at UCA Downtown
On exhibit August 5 – 30, 2019
Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. (closed for private events and holidays).
The artist’s reception will take place on August 23rd between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Gene Hatfield, 1925-2017, was a prolific artist, educator, decorated veteran, and Man of Distinction, and he was our extraordinary father. We, his children and grandchildren, are honored to have been invited to exhibit some of Gene’s work at UCA Downtown.
Gene’s 40-year career in education at the University of Central Arkansas spanned both the art and theatre departments. Gene taught drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts, design, Art History, Art Appreciation, and Stagecraft until he retired in 1985. He was named Professor Emeritus by UCA in 1995. He was also a recipient of the Arkansas Arts Council 2010 Governor’s Award for Lifetime Achievement, and in 2013 was featured by AETN in their documentary series: Arkansas Men and Women of Distinction.
Among his many accomplishments, he received top prize, in 1967, and 1969, in La Palette Française – Grand Prix de Peinture de la Côte d’Opale, Le Touquet, France; and his sculptures and paintings were featured in the Arkansas Art Center Annual Delta Exhibitions. Several of his sculptures are registered with the Smithsonian Institution’s Save Outdoor Sculpture program, continually adding value to the art community.
Hatfield was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his service in World War II. As a veteran, Hatfield benefited from the GI Bill to earn a B.S. in education in speech and English from the Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA) in 1948, followed by a master’s degree in art education from Colorado State College of Education (now University of Northern Colorado). That same year, he began teaching art at the Arkansas State Teachers College (UCA) until his retirement in 1985.
Gene was married to Nicole Wable of Montreuil-sur-mer, France for 47 years, until her death in 2004. He traveled frequently to Europe in the summer, where he worked on his art and studied with Henri Goetz in Paris, France, Leo Marchutz in Aix-en-Provence, France, and at the Fuller Art Studio in Saint Ives, England.
Despite his many travels, Gene always considered the United States, Faulkner County, and Conway as home. Featured in this exhibit are paintings of American scenes from his personal collection that have rarely been displayed. As you walk through this exhibit, may you also enjoy traveling through time – and, finding your way home.
In the News:
Hatfield Artwork Displayed for All to See
UCA News – August 23, 2019
Years after his death, Conway artist and resident Gene Hatfield is still being honored for his contributions.
The University of Central Arkansas Division of Outreach and Community Engagement announced to the community plans to host the “Travelin’ Man” art exhibit Friday through Aug. 30 at UCA Downtown in Conway.
Travelin’ Man Exhibit to be Held at UCA Downtown
UCA News – August 21, 2019
The University of Central Arkansas’s Division of Outreach and Community Engagement will host the “Travelin’ Man” art exhibit at UCA Downtown.