Lap of Luxury, Fresh Ideas 2023 Winner Ariel Bowman exhibition

Presented by the Visual Art League of Lewisville
Aug. 17 - Sept. 14

Lap of Luxury places prehistoric mammals within the context of human history as Rococo lap dogs. In the 18th century, lap dogs were a status symbol among the aristocracy, spoiled by royals, who made them a part of their daily social spectacles. This exhibition explores the impact humans have had on animals through breeding and domestication, compared with the marvels of natural selection. Though not related to canines, each prehistoric creature on display was chosen for their familiar dog-like features or unexpected small stature.

As a sculptor, Dallas-based artist Ariel Bowman works in clay using a variety of mixed media techniques. Ariel earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in ceramics from the Kansas City Art Institute in 2011, and an Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Florida in 2018. Ariel has been an artist in residence at the Armory Art Center and her work has been collected by the Belger Arts Center, the Florida Museum of Natural History, and the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts.

Ariel is the winner of the Visual Art League of Lewisville’s Fresh Ideas 2023 exhibition. This juried art exhibit highlights works by talented artists from across Dallas/Fort Worth and other areas of Texas, with the first place winner being featured in a solo exhibition the following year.

There will be an opening reception held on Saturday, Aug. 17, 7-9 p.m.

The exhibition will be available for display in the Art Gallery from Saturday, Aug. 17 - Saturday, Sept. 14. Gallery hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and during public events at The Grand.

The Grand is Lewisville's home for the arts. It presents a variety of regional and national touring performers, art exhibits, and classes, while also giving the many arts groups in the greater Lewisville area a facility to perform and display their works. Its multiple performance spaces play host to a variety of events, including live music, theater, dance performances, comedy shows, and more. The center features the 294-seat Huffines Performance Hall, black box theater, recital hall, art gallery, and courtyard.

To reach the Grand from I-35E, take exit 452 and proceed east on Main Street to Charles Street. The Grand will be on the left. Free public parking is available along Main and Church streets, or at Lewisville City Hall.

For details about upcoming events, or rental information for the facility, please visit LewisvilleGrand.com or call 972.219.8446.