This exhibit is FREE to the public and will be on display during library hours Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm, starting Friday, March 20th, 2026, through Friday, April 10th, 2026.
"Architecture, Rust, Treasures" by Caprise Cooper and Evelyn Laurence
Artist Statement:
Architecture, Rust, Treasures (ART) is an exhibition that explores the wonders of nature and the hidden treasures found within the landscapes that connect us. This collection reflects a shared passion for discovering lost, weathered, reclaimed subjects and reimagining them as something new.
ART is a mother-and-daughter exhibition that celebrates the beauty hidden in our world, from forest finds to overlooked architectural details. Through a variety of compositions and subjects, the artists express a deep appreciation for history, transformation, and the stories objects and places hold over time.
The exhibition features imagery of old structures that have existed for generations, some of which once belonged to our own family. A series of works inspired by rusted vehicles began with a 1951 Mercury converted truck bed discovered on our homestead. The collection moves across pastel, pencil, ink, and acrylic, reflecting the richness and versatility of our artistic voices.
Representing the next generation is seven-year-old Bearrett Laurence, the third-generation descendant of the Cooper family. He will be exhibiting in this show with his third painting, marking the continuation of a family tradition rooted in creativity.
ART is a celebration of imagination, craftsmanship, and the special bond between mother, daughter, and grandson, illustrating how a love of art is passed down through generations. We hope this exhibition—and the stories behind it—leave you inspired, moved, and deeply touched.
Caprise Cooper's Bio
Art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. At 16, I began studying and collaborating with fellow artists at Studio in the Woods in Wauconda, Illinois. I obtained my Associate of Fine Arts from the College of Lake County, IL. After a 20-year pause to raise my family, I returned to my artistic path through further study at Mainstreet Art Center in Lake Zurich, IL.
Today, I live and create at my studio on Petit Jean Mountain in Arkansas. My work spans several mediums—soft pastel on professional sanded papers, mixed media (watercolor with pastel), and oil painting. Regardless of the medium, my focus remains on capturing light, mood, and the subtle beauty that can be found in nature.
I am a Signature Member and current President of the Arkansas Pastel Society (APS), a Signature Member of the Ozark Pastel Society (OPS), and a juried Associate Member of the Pastel Society of America (PSA).
I hope that each piece captures a fleeting moment—one that stirs emotion, sparks a memory, and draws you into a quiet conversation with the scene.
Caprise Cooper Art / Caprise Cooper Gallery of Original Fine Art
Evelyn Laurence's Bio
Evelyn is a versatile artist working across a range of mediums, including paints, watercolors, and ink, driven by a passion for creative expression. Balancing her roles as a wife, mother, BCBA, and doctoral student, she turns to art as a meaningful outlet for imagination. Inspired by her mother’s own artistic talents, Evelyn discovered her creative voice early on. This passion eventually led her to earn a degree in art from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.
Drawing inspiration from the comforts of her home and the beauty of nature, Evelyn immerses herself in the art of creation. Having lived in various states, from the heartland of the Midwest to the sunny shores of Florida, and now residing in the picturesque landscapes of Arkansas, each place has gifted her with new muses.
This is the secondary branch of the William F. Laman Public Library located in the heart of the Argenta Arts District of North Little Rock.
