Monthly Archives: June 2012

Museum of Discovery Executive Director Nan Selz to retire at end of 2012

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Nan Selz, who has led the Museum of Discovery since 2004 and revitalized the once-struggling museum announced her intention to retire at the end of 2012.

Since joining the Museum in February 2004, Selz has used her leadership to ensure that the Museum has become central Arkansas’s premier math, science and technology center. She has nearly 50 years executive, development and teaching experience having worked in corporate, non-profit and education sectors.

“Before I ever thought about working here, I visited the Museum of Discovery with my oldest grandson, Josh. It was then, and remains, a wonderful place for families to play and learn together. I will miss the energy and enthusiasm of our wonderful staff and board, but I am leaving this place in great hands! And I will, of course, be back as a visitor quite often,” said Selz.

Selz has volunteered for numerous organizations and served on many boards for more than 40 years. She plans to continue her community involvement, and enjoy time with her family.

The Museum’s board of trustees has formed a search committee and is conducting a search for Selz’s successor.

Established in 1927, the Museum of Discovery is Little Rock’s oldest museum. Following its closing and a 10-month renovation, the Museum of Discovery re-opened in January 2012. It is central Arkansas’s leading informal educational resource in areas of science, technology, math and engineering. The Museum’s mission is to ignite a passion for science, technology and math in a dynamic, interactive environment.

Architeaser – June 29

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Yesterday’s Architeaser was the awning and balcony of the Capital Hotel. Though not unique at the time it was constructed, it is now one of only two balconies which extend out over the sidewalk in Little Rock. When the building was constructed there was no balcony; it was added, however, during the early years as the building was modified and expanded.

Here is today’s Architeaser, which is the newest awning this week.

Clinton School speaker this afternoon

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During the summer, the Clinton School speaker series slows down from the numerous speakers each week.  They do, however, continue to offer compelling programs.

This evening from 5pm to 6pm, the Clinton School is playing host to Dr. Mindy Fullilove, a research psychiatrist at New York State Psychiatric Institute and a professor of clinical psychiatry and public health at Columbia University.  Dr. Fullilove will give a lecture titled, “Neighbor Like You Mean It: A Social Psychiatrist’s Views on Urban Life in the 21st Century,” about the impact of urban development and renewal on the health and well being of urban residents.

From her research, Fullilove has published “Root Shock: How Tearing Up City Neighborhoods Hurts America and What We Can Do About It,” and “The House of Joshua: Meditations on Family and Place.”

The program will be at Sturgis Hall in Clinton Presidential Park from 5pm to 6pm.

Architeaser June 28

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Yesterday’s Architeaser was the awning on the 1911 George Mann designed Centre Place Building.  The building is Beaux Arts meets Chicago in style. The awning is simpler – cast iron painted brown with few decorations – when contrasted with other awnings of the time period which are still extant in Little Rock.  One of the unique features of this awning is that it is affixed to the building by chains instead of cables or rods.

Here is today’s double decker Architeaser.

Final Weekend for A LOSS OF ROSES at Arkansas Rep

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Theatregoers hoping to not lose out on on Pulitzer Prize winner William Inge’s A Loss of Roses have a few remaining performances to catch it at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre.

The production, directed by Tony nominee and Obie winner Austin Pendleton, stars Tony nominee Jane  Summerhays, Bret Lada and Jean Lichty as a mother, son and a visitor from their past who resurfaces.

Pendleton directed a staged reading of A Loss of Roses featured in TONGUES at New York’s Cherry Lane Theatre in 2010. Pendleton has served as artistic director of the Circle Repertory Theatre Company in New York and is an ensemble member of Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

“Bringing a rarely-produced work by William Inge to the stage is cause for celebration; doubly so when the creative team is led by Austin Pendleton,” says Arkansas Rep Producing Artistic Director Robert Hupp. “He’s assembled a dynamic cast for this fascinating play. Arkansas Rep is honored to introduce A Loss of Roses to a new generation of theatregoers and to re-examine Inge in the context of what he spoke of as his favorite among his many works.”

The cast also features Todd Gearhart, Max Jenkins and Sara Croft as members of a traveling troupe of actors and Keegan McDonald, Katye Dunn and Sydni Whitfield as neighbors of the central family.

A Loss of Roses plays tonight at 7pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday, July 1 at 7pm.

Architeaser June 27

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Yesterday’s Architeaser was the awning on the front entrance to the Museum Center building.  One of the key structures in the development of the River Market District, this building formerly housed a train station and presses for the Arkansas Democrat.  It is a unique awning in that it has a rounded shape instead of a being flat.  As many awnings are, it is affixed to the building with cables.

Here is today’s Architeaser.

Movies in the Park: MONEYBALL

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Movies in the Park continues tonight in Riverfront Park with the 2011 hit film and Academy Award multiple nominee Moneyball. Directed by Bennett Miller, this film stars Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright, Chris Platt, Reed Diamond and Tammy Blanchard.

Movies in the Park is a free outdoor movie series in Little Rock’s River Market. The mission of Movies in the Park is help foster a sense of community and enjoyment in downtown Little Rock and throughout Central Arkansas by bringing people together to enjoy a movie in a unique setting along the scenic banks of the Arkansas River.

Movies start at dark.You’re welcome to bring picnics but please no glass containers and pick up afterwards. If you choose not to bring your own picnic we do have concessions available for sale. Bring your bug spray, picnic and family and have a good time!

The park opens at 6:30 pm.

The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau Technical Services department provides all the equipment for the movies.