The Omnibus

Issue date: 8/31/07 Section: Gallery

Media Credit: www.DaveBennettArt.com Dr. Dave Bennett, associate professor of Evangelism, paints in a plein air style. Bennett's artwork will be featured from 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 7 at Hawthorne Galleries in Springfield.

Every first Friday of the month, thousands of people from the area gather under the stars in downtown Springfield. Artists set up their creations to sell, and a select few have their artwork displayed in art galleries around the city.
Southwest Baptist University associate professor of Evangelism Dr. Dave Bennett has been chosen as a featured artist at the Sept. 7 First Friday Art Walk.
Bennett's collection will be shown from 6 to 10 p.m. at Hawthorne Galleries, located on Walnut Street, a half block east of South Street.
This is Bennett's first time as a featured artist in this gallery, though he is no stranger to the art world.
Bennett has entered his work in the National Plein air Show three out of the past four years. He has earned awards in art shows including the National Small Painting Exhibition. Bennett's art has appeared in many national art galleries.
Bennett teaches landscape painting in the Art Department at SBU along with teaching classes at the Courts Redford College of Theology and Church Ministry.
Primarily focusing on plein air painting (on site outdoor painting), Bennett works with oil but has also produced work in acrylic, watercolor, pastel and pencil.
Bennett was raised in a family of artists. His parents, children and most recently grandchildren are already or on their way to becoming accomplished artists.
He has studied under some of the most prestigious artists, and even took an art class at SBU (then Southwest Baptist College) as a child. He became a commercial artist and sign writer at the age of seventeen. Bennett credits he creative ability to his Creator.
"God made each of us with creativity," said Bennett. "Since I am made in his image, I have a bit of that creativity in me. I honor Him by trying to replicate what He has done. I see how limited I am and how great He is."
"By being an artist, I can honor Him," said Bennett. "Painting gives me an opportunity to share my philosophy of life with fellow artists."
Along with Bennett's work, ceramics by another area artist will be featured.
The gallery also includes many other works by area artists.
Everyone is invited to attend the Art Walk.
To see Bennett's work, visit his website at www.davebennettart.com.

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