Artist Matt Coburn presents painting to the Eastern District Courthouse

Matt Coburn of Benton, an established impressionist oil painter, donated one of his paintings to hang in the Eastern District Courthouse in Lake City.

An unveiling ceremony for the 48x60" painting of the American flag was held Wednesday at noon at the courthouse with staff members and guests present.

Representative Dan Sullivan and his wife, Maria, introduced Coburn.

Rep. Dan Sullivan (left) introduced artist Matt Coburn to the guests at the Eastern District Courthouse in Lake City.

Rep. Sullivan said Maria saw his work in a gift shop and in the state capital. She loved his work and has several pieces in her home. Mrs. Sullivan wanted to share his talent with Northeast Arkansas and held an art show in June to feature his paintings.

Rep. Sullivan serves as chair for the prayer caucus group. Coburn's art was used on postcards sent out by the group.

“We had a good response from the postcards,” Rep. Sullivan said.

Coburn told Rep. Sullivan he wanted to donate a painting to the district and the Eastern District Courthouse seemed to be a perfect place for the painting.

Coburn has been painting for 14 years and has commissioned pieces hanging in the state capital, banks, Tyson International, Frost, Centennial Bank in Little Rock, homes and more.

Other visitors for the unveiling were Justice of the Peace Terry Couch; Eastern District Deputy Sheriff Garland Tipton; Lake City Mayor Jon Milligan; Lake City City Clerk Linda Simpson; Craighead County Judge Ed Hill; Brookland Mayor Kenneth Jones; Lesia Couch, court collaborator specialist for the 2nd Judicial District; Sue Gurley, Eastern District Deputy circuit clerk, and other members of the courthouse staff.

To view some of his creations by Couburn, log on to www.mattcoubrnfineart.com.