Jeannette Edris Rockefeller only lived in Arkansas for about fifteen years. But her impact on the cultural life of Little Rock and all of Arkansas continues to be felt today.
Born on July 13, 1918, and raised in Seattle, as a young mother she met Winthrop Rockefeller while both were in New York. He moved to Arkansas in 1953; after their 1956 marriage, she joined him. They split their time between Little Rock and Petit Jean.
In 1959, she was asked to become involved in plans for a new art museum in Little Rock. She became a tireless advocate and fundraiser for the new Arkansas Arts Center. In 1960, she assumed the role of president of the Arkansas Arts Center Board of Trustees, a position she held until 1968. During that time period she oversaw the planning, construction and opening of the building. She also invited Townsend Wolfe, who she had met when he taught some classes at the Arts Center, to apply to become the museum’s first executive director.
From 1967 to 1971, she was First Lady of Arkansas. In that capacity, she supervised renovation of the Governor’s Mansion and started the tradition of displaying art on the walls.
Shortly after her 1971 divorce from Rockefeller, she relocated to California. She continued to be a supporter of the Arts Center. One of the galleries in the Arts Center is named in her honor. In addition, one of the sculptures on the lawn of the Arts Center, Standing Red, was dedicated in 1970 in recognition of her service on the Arts Center Board.
On July 6, 1902, future Little Rock Mayor Haco O. Boyd was born in Leslie, Arkansas. At the age of four, his family moved to Little Rock; he graduated from the Little Rock public schools. He attended and graduated from Hendrix College.
Future Little Rock Mayor James Weldon “Buddy” Benafield was born on July 5, 1927 in Coy, Arkansas. As a child he spent part of his time chopping cotton. He graduated from England High School and then served in the U.S. Navy. Following his stint in the military, he enrolled in Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas).
Mosaic Templars Cultural Center will host its annual Juneteenth celebration and the opening of its newest exhibit, “Finding Freedom in the Forest,” on June 15.
Little Rock Culture Vulture 