University of the Ozarks alumna Aubree Sisson ’19 will present her art exhibit, “The Sentimental World of Toys,” through Oct. 16, at the University as a part of the Artist of the Month Series.
The exhibit is being displayed in the Stephens Gallery, located in the Walton Fine Aerts Center. There will be a reception to meet the artist from 3-4:30 p.m. on Oct. 16.
Sisson, an elementary art teacher at Clarksville Elementary School, said her exhibit is a reliving of childhood memories through the playthings she had as a child.
“Toys hold a special place in my heart and take me back to the carefree days of childhood,” she said. “Those were the days filled with laughter, imagination, and wonder. Each toy is a vibrant reminder of this time. Every item tells its own story, bringing back feelings of nostalgia and joy. As an elementary art teacher, and artist, I find inspiration in these treasured and often colorful items that I see on the daily. I enjoy transforming their playful spirit into dynamic art pieces, showcasing them for everyone to see. Through my art, I give new life to these beloved toys, allowing them to continue spreading joy to others. Every creation celebrates imagination and pays tribute to each beloved toy and trinket.”
Sisson said that creating still-life artworks with toy arrangements, as well as solidary items, is like “freezing a moment in time and telling a story through items.”
“Each piece is playfully and artfully arranged to combine my childhood fascinations and interests with my current passions,” she said. “Pokémon, Sanrio (Hello Kitty and Friends), and Disney have been among my interests for as long as I can remember, and they very much still are today. I’ve always been fascinated by bright, colorful fantastical characters and worlds. I love to play around with arrangements that include these characters and trinkets to capture the overall essence of them while also highlighting the beauty within the mundane figures that they are often seen as. These artworks are more than just compositions to me; they are vibrant reflections of my past and present interests, intertwined within my current artistic journey. Through each trinket and each carefully planned arrangement, I invite viewers to step into a world where imagination reigns, where each toy whispers tales of adventure and creativity, and where the essence of play continues to inspire and shape my artistic soul.”
Sisson graduated from Ozarks with a degree in art education.
She works primarily in mixed media, combining colored pencil, watercolor, and ink. As of late, her practice has been focused on showcasing mundane items, such as toys, within compositions that explore lighting, shadows, and color.
She also creates handmade crochet toys, jewelry, art prints, stickers, and more that she sells around the Arkansas River Valley at various pop-up markets.
Topics: Art