In our August 2025 issue’s “Trendsetters” section, we asked Arkansas designers to share some of their favorite names in the local art scene. Here are the artists currently inspiring the state’s interior designers

Flora Saldivar in her home studio

“We have fallen in love with the work of local artist Flora Saldivar, a Mexican-American abstract painter. We love how she uses vibrant colors and movement. The soft edges of her ‘bleeding colors’ technique bring an approachability to her abstract visuals. We find her work very easy to incorporate into a variety of spaces and designs.” —Krista Couch and Heidi Burks, KH Collaborative

“Velesero! I’m loving his pieces right now. We have several of his in the store, and I’d take one home right now if I could! I love the luminescence of the silver leaf that comes through and the subject matter.” —Casey Sarkin, Casey Sarkin Design

“I’m a big fan of Leah Pollock’s ceramic sculptures—they have an otherworldly elegance to them that feels organic and rooted to the earth. I’ve visited her studio in Bella Vista, know her personally, and love to support her work.” —Betsy Soos, Proximity Interior Design

“William McNamara. I am a big fan of watercolor, and his Buffalo River paintings are amazing!  —Stacy Sheid Epps, Stacy Sheid Interiors

Abstract flower painting by Zac Woodiel. Design by Providence Design

“Zac Woodiel, of course! I love his art (which can be purchased at Providence), but not only is Zac a talented artist, he’s impossible not to love as a person.” —Kimberly Mannis, Providence Design

“There are so many fantastic Arkansas artists! Among my faves are Katherine Strause, Catherine Rodgers, Bryan Frazier, Sharon Simmons, Milkdadd, Lisa Krannichfeld, Patrick Phillips, and Barry Thomas—I could never select just one! They all have different styles, different vibes, different mediums, and all create pieces with soul.” —Mara Malcolm, Lamb’s Interior Design

Art by Lori DeYmaz. Design by Art of Design

“Lori DeYmaz is an incredibly gifted artist who we are always proud to work with. Her pieces instantly bring happiness and dimension into any room. I also love any work that Barry Thomas creates. His paintings bring the beauty of Arkansas into the home to enjoy every day.” —Paula Storey, Design1

“Joëlle Storet of Fayetteville. I’m in awe of her mural featuring Fayetteville landmarks and historical figures along Nelson Hackett Boulevard.” —Andrea Cornwell, iSpace Designers

“I have been working with Harrington & Meyers Woodworking on some special custom pieces for my projects, and those guys blow me away every time. Their attention to detail and dedication to their craft is inspiring.” —Marianna O’Dea, O’Dea Studios Interior Design

Art by Ashley Saer. Design by B. Interiors

“I love Ashley Saer. She does great watercolors and house paintings; plus, her colors are amazing.” —Chandler Bailey, B. Interiors

“With the growth of Northwest Arkansas and the new Walmart campus, there is an ever-evolving array of murals, sculpture and local boutique galleries popping all over the area—we can’t name just one! But we are inspired by and love how unique each one of the artist’s styles are.” —Mary Beth Williams, Warrior Designs

“Sean Shrum. We love his work and have used it in several of our favorite projects.” —Kimberly Harper, Harper Howey Interiors

Lisa Krannichfeld in her studio

“Lisa Krannichfeld is an artist that we have admired for a long time. We love the combinations of color and pattern she uses with her subject matter. We love that her artwork empowers women and creates beauty on bland spans of building facades; her art brings life with vibrancy.” —Stacey Breezel, Shine Interior Design Studio

“Arden Boyce is an artist from my hometown that I’ve always loved and followed. It’s been a joy to incorporate her artwork into our interior designs. Her soft brush strokes, vibrant color palette and subject matter transform you to a memorable place and time.” —Natalie Biles, Shine Interior Design Studio

Art by Barry Thomas. Design by Bear Hill Interiors

“Buddy Whitlock. He’s a local boy (from Des Arc!) and really a hard worker and so talented. I have his very first piece of art. I also love Barry Thomas because of his ability to capture the outdoors.” —Paul Guess, Guess & Company 

“Jeff McKay. We love his use of color in his pieces, and being in The Natural State, we love how he highlights the outdoors and brings them to life!” —Studio West Interiors

“Ellen Hobgood! I have loved her from the start. Everyone should have one of her ‘Santa Claus’ paintings in their home. After all, a Santa hanging in your home brings you luck!” —Dana Parker-Gilbert, Simply Charming Window Works

Tanya Sweetin with a piece of her art

“I have a couple: Emily Cobb and Tanya Sweetin. They both do fantastic work. They have timeless art.” —Miguel Newberg, M.N’Teriors

“My favorite Arkansas artist would have to be Andrew Bruckman. I admire his knowledge of art and the complexity of his work. He paints with such depth and emotion.” —Jayson Cain, Jayson Cain Interiors

“Mark Jackson at Velesero. We are really drawn to Mark’s photography of seemingly ordinary life experiences yet the layers he applies to the photograph stop you in your tracks.  One cannot simply glance and move on; you are drawn into the piece.  Seeking and recognizing beauty in our immediate surroundings is essentially what our entire ethos is at Lefler Teeter Designs and Mark’s work envelopes that for us.”  —Meghan Teeter and Erin Lefler, Lefler Teeter Designs 

“There are so many wonderful local artists, but one of my favorites is Heike Talbert. Her artwork instantly elevates a room.” —Lisa Stagg, LJ Interiors