Brianna “Bri” Peterson uses art to explore the human experience through themes of nature and sexual identity.
Peterson’s work often populates the galleries and shops of Little Rock, such as Bella Vita Jewelry and Gifts and Acansa Gallery. Peterson has contributed art to the Drain Smart Project and has a mural within Cafe Bossa Nova, a Brazilian restaurant in Little Rock.
Inspired by the only piece of artwork she owns from her father, a woodburning of two horses on a slice of wood, Peterson’s work is typically done with mixed media on natural surfaces. Her work contains motifs of nature — especially bugs — and the human figure.
Peterson, who identifies as queer, is currently working on a series that highlights LGBTQ individuals with Arkansas roots. She will be joined by other LGBTQ artists at the Acansa Gallery in North Little Rock to display the works June 16th from 5-8pm during Pride Month.
Peterson said that being raised religious in the south created many hardships for her as an LGBTQ person. “My coming out story wasn’t easy and was met with resistance,” Peterson said.
“I identify as queer and hid that for years of my life out of fear. In many ways, I still don’t feel safe, especially politically. However, I have learned to not let fear overshadow parts of my identity.
“Although I have faced adversities because of my sexuality, they’re the same adversities that have instilled my empathy for others,” Peterson added.
In June of 2022, Peterson contributed art to a group exhibit called “Queer” at Fenix Gallery in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She said that the exhibit explored what it means to be queer in the South.
Peterson said individuals who were moved by her work approached her to share their own stories.
“I’ve viewed art and have listened to music that has brought me to tears, but I have never had someone share that vulnerability with me while viewing my artwork. During the opening reception, I had two people approach me to share their stories while holding back tears. That hit me on a completely different level,” Peterson said.
Peterson’s fascination with insects and nature is another aspect of her identity that shines through in her art.
As a child, she was deeply fascinated with insects and would imagine them living lives parallel to humans and would sometimes wear cicada brooches to try and scare her mother.
In college, Peterson reignited this fascination and began a collection of cicada shells which she would draw through observation.
“As my collection of bug carcasses grew, so did my interest in Entomology,” Peterson said. “Each classification has unique routines, survival mechanisms and mating rituals that precisely coincide with their outward appearance. Researching these creatures allowed me to peer inside the varying miniature worlds surrounding us that frequently go unnoticed,” she said.
Besides having her own artistic career, Peterson is also helping to educate the next generation of Arkansas artists as a high school art teacher.
This passion to be an educator was inspired by the teachers that helped Peterson succeed in her youth.
After moving to Arkansas at a young age, she struggled academically. Her mother, who observed this but saw Peterson’s passion for the arts, transferred her to an art-focused magnet elementary school.
Peterson continued her education across magnet schools and took art classes to build educational confidence.
In high school, Peterson worked part-time at Camp Aldersgate, a camp for children with disabilities, which she said taught her “compassion, patience and a love for helping others.”
After her experiences in education, Peterson said was certain about her desire to teach about art and be a support system for students — just as her teachers were for her.
Despite this passion for teaching, Peterson said she felt limited financially and did not think that college would be an option for her.
However, after encouragement from her high school teachers, Peterson went on to apply for the UCA Windgate Scholarship.
“When I received the phone call that I got the scholarship I broke down in tears. It provided me with the financial means to pursue a degree in Art Education,” Peterson said.
Peterson graduated from UCA in 2010 and now teaches painting, drawing and 2D design for 10-12th grade high school students.
“I know students enter my class with a range of interest or lack of interest in art. My goal isn’t to force the subject, but rather use it as a tool for self-expression, creativity, and an understanding of others,” Peterson said.
Peterson’s work can be found at Bella Vita Jewelry & Gifts on 108 W 6th St Suite A, Little Rock, Bang Up Betty on 429 Main St, North Little Rock as well as on her Instagram: @bumble_bri_artwork where she takes commission inquiries.