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The Polished Look
1. Nailtini nail lacquer can be worn alone or mixed, just like a cocktail, creating new and vibrant hues every time. Caviar Cocktail. Available at Bella Boutique in Little Rock.
2. Find subtle color with lots of glitter in Superstar by Lippman Collection. Available at Make Up Lounge in Fort Smith, Powder & Smoke in Little Rock and Woodhouse Day Spa in Bentonville.
3. This dark, sultry red by Jessica Custom Nail Color is a wise choice throughout the winter. Available at jessicacosmetics.com.
4. Catch some attention with Bloody Mary by Nailtini. Available at Bella Boutique.
5. Get in the festive spirit with Holiday from Lippman Collection. Available at Makeup Lounge in Fort Smith, Powder & Smoke in Little Rock and Woodhouse Day Spa in Bentonville.
6. Be extra feminine with Chanel’s Perle Rosée nail color. Available at Dillard’s stores statewide and Barbara Jean Ltd in Little Rock.
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Ozark National Forest
We may not get too many inches of snow each season, but a wintry Arkansas landscape is certainly a sight to behold. This stunning photograph was taken in the Ozark National Forest, which covers 1.2 million acres in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas. Established in 1908 by president Theodore Roosevelt, it encompasses the tallest mountain in the state, Mount Magazine, as well as other natural wonders like Blanchard Springs Caverns and more than 500 special of trees and woody plants.
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Outdoor Impressions
It’s a familiar scene in Arkansas: an outdoorsman, dressed in thermals and loaded down with gear, heads off on his four-wheeler for a long day in the woods. But Patrick Matthews isn’t hunting Arkansas game; he’s searching for unusual angles of light, idyllic scenes and vibrant natural colors to capture on canvas.
Born and bred in central Arkansas, Matthews approaches painting almost as an extreme sport, traveling the United States and the world on expeditions to reinterpret natural beauty through his impressionistic lens. “I’ve got a painting rig set up on my four-wheeler, my truck, and even on a boat,” he explains. “I’ve painted in the rain, snow, wind and summer heat.”
Depicting the western aspen trees and southern hay fields that captivate Matthews requires a fairly high level of comfort with roughing it. Last year when the aspen trees of Colorado began to turn, he and several artist friends, including fellow Arkansan Barry Thomas, hired an elk hunting guide to lead them on a 10-day camping excursion into the mountains. “When it’s really cold, I have to stand on a sheet of Styrofoam or my feet will freeze, and I put a little heater under my palette so my paints don’t get hard,” he says.
Matthews wasn’t always a freewheeling artist, though. He says that as a young person, “I wanted to be an artist, but I decided I’d better get a degree in something serious, so I went to architecture school at the University of Arizona.” After graduation, he moved back home and started his own architecture firm, continuing to develop his artistic skills on the side. Eventually, in 2001, he worked up the nerve to make a break. “One night at work, I called all my clients and told them, ‘I’m just not going to do your work anymore.’” Fortunately, his clients were supportive, and his first two shows as a professional artist at Little Rock’s Local Colour Gallery sold out.
With his confidence growing after the success of those first two shows, Matthews decided to test the waters in a broader market. He visited several cities across the West, but when he got to Santa Fe, with its world-class art market and breathtaking desert scenery, he knew he had found a second home. “People fly in every day from all over the world to buy art there,” he says. After finding representation in a Santa Fe gallery, Matthews decided to leave his roots and move to New Mexico.
Matthews is known for his use of texture, an effect he achieves through the application of large amounts of paint. “When most people put paint on their palettes, they apply about a crayon’s worth. I put out a pile. I buy my paint in caulking tubes!” he says.
A modern impressionist, Matthews uses unexpected color combinations to play with light and shadow. Using a technique in which he wipes the brush clean between each stroke, he maintains the vibrancy and contrast of each color. “I apply one stroke and don’t touch it again, because once you touch it again, it starts to muddy up the color,” he explains.
Art buyers in Arkansas and across the country have responded to Matthews’ textural nature scenes and series of American flags painted after September 11, 2001. In 2006, he was selected by Southwest Art magazine as one of ten artists on the rise, and now living back home in Arkansas, he continues to show work at Local Colour Gallery in Little Rock, Waxlander Gallery in Santa Fe and The Sportsman’s Gallery in Beaver Creek, Colorado.
Though he’s experienced success with the impressionistic scenes for which he is most known, Matthews continues to test his own boundaries. His latest collection, the “Mosaic Series,” uses more abstract forms, a departure from his previous work. “I’ve always loved abstract work, and one day I just started trying it,” he says. “Painting is always a learning experience, and I’ve just begun to learn how to paint.”
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A Hilltop Manor
Diamond in the Rough
Kevin Walsh and Susan Walsh
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Wicks and Wax
With their architectural inspiration, these large white columns and black candles make a dramatic pairing. Available at mertinsdykehome in Little Rock. From Pacific Rim in Little Rock, the wooden pedestal offers a sturdy base and a choice of green and brown hues. Traditional in shape and updated in dramatic black, these candlesticks are available at Haus Werk in Little Rock.
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Time for Turkeys
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Crowley’s Ridge Parkway National Scenic Byway
Rising as much as 200 feet above the alluvial plain of the delta, Crowley’s Ridge is a geographic anomaly, and was an immediate draw to the area’s earliest settlers, including Benjamin Crowley, for whom the ridge is named. The Crowley’s Ridge Parkway National Scenic Byway winds its way through this beautiful, hilly terrain, characterized by forests, farmland and historic buildings and battlefields. Home to four state parks, the parkway combines natural splendor with the shopping and dining possibilities of a number of towns, including Helena-West Helena, Forrest City, Jonesboro, Paragould and Piggott.
Helena-West Helena
Carriage Square
726 Columbia St., 870-338-8099, www.carriagesquare.net, www.magnoliahillbnb.com
Encompassing an entire block of Helena’s historic district, Carriage Square includes two historic buildings and an amazing garden. The Solomon House is the perfect spot for special events downstairs, while the upstairs is devoted to shopping for fine antiques. Around the corner, you’ll find the carefully restored Magnolia Hill Bed and Breakfast, with the beautiful Victorian Gardens connecting the two.
Cotton & Kudzu
413 Cherry St., 870-338-8339
In a spacious downtown storefront, Cotton & Kudzu houses 14 different merchants’ booths, offering everything from hand-smocked baby clothes and local art to cute storage options and bath and body products, as well as antiques. They even have a section devoted to Delta-made food and gifts.
Delta Cultural Center
141 Cherry St., 870-338-4350, www.deltaculturalcenter.com
Dedicated to preserving the history of the Arkansas delta through events, the Delta Cultural Center offers educational programs and exhibits on subjects as diverse as Helena’s music scene, the Civil War in the delta and the great floods of the Mississippi River. The Delta Sounds exhibit explores blues, gospel and rockabilly, and each day “Sunshine” Sonny Payne broadcasts King Biscuit Time, the longest running daily blues radio show in the United States, from a specially built radio studio inside. Don’t miss the gift shop, which is filled with great books and music.
Delta Gypsy Caravan
509 Cherry St., 870-816-6466
Gifts of every kind fill the cozily appointed and constantly changing Delta Gypsy Caravan. We love their huge selection of colorful purses and luggage, along with monogrammed gifts and housewares, barware, stationery and bath products from names like Elizabeth W. Locally made pottery is joined by chic serving pieces and crystal, creating a delightful mosaic of styles.
The Edwardian Inn
317 Biscoe, 870-338-9155, www.edwardianinn.com
Built in 1904, this 12-room inn was completely restored and opened as a bed and breakfast in 1983. Stellar hospitality in stunning historic surroundings is their specialty, as each room is beautifully appointed in antiques.
The Pillow-Thompson House
718 Perry St., 870-338-8535, www.pccua.edu/pillowthompson
Built in 1896 and designed by architect George Barber, the Pillow-Thompson house was donated to the Phillips Community College Foundation and went through an extensive restoration through a joint effort with the University of Arkansas in order to offer visitors a look at an unparalleled example of Queen Anne architecture. It’s open for tours Wednesday through Saturday and is available for event rentals as well.
River Road
115 Cherry St., 870-338-3003
Lunch and dinner are both a must at this elegant space, defined by its exposed brick walls and Helena-related memorabilia. Plate lunches are available daily, along with sandwiches and salads, with an extensive dinner menu and wine list in the evening.
Forrest City
Chez Weenie
624 E. Garland St., 870-633-8100, www.chez-weenie.com
With room after room of fun gifts and home décor inside a 100-year-old home, Chez Weenie has much to choose from, including James Hayes glass, holiday decorations, hand-made pottery, candles from The Thymes and Kobo, cookbooks and gourmet foods. During our visit, new additions were being made to their selection of handbags and wallets from Big Buddha and Hobo.
Mallards Grill
4478 Hwy. 70 W, 870-581-2545
Steaks are the specialty at this dinner spot, open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, but you’ll want to sample the burgers, salads and fish as well.
St. Francis County Museum
603 Front St., 870-261-1744, www.sfcmuseum.org
Located inside the Rush-Gates Home, the St. Francis County Museum preserves the rich history of eastern Arkansas. With exhibits on Crowley’s Ridge, agricultural history and Native American culture, the 7,000-square-foot home also contains historical photographs, fossils, documents and more.
Jonesboro
Camden & Co. Jewelers
2704 Alexander Dr., 870-932-6456, www.camdenandcompany.com
A great atmosphere starts at the door at Camden & Co., with its pink walls and leopard carpet. This vibrant setting can’t outshine the jewelry from names like Doris Panos, JB Star and Kwiat.
Enhancements
1903 Grant Ave., 870-972-8551, www.enhancementsboutique.com
You’ll be set from head to toe after just one visit to Enhancements, where you can browse apparel from Joseph Ribkoff and Karen Kane, jewelry and accessories, and cosmetics from Aveda, Borghese and Ahava.
J. Christopher Toys
2801 S. Caraway Rd., 870-933-8726, www.jchristophertoys.com
Filled with awesome toys for all ages, J. Christopher offers birthday and wish lists to make shopping even easier. From arts and crafts to cars and trucks to dolls and science labs, they have absolutely everything your kiddos crave.
Lower Deck & Cooking Now
1320 Stadium Blvd., 870-802-4040, 870-935-7171
Two great stores in one location offer the best for outfitting your home and kitchen in style. Home décor, china and silver are met with French Bull casual dishware, gourmet foods and coffees and top-notch cookware.
Pagan’s Jewelry
624 Southwest Dr., 870-932-6256, www.pagansjewelry.com
A trusted name since 1927, Pagan’s Jewelry offers beautiful diamonds from Hearts On Fire, custom-designed pieces, watches and much more, including luxurious gifts, all in an upscale setting.
Patty Cakes
2235 S. Caraway Rd., 870-932-3351
Dress your little ones in style with the latest looks from Patty Cakes, where they offer baby and children’s clothing in a number of exclusive lines.
Swank
3410 E. Johnson Ave., 870-336-1620
Cutting-edge style and pieces for every taste and budget, along with names like Bassett Furniture, are helping Swank stand out as the go-to furniture and accessories boutique.
Steamroller Blues
2614 E. Nettleton Ave., 870-935-9456
Stylish ladies of all ages will find just the thing at Steamroller Blues, whether it’s swimwear in the summer, adorable coats in the winter, or premium denim and chic shoes and accessories all year round.
Wenfield’s
600 Southwest Dr., 870-933-2019
Although you can find a wide variety of items at Wenfield’s, including crystal and china, beauty products by Caudalie and Niven Morgan, baby gifts and accessories, they’re all unified by their elegance and style and beautifully displayed in the store’s light and airy environment.
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