peters wants to make the art experience accessible to all. She will offer an Art Leasing Service allowing individuals or businesses to lease art at a fraction of the original price. The gallery will have a reading library and also host free art critique sessions held twice a month where artists bring in their work for constructive criticism by their peers.

ddp gallery will represent contemporary art by emerging and established artists. Exhibitions will be hosted on a 4 - 6 week schedule featuring the work of regional and national artists. The inventory will include works in all price ranges from $100 on up. The Small Works show running December 13 – January 27 will feature local and national art priced $750 and under. ddp gallery is accepting artist proposals; they should be professionally presented and include a resume, artist statement and CD of jpg images.

More information about Kathy Thompson's artwork and ddp gallery can be found at www.ddpgallery.com or by calling (479) 442-0001.