Sculpture Sunday: Holidays – Bank of America Christmas Tree

Since the Worthen Bank days in the 1970s, this building in downtown Little Rock designed by Noland Blass has been lit in December to resemble a Christmas tree on three sides. Though it has gone through two Worthen logos, Boatmen’s Bank, NationsBank and finally(?) Bank of America, this holiday lighting has remained. It is a beacon in downtown that is visible throughout the county at times.

In recent years the building has lit up for other things, most notably a pink ribbon in October for Race for the Cure.  But for 25+ years the only time it deviated from the usual white lighting was during the Christmas tree.  Because of its use of light and architecture it is a temporary public art installation of sorts.

Coming Soon: Mosaic Templars Holiday Open House (Dec 4)

Join the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration. Watch the museum come alive for our Holiday Open House event on December 4, 2011 starting at 1:00pm and running until 5:00pm.

This fun event will feature holiday performances by local choir and theatre groups as well as a special presentation featuring Mosaic Templars own Act Out Loud students. We will also have a Kids’ Holiday Craft Corner with a variety of holiday activities including holiday refreshments.

Please bring toys to donate to the Say’s Stop the Violence toy drive to benefit children in the local community. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information about our Holiday Open House event, visit mosaictemplars.com or call 501-683-3593.

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is a museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

Coming Soon: HAM’s 44th Annual Christmas Frolic (Dec 4)

Celebrate the holiday season like days past at Historic Arkansas Museum’s annual Christmas Frolic on December 4, from 1 to 4 pm.

Visitors can watch nails being forged at the new Blacksmith Shop, create tree ornaments and holiday cards, sip on hot cider and enjoy ginger cake, play pioneer games, listen to 19th century fiddle music, expect a visit from Father Christmas and do some holiday shopping in the Museum Store. And lots more!

Music will be provided by Arkansas Country Dance Band, Lark in the Morning and roaming fiddlers.

Plenty of free parking is available at 3rd and Cumberland Streets.  Historic Arkansas Museum is a museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

As a child, the Culture Vulture’s parents brought him to this every year. It kicked off the Christmas season for us.  Memories of the hot cider as a kid are almost as warming as the actual cider was.  My ADD however did not allow me to enjoy the candle dipping for very long.  I couldn’t understand why you just couldn’t put the wicks in the middle of the wax, let it harden and then cut them out.

 

Coming Soon: Holiday Open (Old State) House (December 4)

This Sunday, December 4, from 1pm to 4:30pm, the Old State House becomes the Holiday Open (Old State) House.

The traditions of joyous family holiday celebrations past can be relived at Holiday Open House. Visitors will find the Old State House colorfully decorated for the season. Fun, hands-on activities will be available to children; they may create unique holiday cards and more!

Delightful carols will be performed by local music groups. Visitors will also enjoy delicious cookies and punch.

It will also be a great time to revisit the galleries or see them for the first time. From the restored legislative chambers which tell the story of Arkansas’ leaders, to the First Ladies gowns to the exhibits: Arkansas Arkansaw-A State and Its Reputation and An Enduring Union — there is plenty to see.

Call (501) 324-9685 for more information. Admission is free.

The Old State House is a museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

Tis the Season (for Spiced Peacans)

The tree being hoisted into place in the Capital Hotel

Music, design and history converge this evening when Capital Hotel hosts A Capital Christmas today.

The festivities begin at 5:30pm when the UALR Flute Ensemble is in concert in the hotel lobby and the gingerbread village is officially unveiled.  At 6:30 pm, the tree will officially be lit.  Also during the evening, dancers from Ballet Arkansas’ production of The Nutcracker will be on hand.

Throughout the Christmas season, there will be performances of music groups at the Capital Hotel. 

Music and Choir Performance Dates

 •Cavalry Academy on Fri, Dec 2nd at Noon

 •Mann Magnet MS on Mon, Dec 5th at 11 am

 •AR Northeast Community College on Mon, Dec 5th at 1 pm

 •Riverview High School on Tues, Dec 6th at 11 am

 •Sylvan Hills on Wed, Dec 7th at 11 am

 •Abundant Life on Thurs, Dec 8th at Noon

 •Maumelle Middle School on Fri, Dec 9th at 11 am

 •Holy Souls on Mon, Dec 12th at 11:30

 •Episcopal Collegiate on Tues, Dec 13 at Noon

 •Searcy High School on Wed, Dec 14th at 11 am

 •Booker Arts on Wed, Dec 14th at Noon

 •Robinson Middle School on Thurs, Dec 15th at 11 am

 •Hornaments on Saturday, Dec 17th at 5 pm