Local artist brings lavender theme to gallery | Arts & Culture

HOT SPRINGS, Ark (KTHV) -- Lavender: the beautiful herb whose flowery aroma evokes a sense of peace, comfort and healing. The lovely plant has been used for centuries in teas, oils, perfumes, and more. Its brilliant violet hues are recognizable to anyone, the scent unforgettable.

It is not surprising, then, that Arkansas artist Alison Parsons would choose the lavender herb as the inspiration for her next series of paintings. Already inspired daily by plants in the Natural State and tropical flora from her residence in Seychelles, Parsons jumped at the chance to add lavender herbs to her repertoire of beautiful flower paintings.

She was recently invited by the Lavender Association of Western Colorado to paint the fields as the flowers bloomed in the mountains. The plein air method of painting allowed her to be immersed in the purple landscapes while she painted in the summery Colorado mountains. Complementing the lavender fields were the cherry orchards and vineyards in the surroundings, creating the perfect artistic atmosphere.

Lavender bunches are used to flavor foods, serve as decorations, perfume the body, and are a vital ingredient in potpourris, lotions, and soaps. To bring the lavender experience back to Hot Springs, Alison Parsons and the Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium are teaming up for the August 2011 Gallery Walk.  Her brand-new gorgeous paintings will be shown alongside handmade soaps for the ultimate fragrant experience. To refresh the taste buds, Carol Scholp (also known as the Lady of the Lake) will be serving lavender cookies and lavender-infused lemonade. Additionally, local artist Lori Arnold will be exhibiting exquisite sculptures that echo the beauty of the freshly dried lavender bunches on display, straight from Sage Creations Organic Lavender Farm in Palisade, Colorado. Viewers will find themselves as lost in the fields of lavender as Alison herself was in majestic Colorado.

Opening Reception will be Friday August 5 from 5 pm to 9 pm.  Show runs thru August 31.  Alison Parsons Gallery, 802 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas, 501 625-3001, www.alisonparsons.com, and on Facebook: Alison Parsons Gallery