"Art changes and grows as one does through life. There is no formula, art breathes and lives intrinsically with the person that creates it."

Dara Harper is a creative entrepreneur and artist who  established the Art Only Boutique, a company that produces original paintings in acrylics ranging from figurative to abstract compositions. She currently has public art installed in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Downtown Cuyahoga Falls and the West Side of Akron Ohio. Dara graduated from The University of Akron with a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction. A Bachelors in Studio Art with emphasis in painting and Minor in Art History. Dara Harper has developed a mobile art curriculum adaptable for all ages using various art mediums and tools. "Engaging the community and spaces through art is part of my purpose as an artist." She is co-founder of the Akron Black Artist Guild and winner of the 2021 Knight Arts Challenge and currently the Director of Programming with ArtsNow. A non-profit organization that works to strengthen Summit County by advancing its arts & culture assets and building connections between arts & culture and the broad community

 

ARTIST STATEMENT

Dara Harper is pushing to explore the use of broad abstract brushstrokes to investigate life and emotion in a strong layered color palette. She is now building upon more of her own memories and experiences; becoming more transparent in her expression. Dara hopes to develop a more fluid transition of thought and empathy in how she represents life. Dara Harper believes art changes and grows as one does through life. There is no formula, art breathes and lives intrinsically with the person that creates it. For her, art has comforted, pitied, and motivated her. Dara Harper lives her life in color, boldness, and yet humility.

More information

Website: www.artonlyboutique.com

Instagram/ @Dharperartonly & @ArtOnlyBoutiqueStudios

Facebook/ Art Only Boutique

 

 

A Loud Trumpet, 2022 - 48" x 60", Acrylic on canvas 

 

Rest, 2021 - 36" x 48", Acrylic on canvas

New Heaven, 2022 - 36" x 48" , Acrylic on canvas 

Don't Despise the Small Things, 2022 , Acrylic on Canvas 

 

Another World, 2022,  48" x 36" ,  Acrylics on canvas 

 

Quiet Thoughts 60" x 48 ", 2022, Acrylic and gold leaf on canvas