| Marshall News Messenger
An artistic attraction
Downtown Marshall gets lively wallscape
Posted: Saturday, August 21, 2010 11:48 am - Terri Richardson
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"We offer special thanks to Dennis O'Bryant for his outstanding work, for his generosity and for working with the CVB on this project," said Arend. "We look forward to working with Dennis and many other visual artists in the future."
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excerpt from: 2003-10-21 Shreveport Times - Review Of Current Works by Joann Harris
The sculptures could be a show all unto themselves. Here, he has composed a series of man-size stand alone pieces using a
wide variety of stock steel componets. Easily recognizable are sections of pipes in various sizes, angle iron, I-beams, welding
rods and squares. Other elements of obvious industrial origin feature a series of uniform round openings. All are rather substantial in size and similar in shape. There are nuts or bolts or other small bits here.
The compositions of these pieces almost always involves a question of balance. Pieces seem to teeter precariously although
firmly and immovably afficed to one another. The techniques of counterbalance and cantilever give these pieces a sense of
movement, perhaps even of purpose, as though they were merely pausing before going about their business.
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2005-12-1 Shreveport Times article by Jennifer Flowers
Exhibit: The female form takes shape
O'Bryant describes his images as a cross between the styles of Paul Gaugain, a French impressionist and Andy Warhol, an American pop artist.
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2006-5-9 Marshall News Messenger article by Bridgette R. Outten
Evolution of Art - Local artist's work fills last minute void at Marshall Visual Art Center.
O'Bryant said, explaining he keeps inventory of his work on the advice of well known painter and friend, the late Clyde Connell. "So that's a critical element."
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2008-4-26 Minden Press Herald
Dennis O'Bryant, featured artist at this year's Spring Arts Festival, sculpts a clay bust Saturday morning to the delight of onlookers. O'Bryant's display featured several "raku" clay pieces, which means the artist used an ancient process to fire the works of art. O'Bryant's work is currently on exhibit at Easley's Fine Art on Main Street. The show will continue throughout the month of May.
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Marshall News Messenger
Ingenious talents
Local artists strive to gain attention of Marshallites
By Sandra Cason, News Messenger
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Despite its small town size, Marshall offers big time opportunities for artists and those who admire their works, says Lou Violette. Dennis O'Bryant agrees in part. He recently was a featured artist at the Cultural Crossroads Spring Arts Festival in Minden, LA., and the not-for-profit arts agency purchased his steel sculpture entitled, Let Go. A graphic artist by trade, O'Bryant has produced paintings, clay and steel pieces. "We have an excellent art community," O'Bryant said of local talent.
"And I think our neighboring cities are a tad bit envious that we have facilities like the Marshall Visual Art Center and the Michelson Museum next door to each other in the downtown corridor. Susan Spears does a good job at the Michelson and Brooks Little has done an equally good job at the center. "I'm glad I have my home base here. I think it's going to be up to the tourism promotion group to suggest ways to bring in more out of town patrons. Of course, we would want outside recognition. We want people to come here because we need their support." Given the community's economic composition, O'Bryant said it is to be expected that there is not a "high focus" on art, but he added: "We do pretty good. Sure, it could be better, but it could be worse too." O'Bryant's steel sculptures may be seen in the yard of his home and studio at 707 E. Burleson St. and photographs of his artistic endeavors may be viewed on his Web site, http://www.denoart.com/.
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Marshall News Messenger
Caddo Lake Art on Display
By Terri Hahn, News Messenger
Monday, February 22, 2010
With water-loving cypress trees bearing long sleeves of sleepy Spanish moss, sleek white egrets and startling sunsets, Caddo Lake's obvious charms call out to the souls of artists both near and far. The Marshall Visual Art Center, 208 E. Burleson St., is hosting a show featuring Caddo Lake images in paint, mixed media and pottery through April 16 by artists enchanted with the lakes mysteries and its simple but unique nature.
"The artists are from the region, and we are holding it in part to bring focus to the beauty of Caddo Lake and the sensitivity of the ecosystems and environment there," said Brooks Little, director. Included in the local artist lineup are Kay Clement, Doug Heard, Christian Seidler, JoAnne Imhof, Robert Harris, Sally Martin, Christine Chandler and Dennis O'Bryant.
Ms. Martin's watercolor and mixed media pieces depict a magical Caddo Lake with happy water lilies. "It's my ocean," she said.
"Wherever I have lived, whatever body of water I live near is my ocean. The cypress knees and moss that hangs down depicts mystery." Ms. Chandler feels she is in good company at the MVAC show for the beloved lake. She has pieces inspired by rain on the lake, its different moods and perspectives. "You wouldn't think there would be so many looks, but everybody sees it differently. Everyone has a different take on it," said Ms. Chandler. "I think everything in this exhibit is fantastic and so different."
A reception will not be held in conjunction with this collection.
For more information on show or Marshall Visual Art Center activities, call 903-938-9860.
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Margaritas, sangria and Tex Mex goodies accent the opening party at
the Longview Museum of Fine Arts on Sat, July 10, 7 - 9 pm, says Dennis O'Bryant.
O'Bryant, a former Shreveporter who has been based in Marshall, Tx, for some years, says nine artists from the East Texas area are part of the exhibit at the Longview Museum.
"The LMFA is one of the best Contemporary Art Museums this side of Dallas and I am pretty excited to be showing with a couple of my best artist friends from Marshall, Erin Lambers & Curtis Graff," says the sculptor-painter-photographer.
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Marshall News Messenger
Local artists part of 'Spiritual Undertones’ exhibit in Longview
Posted: Tuesday, July 13, 2010 - Claudia Lowery, Contributing Writer
Art may be visual, a feast for the eyes, but often there is a deeper story on display.
The Longview Museum of Fine Arts opened its newest exhibition, "Spiritual Undertones - The Angels Among Us," on July 10. The exhibit features nine East Texas artists and their work.
Marshall was well-represented by Dennis O'Bryant's metal sculpture, Erin Lambers' clay squiggle pots and Curtis Graff's mixed media.
"Most artists would probably agree they have to reach within themselves to draw out their innermost feelings and desires that shape their work; therefore, each person's individuality appears and influences the outcome of his or her art," stated a press release from the museum.
Ms. Lambers is a full-time potter and clay teacher. Her work is displayed in galleries and stores in more than 26 states. Each piece has a part of her in it and so she calls her work "Pottery that Speaks." Her work may be viewed at www.erinspottery.com.
O'Bryant is not only a sculptor of metal but creates in clay and paint as well. His subjects include Caddo Lake, the female form and architecture. He has work displayed in private collections and has been featured in local and Shreveport exhibitions. His work may be seen at www.denoart.com.
Graff is probably best known locally for homes created by his construction company. However, when not building homes, Graff is an artist at heart, creating mixed media art involving collage and high-gloss finishes. His complex designs integrate geometric shapes, graphic pop-art style and photographic elements.
The remaining six artists also included in the exhibition are Larry Kitchens and Coy Lothrop of Kilgore, Thora Poneleit Doucette and Kristen Henton of Longview, Michael Bishop of Gladewater and Bart Souttendijk of Quitman. Their work represents a variety of techniques and styles.
The "Spiritual Undertones" exhibition will be on display through Aug. 28 at the Museum of Fine Arts, 215 E. Tyler Street.
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Marshall News Messenger
An artistic attraction
Downtown Marshall gets lively wallscape
Posted: Saturday, August 21, 2010 11:48 am - Terri Richardson
Marshall's downtown has yet another reminder for locals and tourists to just slow down to an easier, more relaxed pace, and take in the artistic and architectural sights.
The Marshall Convention and Visitors Bureau celebrated the placing of the city's wallscape Friday afternoon on the north wall of the Business Development Center.
"The is the first of many wallscape projects," said Brand Manager John Arend. "The CVB is happy to see this project underway. With the Madi wall, this is the second in a series of artistic additions with many more on the drawing board."
Some drivers made extra passes around the courthouse's circle-drive. Some slowed down to take in more of the artwork, an enlarged vinyl print of a painting by Marshall's own Dennis O'Bryant.
"We offer special thanks to Dennis O'Bryant for his outstanding work, for his generosity and for working with the CVB on this project," said Arend. "We look forward to working with Dennis and many other visual artists in the future."
Justin Bates and Mark Jones, employees of Fairway Outdoors, Dallas, placed the wallscape. Fairway generally places billboards and outdoor advertising.
The wallscape is affixed to the Business Development Center, owned by the city, and depicts a downtown street scene. It includes a crowd of people enjoying the atmosphere of the street with special focus on a man in the foreground.
"Frank Johnson helped with this, and we gained commission approval for this display," said Arend.
The CVB approved bids for the downtown wallscape during its meeting April 9, when it was announced that O'Bryant's artwork had been selected.
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Marshall News Messenger
Mural only adds to Downtown Atmosphere
Posted: Wednesday, September 1, 2010 2:15 pm
We agree with the Convention and Visitors Bureau that the mural now adorning the wall of the Business Development Center is, well, a work of art.
This is fitting since it was created by local artist Dennis O’Bryant.
Good job and it compliments the Madi Art wall just to the east and north on Washington.
As was suggested, Marshall ought to be on the lookout for good spaces and quality art to place there.
Doing so just adds to the flavor of our community.
We would guess that the new mural is one of the things visitors will talk about when they come this holiday season.
Building a remarkable place is not done overnight or with one big project, but little by little, one step at a time.
We like the steps that Marshall is taking in this regard. They are certainly going in the right direction.
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