A prestigious art exhibition featuring the creations of celebrated Mississippi artist Walter Inglis Anderson is set to captivate audiences at the South Arkansas Arts Center. Titled "The South’s Most Elusive Artist," this traveling showcase will run from May 16 to July 30, offering the public a rare opportunity to explore Anderson's diverse artistic talents. Organized by a diligent planning committee and drawn from the collections of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art (WAMA), this event promises to introduce a fresh audience to Anderson's iconic works while unveiling pieces never before exhibited outside Mississippi.

This remarkable exhibition has been meticulously planned by a team including Visual Arts Committee chair Katherine McDonald, former executive director Beth Burns, current board member Paul Burns, former board president Gay Bechtelheimer, executive director Laura Allen, and assistant executive director John Lowery. The galleries at SAAC will be open free of charge during regular business hours, allowing visitors ample time to immerse themselves in Anderson's unique vision. Known for his versatility across mediums such as watercolors, block prints, ceramics, and sketches, Anderson's work resonates deeply with both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.

Anderson's influence extends beyond Mississippi, reaching into Arkansas where his art has long been cherished by patrons in El Dorado. This latest presentation offers an exciting chance to engage a new generation with the enigmatic charm of his creations. Bechtelheimer, who first encountered Anderson's work as a teenager, expresses her enduring fascination with his artistry and emphasizes the importance of seizing this unprecedented opportunity.

The exhibit draws extensively from WAMA's Permanent Collection and the Estate of Walter Anderson, showcasing rarely seen masterpieces alongside some of his most famous works. According to Julian Rankin, Executive Director of WAMA, Anderson defies conventional categorization due to his exceptional skill across various art forms. Born in New Orleans in 1903, Anderson spent much of his life in Ocean Springs, where he honed his craft after receiving classical training at esteemed institutions like the New York School of Fine and Applied Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

Starting May 16, art enthusiasts can experience this extraordinary collection firsthand at the South Arkansas Arts Center located at 110 East Fifth Street in El Dorado, Arkansas. Visitors are encouraged to contact SAAC for further details or to arrange guided tours tailored for schools or special groups.