The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum is excited to be partnering with CanvasHQ to present the highly anticipated exhibition John Bell, Jr.: A Painted Legacy. Using state-of-the-art commercial-grade, UV resistant inks, CanvasHQ has been able to accurately recreate canvas prints, with all of the rich colors and soft lighting effects Bell’s paintings are renowned for. This exhibition will feature 30 of the most beloved John Bell, Jr. images that are housed in public and private collections across the region. Included in the exhibit will be the famous Marshals Series as well as Bell’s captivating images of beautiful churches and historically accurate buildings set against the Old West.

John Bell Jr. (1937 – 2013) was an acclaimed American painter and sculptor whose career spanned nearly fifty years. He was born in 1937, suffering low blood oxygen at birth causing Cerebral Palsy. This meant he would spend a lifetime in wheelchairs and had limited use of his upper extremities, especially his right hand. Bell spent his time developing his skills as an artist and also overcoming the perceptual bias that faced people with physical challenges. Through his life-long advocacy, Bell helped raise awareness of accessibility issues across the country.

“Bell’s activism was part of who he was and what made living in this region better. His art though, would enhance all our lives and create his lasting legacy.” – Bill Kropp, III

After A Painted Legacy closes at RAM, it will be made available for exhibition at museums, libraries and public venues across the country for the years 2024 – 2026. If you are interested in hosting John Bell, Jr.: A Painted Legacy at your business or municipal office, please email info@fsram.org for rates and availability.

Join us for Landmark Lessons: Through the Art of John Bell, Jr!
Our third lecture, ‘Historic Eureka Springs’ presented by Chuck Girard, is Sunday, October 15, at 2 pm.