As an adult, through twenty years of struggle to support his family of eight, Mark supplemented his art career by laboring in a number of occupations.

Included in the family’s adventures were several years spent in the Appalachian Mountains, where they lived in a home that Mark built with his own hands.  Throughout these years, Mark experimented with numerous artistic styles and various casting materials.  Each new experience in his life widened Mark’s view, tempered his spirit and honed his God-given skills.  Then, in 1988, Mark started a bronze foundry with a unique idea – he wanted to produce affordable bronze sculpture, to make it possible for more people to enjoy the art form that had become his passion.  By taking more control over both the casting and sales of his work, he felt he could achieve his dream

After making himself a master technician of the ancient lost wax process, Mark Hopkins found other talented craftsmen to join him in the creation of a bronze foundry.  While staying true to the lost wax method, the team also developed new highly efficient techniques.  Their innovative methods allowed them to create hot cast bronze for a fraction of the traditional cost.  This also gave Mark the freedom to work more creatively, making his designs some of the most spectacular and unique in the world.  Thus Mark Hopkins Sculpture was created.

The wide variety of subject matter in the line of Mark Hopkins Sculpture reflects Mark’s interest in nearly every imaginable aspect of life on this planet – from children, music and history; to wildlife of the land, sea and air.  Known for his use of ‘negative space,’ Mark often narrows the focus of his pieces to the faces and hands, which he feels are the most effective elements in expressing the very essence of his subject.  Mark’s extraordinary work continues to evolve, establishing a style that will have an honored place in the history of art.

Mark expresses his work this way:  “I strive to express beyond the image, to catch the spirit, to reveal deeper emotions, and, most importantly, to share joy.”

As a child, Eli loved to draw and from time to time, tried his hand at sculpting. One of his first sculptures, still a prized possession, is the profile of an African elephant, which his father cast into resin material for him. The satisfaction of designing, creating and producing this piece was etched permanently into Eli’s memory. After being home-schooled for most of his childhood, Eli started high school. While there, he further developed his artistic skills and creativity by cartooning for the high school newspaper and other local publications, as well as taking classes in architectural and mechanical drafting. He received several awards and much recognition during this time for his artistic abilities.

Throughout his youth and into adulthood, Eli, was surrounded by the creative process of sculpting and foundry casting. He worked long humid summer days at his father’s foundry and became familiar with the many facets of the world of bronze sculpture. As a young adult, he felt the desire to serve as a missionary for his church. While away for two years, his family relocated to Colorado where Eli, too, eventually moved. It was in Colorado that he met his beautiful wife and started his wonderful family.

At that time, Eli never intended or desired to continue in the sculpture or foundry business. His attention had been directed towards the professions of cartoonist and architect, all the while maintaining other various occupations. When his father, Mark, had need of a reliable apprentice within his established business, however, Eli was offered and accepted the position.

Ultimately, Eli’s position within the business quickly converted until he also took on the duties of marketing and business manager for Mark Hopkins Sculpture, Inc. It wasn’t long, however, before the creativity of his youth and the art in his blood began to reveal itself. Eli grew more and more eager to create his own sculpture.

While attending an art show in 2001, as Eli viewed the works of many other artists, he realized this was where his heart was, also. And thus it began – in 2002 Eli released his first bronze sculptures. His set of stylized horses was well received and gave Eli much attention from collectors and galleries, as well as many art publications.

Since that time, with his hard-earned knowledge and his father’s guidance, Eli has been able to move forward at a phenomenal rate in his sculpting and art career. His work is selling very successfully, and he has been rewarded with several corporate commissions, along with many articles and recognitions in prominent art publications and museums.

Although he has concentrated mainly on wildlife themes thus far, Eli has a wide range of interests, which are reflected in an expanding line of varied and unique art works.

Eureka Springs Flatiron 30x40

Though Tim Breaux is originally from Louisiana, he now finds inspiration in the natural beauty and rugged terrain of the Ozarks.  He lives and paints on his family farm in Rogersville, Missouri.   Local and regional scenes make up the collection that will debut when Tim joins us at 83 Spring Street Gallery on Saturday, October 8th.   He will be appearing from 1pm-4pm and again from 6pm-9pm for an evening reception. 

To learn about Tim and see more of his work click here.

While Tim Breaux is primarily a studio painter who focuses on midwest regionalism, he also devotes a large portion of his time painting plein air in Missouri, Arkansas, New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona. These forays to the mountains and deserts generally result in several western pieces each year.

No art is original – it is a copy or interpretation of the original work provided by the ultimate artist and creator, God. While I enjoy studying the work of other artist and their interpretation of nature I ultimately return to the original work created by God where I can smell the air and drink the water and be in His presence. He is the only teacher that can give us all we need; the material, inspiration and ability. I attend His workshop as often as I can.” … Tim Breaux

My early influences were John James Audubon and the Hudson River School. Over time I have developed a special appreciation for the style and technique of George Inness. While I am largely self taught I owe a special debt to John Pototschnik who continues to mold, mentor, and encourage me in the pursuit of this dream. ” … Tim Breaux

Tim lives and paints on his family farm in Rogersville, Missouri with his wife Nancy, daughter Ellie and son Carter.

Raymond Gibby grew up in the Southern California hills outside of Riverside. He spent most of his time outdoors, and creating the images that went along with the love of the outdoors: jack rabbits, cotton tails, and red tail hawks gliding on warm wind currents.

Although Raymond had very little Native American lineage, he was appreciative of the bravery, spirituality, romance, harmony, and freedom they represent. Thus, they became his subject matter too.

Raymond’s grandfather had a powerful effect in developing his love of art. Around the age of four, his grandfather, who was an accomplished oil painter, showed him his beautiful painting of a Utah landscape, with a buffalo grazing in the foreground. He knew he was destined to express his passion for the outdoors, wild life, and the old west, through art.

Raymond strives to include meaning, lessons, feelings, and emotions in each piece. His hope as an artist is to be able to continue to express his admiration for those things which lift our souls and help us understand the divinity in ourselves and in all of God’s creations.

Raymond says it best: “I strive to include meaning, lessons, feelings, and emotions in each piece. My hope as an artist is to be able to continue to express my admiration for those things which lift our souls, and help us understand the divinity in ourselves, and in all of God’s creations.

I create objects that I feel a connection to, and that others might relate to as well. I love when others can find elements of themselves in the things I create; whether in the majestic nobility of a Native American woman who has overcome the hardships of life, or in the whimsical golfer who has just missed the golf ball by at least a half of a foot!”

Buffalo Bill

You are invited to join us on Saturday, October 22nd when 83 Spring Street Gallery will have the privilege of debuting the newest pieces in Mark Hopkins’ western series.  Pictured to the left you see Buffalo Bill still in wax.  Buffalo Bill is the latest addition to join the likes of Doc Holliday, Wild Bill Hickok (Aces & Eights)  in Mark’s western collection.  Buffalo Bill is now casting and will be debuting on October 22nd.  We are now offering a special pre-cast price but the number is limited so call or email for details today!  

On the House

 In addition to Buffalo Bill, Mark decided to celebrate the other characters you might have encountered during the days of the Old West.  Think bartenders, barbers, outlaws and gamblers.  Pictured to the right, you see a sculpture he recently finished called On the House.  Look for this new collection to debut, along with Buffalo Bill.

Mark Hopkins will be on hand for signing and photos on Saturday, October 22nd.  Come and hear the stories behind the artwork from the artist himself!

Rose Cottage Oil on Linen

 If you have ever visited Eureka Springs and driven the historic loop, then you might have happened upon this landmark.  Known for their distinctive native stone exterior, the charming cottages at Rock Cottage Gardens have been there since the 1930′s. 

When Willis Miller was looking for some Eureka Springs scenes to paint, he  just couldn’t pass up the award winning garden setting and welcoming nature of the Rose Cottage at the Inn.

Coming soon will be a series of bronze sculptures just for the dog lover.  Mark Hopkins’ new Best Friend series will feature several different breeds of dogs.  Yorkshire Terrier, Pug, English Bulldog, Great Dane, Labrador and Golden Retriever will be the first to debut.  Each will be limited to an edition of 50 and will be finished in a traditional patina. 

If you don’t see your breed listed here, give us a call and we’ll talk to Mark about the possibility of sculpting your favorite dog.   For more information or to order one please don’t hesitate to call us toll-free or email us at sales@83springstreet.com. 

Allison attributes her love of horses to her Dad, Ron.  During summer camp in Arkansas, the two would attend Chuck Wagon Races, which Allison affectionately describes as “NASCAR for the 1800′s.”

Allison started creating her work in graphite, and it is still her preferred medium, stating that  “there is strong power in black and white pictures.”

At 18, Allison won her first ‘Best In Show’ juried award in Harrison, Arkansas.  Since then, she has won ‘Best Historical Piece’ at the American Plains Artist Show in Lincoln, Nebraska, and competes regularly at the Bosque Conservatory Art Classic in Texas.

At the age of 40 he was led to begin painting.  His first teacher, Janice Clark, was very instrumental in guiding him into the world of art.  Although he did not know her at the time, she observed some of his work in a frame shop.  She told the storeowner, “If he does not think he knows it all, I would like to teach him.”  From that point on she began instructing him without charge.  Around that time Janice was featured in a book entitled, “A Fine Age – CREATIVIY AS A KEY TO SUCCESSFUL AGING.”  Others whose artistic guidance he is thankful for are Jeff Legg, Todd Williams, Irving Shapiro, Margaret Ellerman, Stephan Kramar and Douglas Walton.

Willis is an Associate Member of Oil Painters of America, a Signature Member of Artists of NW Arkansas, a Signature Member of Mid-southern Watercolorists, a member of the Plein Air Painters of the Ozarks, and Artist Fellowship.

Willis says, “I feel so blessed to have been an artist for over 30 years.  Early in my training I was told to paint shapes and not things, and that is true to a point.  Artists are also taught to paint warm against cool, dark against light, rough against smooth and so many, many other things concerning principles and elements of design.  With so many thoughts and tools, I feel driven to express different things in different ways.  Therefore, for me, my work must be to create with feeling and thought rather than developing style.  Our God is an awesome Creator.  To express joy in His gift is enough.”