The H. M. Fort Jr. painting "Scott Joplin at Orr School Texarkana" has arrived after following a circuitous route to Texarkana when shipped. Carol Collins-Miles, a board member for the Regional Music Heritage Center, said the painting, which is being auctioned as part of the annual Texarkana celebration of Joplin's birthday, was apparently misplaced along the way but has now safely arrived. As of Friday, the painting was being placed on a custom frame at Turner's Framing in Texarkana, Collins-Miles said. Once finished, the painting will be displayed at the 1894 Gallery to be exhibited for a silent auction. The current bid is $500. The auction will benefit the Skyscape "Music In the Air" Project, which places lighted, sculpted metal as musically-themed art on top of downtown buildings. That project is jointly organized by the Scott Joplin Support Group and Main Street Texarkana.
