ERIK STONEBRAKER’S “COLORS IN THE CANVAS”  EXHIBIT LAUNCHES MON, FEB 2

The Dixie’s Ballroom Gallery is proud to present a new art exhibit titled “Colors in the Canvas”, by Erik Stonebraker. His artwork will be on display from February 2, 2026 through April 24, 2026. An artist reception will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 6:30-8:30P with the artist present to talk about his work and share his musical talent. The artist reception is free and open to the public.

Erik Stonebraker is a self-taught acrylic artist based in Paris, Tennessee, working in a style he describes as Casual Contemporary Abstract. His bold use of color and simplified forms has earned him a growing national collector base, with works held in private collections across multiple states. Stonebraker has received recognition from the Paris–Henry County Arts Council, including an Honorable Mention for Best in Show (2022) and First Place (2025). His work has been featured in regional publications, galleries, and media, and he is known for creating art that consistently brings joy, often described by collectors as work that “makes them smile” and “makes them happy.”

The gallery is free and open to the public M-F, 10-4P. For more information on this and other art exhibits, contact Dana at dwyatt@dixiepac.net.

Artist Statement

Erik Stonebraker is a self-taught acrylic artist whose work is defined by bold color, simplicity, and an approachable contemporary sensibility. He began painting nearly nine years ago while living in Las Vegas, and since relocating to Paris, Tennessee almost five years ago, his artistic practice has flourished. This period of growth has led to a rapidly expanding audience of collectors and followers, with his paintings now held in private collections across Indiana, Missouri, Nevada, Georgia, Florida, Idaho, and Tennessee.

Stonebraker’s work has received notable recognition within the regional arts community. In 2022, he was awarded an Honorable Mention for Best in Show at the Artist Showcase presented by the Paris–Henry County Arts Council. He later earned First Place at the same showcase in 2025, further affirming his evolving artistic voice and impact.

Community involvement and charitable work are central to Stonebraker’s practice. For the past four years, he has participated in the Paris–Henry County Arts Council’s Farm to Table charity event, where he paints live and donates the completed work to be auctioned for a worthy cause. He has also taken part in live painting events benefiting organizations such as Second Harvest in Camden, using art as a means to support and uplift the community.

His work and career have been featured in numerous publications and venues, including My Paris Magazine, The Paris PI Newspaper, The Camden Chronicle, Paris Academy for the Arts, Camden Central High School, and the Good Day Paris Podcast in October 2024. His artwork is also represented at Daylight Gallery in downtown Camden, Tennessee, where he occasionally teaches art classes.

In June 2023, Stonebraker established a private studio at his home, where he creates new work and offers one-on-one art instruction. His first studio was located in a historic elementary school built in 1893, now home to the Paris Academy for the Arts—an environment that helped shape his early artistic development.

Stonebraker describes his style as Casual Contemporary Abstract, focusing on the emotional power of color and the beauty of simplicity. Above all, his goal is to create work that connects with viewers on a joyful, human level. The two most common responses he receives from collectors -“Your art makes me smile” and “Your art makes me happy” – perfectly capture the spirit and intention behind his work.