Yearly Archives: 2012

Sculpture Vulture: Bill Clinton

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Tomorrow is not President’s Day, it is Washington’s Birthday.  But in honor of the only Arkansan to succeed Washington as President, today’s Sculpture Vulture highlights the bust of William Jefferson Clinton which is on the grounds of the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion.

The bust was commissioned in 1994 by the Little Rock Advertising and Promotion Commission.  It had originally been intended as more of a plaque featuring Clinton’s face. But sculptor Jan Woods, who had been selected to create the art, suggested turning it into a bust.  A bust does look more statesman-like and appropriate for the intention of honoring the only resident of the Governor’s Mansion who has also lived in the White House.

Woods created a very life-like, realistic depiction of Bill Clinton.  She captures the slight smile and intense gaze of his face which is part of what creates the feeling of empathy and personal connection even his harshest critics agree he possesses.  Unlike the JFK bust in the Kennedy Center which is abstract or the lifeless gazes so often found in busts and statues of earlier presidents, this bust captures the essence of the man.

The bust sits on the front lawn of the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion to the west of the main gate.  Even when the grounds are closed, it is visible to the public through the fence.

Old State House: Growing Up in Arkansas

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The Old State House museum opens a new exhibit today – “Things You Need to Hear: Memories of Growing Up in Arkansas from 1890 to 1980.” The exhibit is a collective memory of growing up in Arkansas from 1890 to 1980 and is told by the people who did it.  Through the exhibit, Growing Up in Arkansas, curator Dr. Margaret Jones Bolsterli conveys the importance of passing family histories from one generation to another.

The exhibit is comprised of five themes: community, family, work, school, and leisure. Bolsterli said that she “envisions this exhibit as a collective memory of growing up in Arkansas told by the people who did it.” Oral histories will be a highlight of the exhibit, some included in surprising ways. Each theme of the exhibit will be encapsulated in its own vignette, detailing a special sense of time and place. Artifacts will be included in each of these settings, revealing the layers of what life was like for past generations. Visitors will experience these time capsules and reflect on the past in Arkansas.

The museum, a division of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, is open from9am to 5pm on Monday through Saturday. On Sunday it is open from 1pm to 5pm.

February Frieze Frame Friday, the 3rd

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This frieze is found above the entrance to the building at 801 West Third Street, which houses a law firm.  The building was built in 1954 as an office.  At the time, that portion of Third Street was a mix of commercial and residential structures.

Though it is only a one story building, the combination of the frieze above the door and the glass blocks framing the door makes the building look more imposing than a typical 1950s one-story office structure would.

As was the case with many 20th century friezes, this depicts people in “modern” dress but in classical style.  These are less angular depictions than are found in Art Deco freizes; the lines are more natural and realistic.  The women’s fashions are definitely mid-20th century in dress and hair.  The men are depicted in a similar fashion, but in keeping with the classic tradition, the men are shirtless.

Organ recital, James O’Donnell

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The monthly recital of the Central Arkansas Chapter of the American Guild of Organists for February features James O’Donnell,Organist and Master of the Choristers of Westminster Abbey and, since January 2011, President of the Royal College of Organists.The recital will take place at 8pm at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church.

O’Donnell is internationally recognized as a conductor and organ recitalist. He has given organ concerts all over the world, including the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout Europe. He has appeared as organ soloist in the BBC Proms and at many other festivals.

In January 2000 James O’Donnell took up his present appointment at Westminster Abbey, where he is responsible for the direction of the Abbey’s music at the daily choral services and the many great occasions which take place there. These have recently included the State Visit of Pope Benedict XVI and the Wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Alongside his responsibilities at Westminster Abbey, James O’Donnell has worked widely as soloist and director with many of the country’s leading orchestras and ensembles. In 2011 he became Music Director of St James’s Baroque. Until 2004 he was professor of organ at the Royal Academy of Music, and is now Visiting Professor. He was awarded Honorary Membership of the Academy in 2002, and in 2009 was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Music. In November 2010 he was Artist in Residence at Yale University. He was elected to an Honorary Fellowship of Jesus College, Cambridge in October last year.

Chamber Music Society of LR – Hye Jin Kim, violin

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The Chamber Music Society of Little Rock is hosting violinist Hye-Jin Kim tonight.  She performs with pianist Ieva Jokubaviciute in a program featuring Beethoven’s Kreutzer Sonata, Sibelius’s Five Miniatures, and the Violin Sonata by Leos Janacek.  The concert will take place at the Parish Hall at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1000 North Mississippi Avenue in Little Rock. Concerts begin at 7:30 PM.

Describing the artistry of this Winner of the 2009 Concert Artists Guild International Competition, The Strad lauded her “…supremely musical playing, well-thought out, yet of the moment.” Ms. Kim’s sensitivity to the expressive and contextual components of the violin repertoire enables her to transport audiences beyond mere technical virtuosity, and this remarkable musical depth and passion led to her First Prize at the 2004 Yehudi Menuhin International Competition when she was only nineteen.

For additional information and to hear Ms. Kim perform, visit http://www.concertartists.org/hye-jin-kim_bio.htm and www.hyejinkim.com

Tickets are $25 at the door, $10 for students. Additional ticket and concert information is available at: www.chambermusiclr.com

Time to Return to MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History

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Tomorrow afternoon (2/16), the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History will open a new exhibit on the life and career of General Douglas MacArthur.  The building which houses the museum was the birthplace of the future five star general.  As a part of the reception, a new painting will be unveiled in commemoration of the 136th anniversary of his birth.

The reception is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on February 16 at the museum in historic MacArthur Park.

While at the museum, be sure and check out A Splendid Little War: Arkansas and the Spanish-American War which runs through April.  It explores America’s role in the brief war with Spain over territory, the destruction of the “USS Maine” and the many Arkansans who volunteered for service during the war. On display are uniforms, weapons, a battle flag from the 2nd Arkansas Volunteer Infantry, memorabilia surrounding the war and many other artifacts used by Arkansans serving in the war.

Heart of Art

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From the recent Tesseract Dancing exhibit at Historic Arkansas Museum, here is Brett Anderson’s Stone Cold.  Made of alabaster and stainless steel, this 7″x6″x6″ sculpture is either abstract or realistic depending on the angle.  Unfortunately the LR Culture Vulture only has this one photo of it so you cannot truly appreciate his artistry.

The Tesseract Dancing exhibit showcased Anderson and Emily Galusha.  It was a wonderful exhibit and a great showcase for two up-and-coming Arkansas artists.