RAM: Local churches featured in 'Landmark Lessons: Through the Art of John Bell Jr.'

"The Light" by John Bell Jr. (2004).
"The Light" by John Bell Jr. (2004).

The history of Fort Smith churches will be highlighted at “Landmark Lessons: Through the Art of John Bell Jr.” at the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum.

Representatives from seven area churches will discuss their church’s beginnings as the historic images painted by John Bell Jr. are shown on the large screen in RAM’s community classroom.

The program opens at 2 p.m. June 26, and is free and open to the public.

Bell's impressionistic paintings depicting historically accurate scenes of yesteryear in the River Valley have become iconic works.

“This program is part of our John Bell Jr. Legacy Project, whose mission is to protect, preserve, and educate about the art and life of John Bell Jr.,” said Julie Moncrief, development director.

Bell died in 2013, and in 2021 his family gifted all of his remaining art to RAM, along with the intellectual property rights to all of his art.

“Sharing it is a tremendous opportunity to bring delight and education to our community,” Moncrief said.

Featured churches are First United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Church, First Lutheran Church, Immaculate Conception Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church and St. Boniface Catholic Church.

Each of the Bell paintings is a winter scene, highlighting the welcoming warmth and glow of the beautiful institutions that had their beginnings in the 1800s. As in all of Bell's paintings of landmarks, the community is apparent with the bustle of people, horse-drawn carriages, streetcars and Model Ts in the scenes.

Attendees are invited to arrive at 1 p.m. to view RAM’s galleries and enjoy refreshments while watching a video about Bell.

Seating will be limited for the hour-long program.

More information on the John Bell Jr. Legacy Project may be found at fsram.org/john-bell-jr-legacy-project.

This column is produced by the River Valley Arts Coalition. To send comments or for more information contact daleana@fsram.org.

ART THIS WEEK:

Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith; 479-784-2787

  • Feng Zikai: Selections from the Permanent Collection: On view through Sept. 11.

  • Shabana Kauser: Dupatta – Journey of Life and Cultural Identity: On view through Sept. 11.

  • Future School Art Exhibition – Bridge to the Future: On view through Aug. 28.

  • Doyle Young Painted Stories: Reflections of Southern Days Gone By: On view through Sept. 25.

  • Drop-in and Draw: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Thursday; register at fsram.org/education.

  • RAM Sketch: 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday register at fsram.org/education.

  • RAM Saturdays: Register at fsram.org/education.

UAFS Gallery of Art & Design, 535 N. Waldron Road, Fort Smith; 479-788-7542

  • UAFS Gallery of Art & Design Permanent Collection Highlights: Works on Paper: On view through Aug. 26.

Arts on Main, 415 Main St., Van Buren; 479-474-7767

  • Gallery admission is always free and open to the public; AOM members receive a discount on registration fees.

  • Art programs for children and adults: Visit art-ed.org for available classes and workshops.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: RAM: Local churches featured in 'Landmark Lessons: Through the Art of John Bell Jr.'