Maumelle’s MacPhee and Photorealism in Cut Paper
Cap and Gown rundown; Education News and Notes; Quack! State tournaments start Thursday plus sports and headlines
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MEETINGS: The North Little Rock City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall.
EVENTS: State tournaments start on Thursday and keep scrolling for more.
The future is now
Greetings from the future! You’ll love it, there’s finally flying cars.
Anyway, this is a scheduled post written in Arkansas while vacation is underway in Europe.
A sincere thanks to the readers who made restaurant and things to do recommendations. They were helpful and, in fact, a nighttime cruise down the Seine does sound lovely and tickets have been purchased.
Because buying tickets with timed entry and restaurant reservations are really a must do.
Hopefully, a Letter from Paris with some pictures will follow later this week because why not and it will get me that elusive foreign dateline.
A dateline, for those unfamiliar, is the location of where an article was written and usually styled in all-caps, so it would be like “PARIS – “ and then the text of the story would follow.
In the you don’t know what you don’t know category a previous article mentioned getting e-Sims for our phones from Sally and that turned out not to be a good plan.
So, thanks AT&T. If you’re making payments on that shiny new iPhone, and both phones are on payment plans, then they’re considered “locked” and an e-Sim can’t be installed. The phone has to be “unlocked” or paid off, for them to work. Instead, it will be the much more expensive international day pass, $18 a day for two phones.
Sigh.
And given the day’s news of a new Pope being named. We will miss out on the ringing of the bells of Notre Dame. It is, reportedly, an Earth-shaking and extremely rare event when all of the bells are rung there.
We still might catch some of the reaction to Pope Leo XIV and that would be very cool.
Cap and Gown rundown
For some, May means flowers, as they follow those April showers, but for others, it means graduation time as both high schools and colleges will be having their commencement ceremonies this month.
First up is Maumelle Charter High School as graduation will be held at 6:30 p.m. this Friday, May 16 at the school. The last day of school is also that Friday.
Central Arkansas Christian closely follows with graduation, also at the school, this Sunday, May 18. The ceremony will start at 2 p.m. The last day of school on Friday, May 23.
Maumelle High School will have graduation at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 24 at UALR”s Jack Stephens Center. Maumelle’s graduation is one of four being held that day with the schedule as follows:
8 a.m. Sylvan Hills High School (90-minute ceremony)
11 a.m. Mills University Studies High School (one-hour ceremony.)
1:30 p.m. Maumelle High School (90-minute ceremony)
4:30 p.m. Robinson High School (one-hour ceremony)
North Little Rock High School will be graduating on Tuesday, May 27, The ceremony will also be at the Jack Stephens Center and will start at 6 p.m. Graduating seniors are limited to eight tickets for family and friends.
That last day of school is Friday, May 30.
Maumelle’s MacPhee and Photorealism in Cut Paper
Maumelle’s David MacPhee, below, was recently named a new member of the Arkansas Craft Guild.
MacPhee’s chosen medium is Paper Paintings and is considered truly unique.
His unusual art form in mixed media is self-taught, founding his company in 1983 but then again, so is his background as he has a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Virginia and his day job was being a design engineer at Arkansas Nuclear One in Russellville.
“I am a photorealistic artist in cut paper, and kind of obsessed with color, light and definition. I have been working with cut paper and doing photography since my college days.” He took an art history course at Virginia where he was exposed to influential artists including Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Indiana, Frank Stella, Andy Warhol, and the Op Artists.
"I started as an acrylic painter, working in the defined style of Frank Stella in his geometric period.” Papergraphics Paper Paintings are all hand-made, start to finish with hand tools. I started making cut paper creations out of thick poster board paper (card stock). At an art supplies store in Little Rock I discovered the wide variety of colored art papers by Canson Mi-Teintes and Crescent. This delighted and motivated me to create. I invented my engineered process to make these layered paper paintings, using original templates and menus of colors, and I was off to the races, as these new materials were much easier to cut than card stock with an X-Acto knife. Unlike a two-dimensional painting, my method of painting with paper results in a rise into the third dimension since I layer my paper to match the contours of my subject. I like to control the shades of my paint, (paper in my case) which is easier to do than with brush painting. The colorants on paper may be watercolor markers, Berol sticks, India ink, pastels, or others. They are applied with a makeup sponge or rubbed on. Since I am a Mechanical engineer, I use an engineered process for my work. The craftsmanship is in the execution.”
MacPhee sold some of his early works through the Heights Gallery in Little Rock. He also participated in the Arkansas Arts Craft and Design Fair for three years. “Tulips at 7700” and “Harvest House, Eureka Springs” won two dimensional awards at two shows. MacPhee’s Papergraphic titled “AFCO,” which depicts the tree topping ceremony at the Capitol Tower circa 1987 was chosen for the Governors Exhibition, purchased by Joe Brown, CEO of AFCO Steel.
MacPhee has made over 60 Papergraphics Paper Paintings. His works in paper translate well to prints, where the defined lines allow for large reproductions in print. Original works include large, medium, and small framed Papergraphics, 5 x 7 original cut paper Christmas cards, and commissioned pieces. When he retired in 2020, he started making large artwork again. He is currently working on a commissioned dog portrait, while setting up new equipment to upgrade studio processes.
Born in Ontario, spent his early years in Washington state before moving to Arkansas in the 1960s and went to middle school and high school at Lakeside in Hot Springs. He also worked at the Bauxite mines before going to the nuclear plant.
His work is for sale now in the Arkansas Craft Gallery, 104 E Main, downtown Mountain View. After acceptance for membership, Guild members are pictured on the artist roster and featured in a blog on www.arkansascraftguild.org.
The Guild has four Facebook pages to publicize two crafts shows they organize, @christmasshowcase, and @artisansmarketonthesquare, another page to promote the @arkansascraftgallery, and news site for members @arkansascraftguildmembership.
To become a member, three jury periods are open April 1, Oct. 1, and during Christmas Showcase in Little Rock Dec. 5-7 for those who’ve already been accepted to set up their booth. More information on the application process and requirements can be found at the website. Membership in the Guild is limited to Arkansas residents, founded as a cooperative in 1962.
Sales Website: https://www.papergraphicspaperpaintings.com
Papergraphics on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/papergraphicspaperpaintings
Education News
Tozer takes next steps in design career
Charla Tozer will be graduating on May 17, wrapping up her journey here at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She will be earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design, along with a technical certificate in graphic design.
Originally from McRae, Tozer moved to North Little Rock four years ago for school. She chose UA Little Rock because it was close to home and had a strong art and design program. She was not sure what she wanted to do career-wise until she came to UA Little Rock.
"I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do in life until I applied here, but the opportunities I've had, especially through my job in the Office of Communications and Marketing, made it clear that I was in the right place," she said.
Tozer has been involved in a multitude of campus organizations and activities. She was part of a graphic design assistantship called "Design Squad" at the Windgate Center of Art and Design, where she collaborated with other design students on different projects. The Design Squad was led by her favorite professor, Kevin Cates.
"He's been incredibly supportive, and I've learned so much from him," she said.
Her job in Communications and Marketing has given her incredible opportunities and has been impactful in her growth as a graphic designer. Two people she points out are the graphic designers in the Marketing and Communications department, Muriel Schrepfer and Klansee Tozer.
"They taught me the foundational skills I needed when starting out as a graphic designer, and I'm grateful for all their guidance," she said
One of Tozer's favorite college memories was volunteering on campus and participating in sustainability events.
"I loved seeing all the booths, engaging with the community, and contributing to something meaningful through volunteering," she said.
Tozer's involvement with campus life has prepared her to take the next steps into a career post-graduation. Her dream career is to work in t-shirt design and illustration, and she is excited to utilize the skills she learned at UA Little Rock with a full-time graphic design job.
The experience and connections she gained through the organizations on campus were valuable, and she encourages future students to get involved.
"Take advantage of every opportunity to gain experience, whether through internships, competitions, freelance work, or even workshops," Tozer said. "Don't be afraid to ask for feedback. Constructive criticism helps you grow. And most importantly, don't just go to school. Work hard for your future degree!"
Felty honored by Southeast Regional Model Arab League
A group of UA Little Rock students won multiple awards while competing in the Southeast Regional Model Arab League (SERMAL) at Converse University in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Model Arab League (MAL) is a diplomacy and policy simulation where students take on the roles of diplomats representing different Arab League countries. They engage in debates, draft resolutions, and collaborate on solutions to real-world issues affecting the Middle East.
Carlee Felty, a political science major from Sherwood, earned an Honorable Mention Award in her first-ever MAL competition.
"My experience at SERMAL was truly amazing," Felty said. "At first, Model Arab League intimidated me because I had never taken a single debate class and wasn't very educated on the Middle East. However, I have learned so much from my peers and have grown as a debater. Not only are you able to grow personally, culturally, and politically, but you are able to build such a beautiful community within the Model Arab League."
Sports
State tournaments are here for North of the River schools
Spring fling has flung as state tournaments are soon to be underway for the state’s high schools.
Spring sports include baseball, softball, soccer and while brackets haven’t been set, as of this writing, links to updated brackets are below.
Maumelle Charter is hosting the state soccer tournaments for 3A while North Little Rock is hosting the 6A baseball state tournament.
The state tournaments start Thursday, May 15 and will continue at the sites below through the semifinals with the state championships to be held at UCA the following weekend.
Baseball
Boys soccer
Girls soccer
Softball
High school baseball, softball state finals to air on Arkansas PBS
Arkansas PBS will again broadcast the Class 6A-1A Centennial Bank High School Baseball and Softball State Finals live from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway beginning Thursday, May 22, in partnership with the Arkansas Activities Association.
Games will be broadcast statewide over the air, on cable and on satellite on Arkansas PBS’s primary channel live and will also be available to watch at myarpbs.org/watchsports.
The schedule is:
Game 1, softball – Thursday, May 22, at 10 a.m.
Game 2, baseball – Thursday, May 22, at 1 p.m.
Game 3, softball – Thursday, May 22, at 4 p.m.
Game 4, baseball – Thursday, May 22, at 7 p.m.
Game 5, baseball – Friday, May 23, at 10 a.m.
Game 6, softball – Friday, May 23, at 1 p.m.
Game 7, baseball – Friday, May 23, at 4 p.m.
Game 8, softball – Friday, May 23, at 7 p.m.
Game 9, softball – Saturday, May 24, at 10 a.m.
Game 10, baseball – Saturday, May 24, at 1 p.m.
Game 11, softball – Saturday, May 24, at 4 p.m.
Game 12, baseball – Saturday, May 24, at 7 p.m.
Stats from the baseball and softball games will be available at aaa.statbroadcast.com.
Photos from the games will be available for free download at myarpbs.org/photos.
Funding for AR PBS Sports is provided by the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, UAMS, Image One and Winrock Automotive.
Arkansas PBS also recognizes AAA’s sponsors for the state high school baseball and softball finals, including Centennial Bank, Everett Buick GMC, Summerwood Sports, Air National Guard, Wendy’s and Arkansas Farm Bureau.
Kwame Brathwaite: The 1970s now open at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts recently announced that Kwame Brathwaite: The 1970s, is on view now through Oct. 12.
Photographer Kwame Brathwaite, who died in 2023, created the visual overture for the Black is Beautiful Movement in the late 50s and early 60s. This intimate exhibition will highlight 16 of the artist’s independent studio works created during the 1970s. Working with The Kwame Brathwaite Archive, AMFA proudly announces that the exhibition features three never-before-seen images.
The newly released images include portraits of model and designer Carolee Prince, singer and songwriter Teddy Pendergrass, and a striking group shot of four models against a purple background.
The exhibition, Kwame Brathwaite: The 1970s, shows a more experimental and expressive side of Brathwaite’s photography —one where color, composition, and cultural storytelling take center stage.
Upcoming events
Guided Tours: Museum guests can enjoy a free, docent-led tour of Kwame Brathwaite: The 1970s. Guided tours are offered on June 21, and July 26, at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are free, and registration is recommended at events.arkmfa.org.
Pine Bluff Through the Lens with Michael Grice: On June 18, Michael Grice, the son of ‘Arkansas’s most prolific photographer’ Geleve Grice, will delve into his father’s legacy of documenting Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
A Legacy of Images: Art Talk with Kwame Brathwaite Jr.: On July 31, the artist’s son, Kwame Brathwaite, Jr., will offer a unique and personal perspective on Brathwaite’s work and legacy.
Upcoming Travs games
At Wichita, Now through May 18
At Northwest Arkansas, May 20-25
San Antonio Missions, six-game homestand
Tuesday, May 27, 6:35 p.m.
Dog Day: Human fans can get $3 Berm tickets by bringing their dog to the game (only available at DSP Box Office). NOTE: Dogs are only allowed in the Berm areas | Presented By Hollywood Feed
Wednesday, May 28, 6:35 p.m.
Dog Day: Human fans can get $3 Berm tickets by bringing their dog to the game (only available at DSP Box Office). NOTE: Dogs are only allowed in the Berm areas | Presented By Hollywood Feed
Thursday, May 29, 6:35 p.m.
Operation: Military Appreciation: $3 Thursday, Enjoy $3 Beer Garden Tickets and select Concessions deals!
Fiesta de Diamantes: The Travs will take the field as the Diamantes de Arkansas in salute of Hispanic Heritage! | Presented By Modelo Especial
Friday, May 30, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks Friday - Mashup Madness: End your week at DSP with a BANG!
Saturday, May 31, 6:05 p.m.
Faith & Family Night: The perfect night for a church (or gymnastics) group outing! Come enjoy a pre-game talk with Olympian and Razorbacks Gymnastics coach Jordyn Wieber, above, who will also be available during the game to meet & greet with fans. | Presented By Hickingbotham Investments
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game! | Presented By First Community Bank
Sunday, June 1, 1:35 p.m.
Operation: Military Appreciation: Service Members get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a Military ID (only available at DSP Box Office) | Presented By Mid-South Ford Dealers
Kids Baseball Clinic: Kids 13 and under are invited to join Travs players on field for a baseball clinic starting at noon!
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game! | Presented By First Community Bank
At Corpus Christi, June 3-8
Health
Pandemic deaths unknown
The state Department of Health didn’t update the state’s dashboard this week, again, and deaths still total 532 for the past year. There’s no tab created for 2025 either and the virus has now killed 14,162 Arkansans since the pandemic began then. That would mean the pandemic death toll has now passed Marion’s 13,635 people, the state’s 29th largest city.
Covid toolkit
There’s now a one-stop shop to learn about vaccination sites and other Covid related information. Click here to learn more.
If you don’t want to get sick and die, there’s some things you can do:
Get vaccinated
Get boosted
Wear a mask
Avoid crowds