Each year since 2004 Ozark Foothills FilmFest has held a statewide competition to find an image for its festival poster and other promotional material. Artists are asked to submit work that captures that landscape, lore, and lifestyle of the Ozark foothills region. Previous selections include “Sandtown Memories” by Batesville native Stacey Rhoades; “Canoe on the Grass” by Little Rock artist Barry Lindley, and “Ozark Barn” by Hot Springs watercolorist Richard Stephens.
The festival has selected a work by Arkansas artist Damian DeLoach for its 2010 festival branding image. DeLoach submitted a digital collage incorporating original photographs; the title of the principal photo is “Decomposition.” His work was selected from among more than fifty entries received.
DeLoach was born in Pocahontas and graduated from Pocahontas High School in 2001. He worked as an intern at Niche Publications in Jonesboro beginning in 2005 and stayed on as a graphic designer, working on magazine ads and layouts until graduating from Arkansas State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. He is currently employed as a Marketing Specialist at White River Medical Center. DeLoach is married and has a four year old son and a one year old daughter. He describes his work as “edgy,” dominated by textures and lots of layers.
The poster will be unveiled at a press conference announcing the 2010 Ozark Foothills FilmFest line-up on February 19 at the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition to the poster, DeLoach’s work will grace the cover of the festival program and the home page of the website.
The 9th annual Ozark Foothills FilmFest takes place March 24-28 at a number of venues in Batesville, including UACCB, Lyon College, and Old Independence Regional Museum. Major sponsors include First Community Bank, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and the Arkansas Arts Council.
