In May of 2014 we partnered with Springdale Parks and Recreation to field submissions for two blank walls at the Springdale Aquatic Center to be painted by a local artist. We received over 20 fantastic submissions for our jury to choose from and a generous sponsorship from Arvest Bank to pay the artist. We ultimately chose this fantastic, colorful aquatic scene by artist Emily Chase.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I wanted to design a mural that would enhance the fun and exciting atmosphere of the Springdale Aquatic Center. I remember that one of the best things about being a kid was imagining myself on fantastical adventures. With this in mind, I designed an image which is colorful and whimsical, with different types of sea creatures swimming under the path of a little ship as it voyages across the wide sea. Imagination and playfulness are so much a part of having fun at a place like the Springdale Aquatic Center and I want my mural to add to that experience.
BIO
Emily Chase is originally from New York State but has lived a little bit of everywhere. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from the University of Arkansas in 2013. In April of that year she was selected as one of the 2013 Windgate Fellows by the Center for Craft Creativity and Design for her work creating sculptural garments from paper. She also received a variety of other scholarships and grants, including the Blanche Elliot Award, the University of Arkansas Toller’s Fellowship, and a scholarship to attend Penland School of Craft in North Carolina. Her work has been exhibited in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New York state, and she has an upcoming show at Living Arts of Tulsa in June 2015. She currently lives and works in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Click here to visit Emily Chase’s website!
Proudly sponsored by Arvest Bank of Springdale!
