
Matt McLeod Fine Art of Little Rock houses an eclectic mix of contemporary art by owner Matt McLeod and other professional artists in and outside Arkansas.
The gallery, at 108 W. Sixth St., Suite A, showcases paintings, sculptures and drawings and also specializes in large-scale projects. “I wanted to have a gallery of existing work, but also have a specialization of being able to go in and design art pieces that are really intriguing and delightful no matter what the size, scope or material,” McLeod said.
Since the gallery opened in November, McLeod has created several large-scale pieces, such as the large koi fish mural at Sixth and Main streets in what’s becoming known as the Creative Corridor in downtown Little Rock.
He has also worked with several hospitals and organizations, including CHI St. Vincent, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, CARTI, Malvern National Bank and Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, creating large-scale public pieces. He is now working on a 10-panel mural for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, scheduled to be unveiled at the end of September.
In recent years, many hospitals have invested in large-scale art for their facilities, following research showing the healing effect that artwork has on patients. In the same way, fine art can have a beneficial effect on employees and clients in a corporate and business environment, McLeod said.
“Fine art is worth the investment because of the experience that the people in their environment have with that fine art piece,” he said. Art “speaks to people on an emotional, psychological, mental, spiritual level. If you’re able to speak to people on that level, then you begin not only the healing process, but also the process of making people feel good about doing business with you.
“Smart businesses — whether it be a hospital, a law firm, a university or a financial institution — realize that their employees and their clients want to come back and do business with them in that environment.”
The gallery is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday.
For more information, visit MattMcLeod.com or call (501) 725-8508.
— Cimber Winfrey