Can You See my Dust?: Tales of the Adventurous Life of John Bell, Jr.

Join the Fort Smith Museum of History on Saturday, July 27 at 1:00 pm as we welcome Lisa Bell-Wilson, the daughter of the late, legendary artist, John Bell, Jr. Mrs. Bell-Wilson will present a program and discuss her book “Can You See my Dust?: Tales of the Adventurous Life of John Bell, Jr.” Her book is a memoir of the life and times of the her father and artist, John Bell, Jr. Mr. Bell  was afflicted with cerebral palsy but overcame his physical limitations to become a successful artist in a time before the accessibility laws of the Americans with Disabilities act.

Doors open at 12:30 pm, program begins at 1:00 pm.

Books will be available at the program. Cash and cards accepted.

Refreshments provided.

Regular admission fees apply; FSMH Members are FREE.

Lisa Bell-Wilson was born in Fayetteville, and raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She lives in Conway, Arkansas with husband DeWayne. She is the daughter of Fort Smith artist, the late John Bell Jr. and wife Maxine. Ms. Bell-Wilson holds a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a master’s degree in education. She followed in her father John’s footsteps to provide services to Arkansans with disabilities including advocacy and job placement. She works as a Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and has served on the Governor’s Commission on People with Disabilities and the Central Arkansas Workforce Development Board. Professional organization membership history includes the National Rehabilitation Association and the Arkansas Rehabilitation Association.  She is a past president of the Little Rock University Lion’s Club.

Ms. Bell-Wilson has one daughter, Jessie Shambarger-Widner. Jessie is a registered nurse living in Bentonville with her husband, Connor.  Ms. Bell-Wilson has a grand cat, Shoko, and a grand dog, Oatmeal.  In her spare time, Ms. Bell-Wilson and her husband enjoy travelling Arkansas and visiting the Arkansas State Parks.