Hot Springs artist Richard Stephens returns to the South Arkansas Arts Center galleries with an exhibit of new works. The exhibit entitled "Richard Stephens Watercolors" will be on display in the Merkle and Price Galleries January 7 – February 3. A reception honoring the artist will be hosted on the closing day of the exhibit, Thursday, February 3 from 5:30-7:00pm. Having been introduced to the medium in college, Stephens re-discovered transparent watercolor in the early 90’s. He quickly garnered a reputation nation-wide for his confident, loose, impressionistic paintings. His works have won awards in numerous national competitions, and he has earned signature member status in several major watercolor societies. For the past 22 years Stephens has shared his passion for the medium by conducting painting workshops around the country. "First let me say I am very honored to be showing at The South Arkansas Arts Center. The gallery space is wonderful and the staff is extremely helpful and professional. In this One-Man Show titled Richard Stephens Watercolors, I have included some current work along with a few of my favorite, older paintings that I have hung on to because they are special to me for reasons of subject matter or what they represent to me in terms of watercolor technique. I have also tried to present a variety of subjects and techniques to engage, entertain and inform the viewer as to the range and possibilities this wonderful medium of watercolor offers to both the artist and the viewer." – Richard Stephens