Monthly Archives: June 2013

June 25 Architeaser: War Memorial Stadium

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IMG_6008Today’s architeaser is the main entrance on the eastern side of War Memorial Stadium.  It is one of the few parts of the stadium that closely resembles what was built and dedicated in 1948.

The stadium was designed by architect Bruce R. Anderson and was constructed for a cost of $1.2 million.  The original seating capacity of 31,075 was expanded in 1967 and 2010. It is now more than 54,000.

The three panels depict football players. The one on the left depicts a player (ostensibly a quarterback) throwing a football. The middle panel shows two defensive players running into a rusher. The third panel shows a kicker after having punted a ball.

War Memorial Stadium is owned by the State of Arkansas and administered by the War Memorial Stadium Commission.

 

Tales from the South tonight: Bridging the Gap

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talesfromthesouthTonight’s edition of  “Tales from the South” is a special edition. IABC presents Bridging the Gap. It will feature stories by Julie Holt, H.K. Stewart, and Mike Collins. Music is by the Salty Dogs and blues guitarist Mark Simpson

“Tales From the South” is a radio show created and produced by Paula Martin Morell, who is also the show’s host. The show is taped live on Tuesday. The night is a cross between a house concert and a reading/show, with incredible food and great company. Tickets must be purchased before the show, as shows are usually standing-room only.

“Tales from the South” is a showcase of writers reading their own true stories. While the show itself is unrehearsed, the literary memoirs have been worked on for weeks leading up to the readings. Stories range from funny to touching, from everyday occurrences to life-altering tragedies.

The program takes place at Starving Artist Café.  Dinner is served from 5pm to 6:30pm, the show starts at 7pm.  Admission is $7.50, not including dinner.

You MUST purchase your ticket before the show

Previous episodes of “Tales from the South” air on KUAR Public Radio on Thursdays at 7pm.

Museum of Discovery lauded by Mensa

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20120814-171022.jpgThe Museum of Discovery was named number six in a list of the top 10 American science museums chosen by Mensa educators and scientists.

According to American Mensa, the organization chose 30 science museums with an excellent reputation for science education and patronage, then asked a group of Mensan educatiors and scientists to chose the best 10.

Mensa is the largest and oldest high IQ society in the world. It is a non-profit organization open to people who score at the 98th percentile or higher on a standardized, supervised IQ or other approved intelligence test

The Museum of Discovery reopened its doors in January of 2012 after a $9.2 million renovation made possible by a Donald W. Reynolds Foundation grant.  It’s mission is to  ignite a passion for science, technology and math in a dynamic, interactive environment.

To view the full list of the museums chosen, visit: http://www.us.mensa.org/welcome-to-our-site/the-mensa-top-ten-survey/mensa-top-ten-science-museums/

LR Look Back: Mayor Buddy Villines

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judgebuddyOn this date in 1947, future Little Rock Mayor (and current Pulaski County Judge) Floyd G. “Buddy” Villines was born.  A 1969 graduate of Hendrix College, he served in Vietnam in 1970 and 1971. He later graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law School.

Villines’ first interaction with Little Rock City Hall was as an employee in the City Manager’s office.  After joining the private sector, he returned to City Hall in 1985 serving on the Little Rock City Board of Directors.  He was re-elected in 1989.

While on the City Board, he was chosen as Vice Mayor for a two year term in 1987 and 1988.  The following year he was selected as Mayor for a two year term.  In 1990, Villines was elected Pulaski County Judge; he resigned from the City Board in December 1990 to take office.

Villines has served as Pulaski County Judge since January 1991.

Shakespeare in the Park at River Market tonight

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AST_logoThe River Market and The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau are pleased to announce their second seasonal showing of “Shakespeare in the Park”, a production of a special version of the Bard’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, on Sunday, June 23rd in the East Pavilion of Ottenheimer Market Hall, home to the Farmers’ Market.  The production runs from 6pm to 7pm.  Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.

The production is created by the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre.  It was adapted and directed by Josh Rice.  The other members of the creative team include Debra P. Holmes (scenery and puppets), Nikki Webster (costumes), Evan Harney (sound) and Chad Bradford (musical score).  The cast includes Joe Boersma, Adam Frank, Ira Grace, Jordy Neill and Julie Schroll.

 

About A Midsummer Night’s Dream:
Shakespeare’s band of hempen homespuns have run amok and taken over this midsummer night. In a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy of magic and mayhem, Bottom and the Rude Mechanicals take center stage as they do their best to put on a show full of tragical mirth while mischievous woodland fairies do their best to get in the way. Audiences of all ages will enjoy the merriment that ensues.

Sculpture Vulture: Toy Blocks

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toyblocks1While imposing pieces of public art are certainly impressive, it can also be delightful to find a smaller piece tucked away along a sidewalk.  Such is the case of one of Little Rock’s newest sculptures.

Olivia Myers Farrell, chair and CEO of Arkansas Business Publishing Group, is a long time supporter of the arts.  She had the vision of including public art as ABPG is remodeling their offices.  Therefore, nestled on Scott Street in downtown Little Rock  next to the ABPG headquarters is Kevin Robb’s Toy Blocks.

The piece enhances not only the new entrance to the ABPG offices, but it also is a whimsical touch along the street.  The brushed stainless steel gleams against the red brown brick building behind it and the paved sidewalk and street in front of it.

toyblocks2Over the past three decades, Robb has made his mark on the national and international art scene. With a unique style and consummate welding quality that have defined and differentiate his work, his sculptures are not created according to a set plan.

In 2004, Robb suffered a massive stroke. Although he has been challenged physically in the creation of his sculptures, he is in the studio creating the sculptures that he loves so much. His ideas remain free flowing and his commitment to quality is as high as ever – with a resolve that offers a physical testament to the dedication, expertise, and amazing recovery of this remarkable artist.

He has participated in several of the Sculpture at the River Market shows.  He has won the Best in Show award at that annual show and sale.

Special activities at Old State House today

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OSH logoSaturday is a great time to see the museum and do activities with your family. The Old State House Museum has a full schedule of activities planned throughout the day.:

10:00—Make a paper doll to take home.

11:00—Play Victorian lawn games and enjoy the summer weather.

1:00—Learn about the archeology of the Old State House Museum

2:00— Play Faro, a popular Victorian card game

3:00—Play Victorian lawn games and enjoy the summer weather.

4:00—Play graces, a popular 19th century game on the front lawn of the Old State House Museum

The Old State House Museum hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Old State House Museum is the oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. Construction on the building began in 1833 and was declared complete in 1842. In 1911, the state government moved out and the building underwent a succession of uses.  Finally, in 1947, the Old State House became a museum by acts of the Arkansas legislature.

The Old State House Museum is a museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage and shares the goal of all seven Department of Arkansas Heritage agencies, that of preserving and enhancing the heritage of the state of Arkansas.