Witty, whimsical, wonderful. These words and more describe the creative world of Little Rock, Arkansas artist Jane F. Hankins. Born in Jonesboro, Jane has been a strong presence in the Arkansas artists community for over two decades. A visual artist, specializing in sculpture in porcelain and stoneware as well as drawing and painting, she is a designer for nationally marketed sculpture reproductions. An Arkansas native, Jane studied at the Memphis Art Academy, Arkansas State University, and the Arkansas Arts Center. She is a technically talented artist, who doesn’t take herself too seriously.

With musical guest The Salty Dogs

Started as a lark retro-country act, the quartet immediately found chemistry, along with a lot of joy, as they dug into their craft. Their sound has expanded over a decade and a half, from uber-twang and purist classic country to equal parts 1954 Nashville, 1961 Bakersfield, and 1972 Everywhere.

She has had numerous exhibitions and annual shows and was one of 10 artists chosen to exhibit in the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. She has shown at the Arkansas Arts Center in the Delta Show, Toys by Artists and Prints, Drawings and Crafts. She has also served on the Fine Arts Club Board.

Her work shows us that art does not have to be serious to be important. Jane says, “I like art that is approachable, and I believe that there is room for all kinds of art. A feminine theme is often present in my work – when I use that term – feminine, I’m referring to the divine aspects of the word, not just bein’ pretty and actin’ nice! Sometimes, I build entire stories around the characters I make and I get to know them better! I’m having great fun with the Little Old Ladies and Gents, as well as the Mavens of Madge’s Mobile Home Park. Remember, I’m laughing near them, not at them.”