The Story Behind the Doors at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

‘Tis the season for the door – front or otherwise – to undergo its annual decorative makeover which includes wreaths, garlands, and more lights than rush hour in New York City. But, in the art department at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the doors are decked for the season with artistic salutes to some of the most well-known names in art history.

“That’s me,” announces art student Torri Richardson as she bounds up the stairs to the second floor of the building and points to a door that bears the portrait of a young woman who bears a striking likeness to her. Richardson says her inspiration is Amy Sherald who painted the now-famous portrait in the National Portrait Gallery of former First Lady Michelle Obama. “It’s actually inspiring because I plan to do the same thing.”

Dr. Karen DeJarnette, interim director of UAPB’s Department of Art and Design, says, “They’re appropriations of their favorite artworks.”

Down the hall from the door Richardson painted is the Lisa Mona. You guessed it. It’s a contemporary take on the world renown Mona Lisa created in 1503 by Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci.

DeJarnette states, “We have so many non-art majors who come to this floor for art appreciation…and, so, it was like make art appreciation come into the current era.”

A few feet from the Lisa Mona is a student’s version of Picasso’s Mother and Child. Next to Picasso is a door painted to honor Jean-Michel Basquiat. And, look closely…there’s even a door for video gamers who like the SCREAM. Frida Kahlo and Kehinde Wiley, who was commissioned for President Barack Obama’s portrait, are also included on a door.

“Someone said, ‘It’s like an art walk,’” DeJarnette recalls. “The next step is to do the doors downstairs…we are doing so much community service work.”

The students’ work is garnering rave reviews and led to an opportunity to create a commissioned work for the city of Pine Bluff’s holiday display at Lake Saracen. They designed and built a 4’ x 8’ board depicting ice skaters with cutouts for visitors to the lakeside to use as a selfie-scene.

“A group of people were meeting one day about Mistletoe Magic, and we were just bouncing ideas out and somebody said something about, ‘Oh, we oughta get one of those cutouts for pictures.’ And, I was like, ‘I’ll call the UAPB art department,’” says Leigh Cockrum with Go Forward, Pine Bluff. “I called Dr. DeJarnette, and she was gracious about it, and it is absolutely precious. I love it, it’s great! And, I appreciate the kids putting in the time and effort.”

As the semester winds down, students are finishing their work on the upstairs doors. It’s possible the department will host a public exhibit, showcasing the handiwork of its aspiring artists. After all, the names we all know in the art world may never have become familiar were it not for the timely opening of a door of opportunity.