Art in the Park Artist Interview: Brianna Mann

How do you describe the subject matter of your work?

Youthful and in tune with modern pop culture to an extent.

What mediums do you work with?

I try and vary my mediums, but pen and ink are my favorite.

What are you presently inspired by – are there particular things you are reading, listening to or looking at to fuel your work?

I’m inspired by everything around me – from conversations I have with my peers to something I watched on TV.

What do you hope your work will accomplish? How do you want people to be affected?

I hope my work conveys deeper social and political meaning than the sheer aesthetic of it all.

Besides your art practice, are you involved in any other kind of work? What are your hopes for life after Art Connection?

I hope to attend Savannah College of Art and Design and get a degree in Art and Business.

How has working with Art Connection affected your art?

It has made me a stronger and more creative artist.

How would you describe a “successful artist”?

All art is successful in its own way, and therefore so are all artists. One doesn’t need fame to achieve that.

Are there any artists you look to for inspiration?

I am inspired by artists in passing, but none in particular.

Do you have a motto you live by?

Try everything once. Better to live with an open mind than a closed one.BriannaMannPoppyMcCoy_2

Wildwood Park Announces New Trail and Dedication Ceremony on June 27

Wildwood Park for the Arts will dedicate a new trail on Saturday, June 27 at 10 am. The trail, named the Wild 40 Trail, is the product of a collaborative effort between the Central Arkansas Master Naturalists (CAMN), Central Arkansas Trail Alliance (CATA), and AmeriCorps NCCC team Earth 7. The 1.9-mile trail spans areas east of the Park’s Swan Lake. The hiking trail connects to Wildwood’s existing trail system, with its primary entrances marked with free-standing kiosks containing maps and ecological information. The interconnected trail system at Wildwood allows visitors to hop on or off trails at numerous points in order to get the length, scenery, and experience that they want.

The trail’s dedication ceremony will begin at 10 am on June 27 at the trailhead with remarks by Wildwood’s Executive Director Leslie Golden and by CAMN’s Bill Toland. A ribbon cutting and guided trail hike will follow.

The trail is the continuation of a multi-year collaboration between Wildwood Park and CAMN, that has included Wildwood’s annual Jr. Naturalist Spring Break Camp and Master Naturalist-led field trips that are available to school groups.

wild40-Trail-Map

Father’s Day Fishing – Sunday, June 21

Wildwood’s Swan Lake will be open for catch and release fishing on Sunday, June 21 from noon until 5pm.

This is the only day the lake is open for fishing. Guests are invited to bring their own fishing poles and bait. Drinks, snacks, and bait will be available for purchase.