Category Archives: Visual Art

Studio Gang was announced as Arkansas Arts Center architect on Dec. 6, 2016

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On December 6, 2016, the Arkansas Arts Center (AAC) announced the selection of Studio Gang as design architect for its upcoming building project.

The five firms selected as finalists were Allied Works (Portland, Ore./New York), Shigeru Ban (New York/Paris/Tokyo, Japan), Studio Gang (Chicago/New York), Thomas Phifer (New York) and Snohetta (Oslo, Norway/New York/San Francisco).

Studio Gang was deemed the best fit for the project due to the firm’s elegant and smart approach to architecture, their understanding of the issues posed by the AAC’s current facility, their vision for the center as a cultural beacon for Central Arkansas and their commitment to sustainability and strength as urban planners.

Founded by MacArthur Fellow Jeanne Gang, Studio Gang is an award-winning architecture and urbanism practice based out of Chicago and New York. A recipient of the 2013 National Design Award, Jeanne Gang was also named the 2016 Archiitect of the Year by the Architectural Review and the firm was awarded the 2016 Architizer A+ award for Firm of the Year.

Studio Gang is recognized internationally for a design process that foregrounds the relationships between individuals, communities and environments. The firm has extensive knowledge in museum, theatre and artist studio spaces, with projects ranging from the Writers Theatre in Glencoe, Ill. to the Aqua Tower in Chicago to the expansion of the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Since their selection, Studio Gang has brought on a variety of other members of the consultant team including:

In February 2018, Studio Gang released their first designs for the project.  On October 1, 2019, ground was broken and construction officially commenced.

On #GivingTuesday – remember Little Rock’s cultural institutions

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Today is #GivingTuesday. Since most of the cultural institutions are non-profits, please remember them when considering a donation.

 

Its Turkey Time with Lord Featherwick

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Happy Thanksgiving. Today’s entry comes from the Culture Turkey, not the Culture Vulture.

One of the newer sculptures in Riverfront Park is “Lord Featherwick” by Herb Mignery. It is sited near the Belvedere in the park.

“Lord Featherwick” is part of Mignery’s anthropomorphic series.  It whimsically depicts a turkey with a top hat, jacket, spats, umbrella and monacle.

He is probably very relieved to have made it through another Thanksgiving.

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Paint with the Animals of the Museum of Discovery today from 2pm to 4pm

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Some of the animals living at Museum of Discovery have recently taken up painting as an enrichment activity.  Soon, their paintings will be available for purchase in our Explore Store.  But because watching the animals painting is just as fun as owning one of their masterpieces, they are hosting a painting party for our guests!

During the party you will watch a variety of our animals paint (using a non-toxic tempera paint) and be able to collaborate with them by painting yourself by using objects such as feathers, snake skins and more! You will also be able to take a collaborative art piece home!

All children must be accompanied with an adult.  Tickets to this event must be purchased in advance.  Tickets are $5 for adult and children Museum of Discovery members and $15 for adult non-members and $13 for children non-members (this includes the cost of museum admission.)  Museum members must show proof of membership at the door.

Arkansas Arts Center Museum School annual sale today from 9am to 3pm

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The Arkansas Arts Center Museum School will be having its annual Sale on Saturday, November 23 from 9am to 3pm at the Hall of Industry, 2600 Howard Street.

Scores of Museum School students and faculty (and faculty who are also students) will be selling artwork in all varieties of shapes, sizes, media and price ranges.

It is a perfect chance to get a start on holiday shopping as well as to support local artists. Several of the artists have been taking classes and selling at the sale for years, while there will be others who are first timers.   Artists accept cash and checks; many also accept credit or debit cards.

Six sculptures dedicated to kick off week of Clinton Center opening activities in 2004

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On Sunday, November 14, 2004, six sculptures were dedicated along President Clinton Avenue and in Riverfront Park. This event was the first in the series of programs leading up to the dedication of the Clinton Presidential Center on Thursday, November 18, 2004.

The six sculptures were:

  • Eagle of the Rock by Sandy Scott
  • Fiesta by Carol Gold
  • Anglers by Jane DeDecker
  • Harriet Tubman by Jane DeDecker
  • Touch the Sky by Jane DeDecker
  • River Market Pig by Sandy Scott

The Jennings Osborne family in front of EAGLE OF THE ROCK

The Tucker, Kumpuris, and Moses families in front of FIESTA.

Carrie Remmel Dickinson unveiling Harriet Tubman

Darren Peters, Bruce Moore, and Rickey Mays (with Darrin Williams hidden by Darren Peters) along with the next generation.

Sculptor Jane DeDecker, the Clark grandchildren, with Margaret and Bill Clark in front of TOUCH THE SKY.

Sandy Scott’s RIVER MARKET PIG

Skip Rutherford took a break from looking over the Clinton Center preparations to come down to the sculpture dedication.

Dozens of people gathered for the dedication.

Painting Party in an Alley today in Downtown Little Rock

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Make your mark on Downtown Little Rock.  Literally.

Help the Downtown Little Rock Partnership make downtown a little brighter! Join them for a painting party behind The Rep in Baker’s Alley (running from Sixth to Seventh Streets between Main and Scott Streets) as they add some color to a brand new gathering space.

They will have all the supplies ready.  All you need to do is show up — but wear a pair of old shoes and clothes and see what a few hours of hard work and fun fellowship can do for our home.

The fun runs today (November 9) from 9am until 1pm.

Live music, coffee, snacks and materials provided. Wear your old clothes and shoes!