UCA celebrates the legacy of artist Gene Hatfield
CONWAY – The University of Central Arkansas’s Division of Outreach and Community Engagement will host the “Travelin’ Man” art exhibit at UCA Downtown, located at 1105 W. Oak St. in downtown Conway, through Aug. 30. An opening reception honoring artist Gene Hatfield will be held 5-7 p.m. Aug. 23 at UCA Downtown.
Hatfield, who lived from 1925 to 2017, was a prolific artist, educator and decorated veteran who was also featured in AETN’s “Arkansas Men and Women of Distinction” documentary series. As a native of Conway, UCA alumnus and Department of Art Professor Emeritus Gene Hatfield created a collection of multimedia collages, paintings and sculptures. This exhibit features paintings of American scenes from his personal collection that have rarely been displayed.
It is estimated that Hatfield created more than 2,000 pieces of art during his lifetime, much of which was temporary by nature. But what remains of his life’s work is enjoyed by those who knew and loved him as much as his artwork. Hatfield’s art is represented in public and private collections in France; England; Washington, D.C.; New York City; Little Rock and Conway. He donated a large body of his work to the UCA Foundation.
Some artworks from the “Travelin’ Man” exhibit are for sale. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Gene Hatfield Art Scholarship and the Nicole Wable-Hatfield International Studies Scholarship, both available through the UCA Foundation.
The gallery at UCA Downtown is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m., unless closed for a private event. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.
For more information, visit uca.edu/downtown.
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