Tag Archives: Arkansas Arts Center

FountainFest at the Arkansas Arts Center

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The Arkansas Arts Center’s Contemporaries auxiliary group is calling on all Arkansans to find their inner artist and share what most inspires them in preparation for this year’s Fountain Fest. This year’s fundraiser will be held today, Thursday, October 22, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. around the Carrie Remmel Dickinson Fountain at the Arkansas Arts Center.

“Over the past two years, Fountain Fest has expanded both in attendance and impact, and it is thrilling to see this group of young art enthusiasts grow with it,” said Kelly Imhoff, AAC Contemporaries president. “Ticket sales support the Arkansas Arts Center Contemporaries’ efforts to expand the AAC Collection by funding the purchase of a work of art from the Collectors Show & Sale in November, and donating it to the Arkansas Arts Center’s permanent collection.”

There are several additions to this year’s Fountain Fest including a sculpture competition and purse raffle. There has also been a design competition for a temporary installation in the fountain.  Tod Switch, Eric Spann, Brian Felland, Mike Brown, John Steward and Hunter Brown are the finalists. The winner will receive $1,000 courtesy of the Markham Group and his/her work will not be revealed until the night of Fountain Fest.

Also new this year is a raffle for a Louis Vuitton purse valued at over $1200. Raffle tickets may be purchased in advance or at the event for $10. The winner does not have to be present to win.

The 3rd Annual Fountain Fest will also feature music by DJ Mike Poe, food from David’s Burgers, desserts from Cupcakes on Kavanaugh, drinks provided by Lost 40 and Stone’s Throw Brewing and live printmaking demonstrations by Neal and Tammy Harrington.

Tickets for the event are $40 and can be purchased in advance at ArkansasArtsCenter.org/fountain-fest or at the event. Sponsors of the 3rd Annual Fountain Fest include: CenterPoint Energy, the Markham Group, Stone Ward and Donna and Mack McLarty.

For more information visit ArkansasArtsCenter.org/fountain-fest.

Architecture & Design Network focuses on architectural photographer Pedro E. Guerrero

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pedro e guererroTonight at 6pm at the Arkansas Arts Center, the Architecture and Design Network, in collaboration with the Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN), will present an  American Masters Series film “Pedro E. Guerrero: A Photographer’s Journey.”
Following the film, there will be a panel discussion with Dr. Ethel Goodstein-Murphree, Associate Dean, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, and Professor of Architecture, Chair; Brian Lang, Chief Curator, Arkansas Arts Center; and Tim Hursley, architectural photographer. A reception at 5:30 will take place prior to the screening and discussion.
Directed and produced by the award winning team of Ray Telles and Ivan Iturruaga, the American Masters Series film, Pedro E. Guerrero: A Photographer’s Journey, recounts the Arizona native’s life (1917-2012) and remarkable career. In 1939, the then 22 year old Guerrero, a novice photographer who had studied photography at the Art Center in Pasadena, CA, was hired by Frank Lloyd Wright to document the construction of Taliesin West, then being built on a site overlooking Paradise Valley. Wright’s spur of the moment decision to hire him led to a relationship that lasted until Wright’s death in 1959, interrupted only by the young man’s Army Air Corps service during WW II.
Guerrero’s twenty year association with Wright catapulted him into the center of modernist art and architecture. Moving to New York City following the war, while still working with Wright, Guerrero was much sought after by major magazines that focused on architecture and design. He also went on to photograph the work of sculptors Alexander Calder and Louise Nevelson as well the artists themselves.
In addition to  excerpts of interviews with art historians and critics long familiar with Guerrero’s work, the film offers a view of  his early life experience – his growing up in an Arizona town, not far from Taliesin West, where educational opportunities for offspring of families with Mexican roots were limited. While  he intended to study art after high school, his introduction to photography altered his course.
Support for  Architecture and Design Network (ADN), a non-profit organization, is provided  the Arkansas Arts Center, the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, the Central Arkansas Section of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and friends in the community. The film’s showing and the reception that precedes it are free and open to the public. For  additional information contact ardenetwork@mac.com.

Creative Class of 2015: Matt McLeod

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McLeodMuralMatt McLeod is a painter, sculp­tor and mural­ist, spe­cial­iz­ing in fine art for res­i­den­tial, com­mer­cial and pub­lic art projects. His art hangs in many homes and businesses throughout Central Arkansas and beyond. Arguably his most visible work is the new mural at the corner of 6th and Main in the Creative Corridor.

After grad­u­at­ing from South­ern Methodist Uni­ver­sity in 1987, Matt spent a fifteen-year career in adver­tis­ing, before becom­ing a full-time artist. Matt spent the last eleven years in fine art, devel­op­ing paint­ings into his bold, vibrant style — what he calls Ener­getic Color.

Matt’s Ener­getic Color is included in sev­eral pri­vate and cor­po­rate col­lec­tions across the US and has brought sig­nif­i­cant recog­ni­tion, includ­ing pieces in the Delta Exhi­bi­tion at The Arkansas Arts Cen­ter and a paint­ing on the front cover of the first Arkansas Artists Cal­en­dar, cre­ated by The Arkansas Governor’s Man­sion Asso­ci­a­tion.

In 2011, Matt was the fea­tured artist for River­fest music fes­ti­val. Matt was the fea­tured artist for MusicFest El Dorado, in 2012. In 2013, Matt was the fea­tured artist for The Thea Foundation’s Annual Spring Fine Arts Fes­ti­val. This month, Matt opened a gallery in down­town Lit­tle Rock, spe­cial­iz­ing in highly col­lectible regional artists and res­i­den­tial and com­mer­cial commissions.

Our America exhibit at Arkansas Arts Center celebrates Latino presence in American Art

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The Arkansas Arts Center welcomes the exhibition Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art, a major collection of modern and contemporary Latino art from the Smithsonian American Art Museum,  through January 17, 2016.

The exhibition Our America includes 93 works in all media by 72 artists who participated in various artistic styles and movements, including abstract expressionism; activist, conceptual and performance art and classic American genres such as landscape, portraiture and scenes of everyday life.

Our America presents the rich and varied contributions of Latino artists in the United States since the mid-20th century, when the concept of a collective Latino identity began to emerge. The exhibition is drawn entirely from the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s pioneering collection of Latino art.

To enhance the “Our America” exhibition, the AAC is incorporating several digital components including an exhibition preview video on YouTube, a six-part documentary film series and podcasts to accompany several works. The video can be viewed at tiny.cc/YouTubeOurAmerica.

In collaboration with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the AAC is hosting a free film series in six parts. Latino Americans: 500 Years of History is a landmark documentary produced by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA), featuring interviews with nearly 100 Latinos and exploring more than 500 years of history. Each episode will be shown Sundays at 2 p.m. in the Lower Level Lecture Hall beginning October 18 with a special community discussion led by Dr. Kristin Dutcher Mann, UALR associate professor of history and social studies education coordinator.

The film schedule is as follows:

October 18, 2015 | 2:00 p.m.
Latino Americans “Episode 1: Foreigners in their Own Land (1565-1880)”
Following the screening, Dr. Kristin Dutcher Mann, UALR associate professor of history and social studies education coordinator, will lead a community discussion about the continuing relevance of the colonial and early national periods in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands

October 25, 2015 | 2:00 p.m.
Latino Americans “Episode 2: Empire of Dreams (1880-1942)”

November 1, 2015 | 2:00 p.m.
Latino Americans “Episode 3: War and Peace (1942-1954)”

November 8, 2015 | 2:00 p.m.
Latino Americans “Episode 4: The New Latinos (1946-1965)”

November 15, 2015 | 2:00 p.m.
Latino Americans “Episode 5:  Prejudice and Pride (1965-1980)”
Following the screening, Edma Delgado-Solórzano, UALR doctoral candidate and visiting assistant professor will lead a community discussion about the episode which focuses on the development of the “Chicano” identity.

November 22, 2015 | 2:00 p.m.

Latino Americans “Episode 6: Peril and Promise (1980-2000)”

Additionally, the Arkansas Arts Center will offer several programs and events to complement the exhibition and enhance the impact on both English- and Spanish-speaking visitors.

Our America will feature bilingual labels for each work and a Spanish-language website created by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Select works also feature podcasts with the artist’s commentary. Museum goers can simply call a number, scan a QR code or visit a website for more background on the artist and background on each piece—in English and Spanish.

Artists featured in the exhibition reflect the rich diversity of Latino communities in the United States. Our America showcases artists of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban and Dominican descent, as well as other Latin American groups with deep roots in the United States. By presenting works by artists of different generations and regions, the exhibition reveals recurring themes among artists working across the country.

The 72 artists featured in the exhibition are ADÁL, Manuel Acevedo, Elia Alba, Olga Albizu, Carlos Almaraz, Jesse Amado, Asco (Harry Gamboa Jr., Gronk, Willie Herrón and Patssi Valdez), Luis Cruz Azaceta, Myrna Báez, Guillermo Bejarano, Charles “Chaz” Bojórquez, María Brito, Margarita Cabrera, María Magdalena Campos-Pons, Melesio “Mel” Casas, Leonard Castellanos, Oscar R. Castillo, José Cervantes, Enrique Chagoya, Roberto Chavez, Carlos A. Cortéz, Marcos Dimas, Ricardo Favela, Christina Fernandez, Teresita Fernández, iliana emilia garcía, Rupert García, Scherezade García, Carmen Lomas Garza, Ignacio Gomez, Ken Gonzales-Day, Hector González, Luis C. “Louie the Foot” González, Muriel Hasbun, Ester Hernandez, Judithe Hernández, Carmen Herrera, Carlos Irizarry, Luis Jiménez, Miguel Luciano, Emanuel Martinez, María Martínez-Cañas, Antonio Martorell, Ana Mendieta, Amalia Mesa-Bains, Franco Mondini-Ruiz, Delilah Montoya, Malaquias Montoya, Abelardo Morell, Jesús Moroles, Raphael Montañez Ortiz, Pepón Osorio, Amado M. Peña Jr., Chuck Ramirez, Paul Henry Ramirez, Sophie Rivera, Arturo Rodríguez, Freddy Rodríguez, Joseph Rodríguez, Frank Romero, Emilio Sánchez, Juan Sánchez, Jorge Soto Sánchez, Rafael Soriano, Ruben Trejo, Jesse Treviño, John M. Valadez, Alberto Valdés and Xavier Viramontes.

The exhibition is organized by E. Carmen Ramos, curator of Latino art at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art is organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Generous support for the exhibition has been provided by Altria Group, the Honorable Aida M. Alvarez, Judah Best, The James F. Dicke Family Endowment, Sheila Duignan and Mike Wilkins, Tania and Tom Evans, Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, The Michael A. and the Honorable Marilyn Logsdon Mennello Endowment, Henry R. Muñoz III, Wells Fargo and Zions Bank. Additional significant support was provided by The Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian Latino Center. Support for “Treasures to Go,” the museum’s traveling exhibition program, comes from The C.F. Foundation, Atlanta.

Our America is sponsored in Arkansas by Donna and Mack McLarty, The Brown Foundation, Inc., of Houston, Consulate of Mexico in Little Rock and Alan DuBois Contemporary Craft Fund. Media sponsors include ¡Hola! Arkansas and Telemundo Arkansas.

Today through Sunday – Ark. Arts Center Children’s Theatre Studio Series – APOLLO TO THE MOON

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AAC CT SS Apollo

Tonight at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7pm and Sunday at 2pm, audiences will have a chance to relive the glory days of space exploration with the play Apollo to the Moon.

Originally produced by Smithsonian’s Discovery Theatre, Apollo To the Moon is a history-packed celebration of our American Space Program, wherein young astronaut-hopeful Scott Gibson learns that it takes more than just a rocket and a space helmet: It takes math, science, physical stamina, mental perseverance—and, oh yes, a dream.

This play introduces today’s young audiences to the glory days of the space program. Apollo to the Moon is an exciting look at the breathtaking risks and unforgettable heroism of the American Space program. Told through the lens of one young man’s dream to become an astronaut, this thrilling story takes you on the journey that gripped the nation.

AAC CT SS GingerJeremy Matthey stars in this one-man show written by Mary Hall Surface, directed by John Isner with music by Lori Isner.

The 2015/2016 season of the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre is sponsored by: Presenting Sponsor, Arkansas BlueCross Blue Shield; Fall Season Sponsor, Centennial Bank; Spring Season Sponsors, The Fine Arts Club of Arkansas and Dr. Loren Bartole, ‘Family Foot Care’; Additional Support Provided by The Morris Foundation and Media Sponsor, Little Rock Family Magazine.

Creative Class of 2015: Katie Campbell

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Katie CampbellKatie Campbell is a director, performer, and teaching artist. She is originally from North Carolina but for six years has found an artistic home in Little Rock as a company member with the Arkansas Art Center Childrenʼs Theater (AACCT), director and performer with the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, and improvisor with ImprovLittleRock and The Joint Venture.  She is also the co-founder and co-director of the youth improv comedy company, Armadillo Rodeo.

Campbell is a 2015 Jim Henson Family Grant recipient for her devised and directed shadow puppet play for young people, The Ugly Duckling.  That production recently played to sold out houses at the AACCT Studio Series enrapturing children and adults alike.

She has an MFA in directing Theatre for Young Audiences from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is also an alumna of the North Carolina School of the Arts where she studied acting with Tanya Belov, voice with Mary Irwin, circus arts with Dikki Ellis, and movement/mask work with Robert Francesconni and Mollie Murry.

Some of her favorite roles include Adriana in The Comedy of Errors with the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre (2010); Roxanne in Cyrano de Bergerac and Barbara in Night of the Living Dead AACCT Studio Series (2008);  Mouse in If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, If You Take a Mouse to School, and Merry Christmas Mouse! (AACCT Mainstage 2007-12).

Monday Musings: Kelly Kinard Fleming

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Kelly FlemingToday launches a new feature on the Little Rock Culture Vulture: Monday Musings.

Little Rock cultural personalities will be asked nine questions (there were nine muses).

Up first is Kelly Kinard Fleming. A member of Little Rock’s Arts & Culture Commission, she is also Development Director at the Arkansas Arts Center. A graduate of the Clinton School of Public Service, she has previously worked at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre in development and marketing.

Monday Musings

-My earliest memory was (age and incident)

From birth to age 5 I lived in the booming metropolis of Sikes, Louisiana. The post office was in the general store. My dad was principal of the K-12 school and our house was on the edge of the school’s playground. I remember walking next door for a fresh cookie and carton of cold milk from the sweet lunchroom ladies. Oh, and the water in town was brown. I remember taking baths in clean, but brown, water.

-When I was in high school and imagined my adulthood, I thought I would be

…a novelist, a lawyer or both. Surprise! I’m neither.

-Star Wars, Star Trek, Battle of the Network Stars, or Dancing with the Stars?

If I MUST, Dancing with the Stars.

-I most identify with the Winnie the Pooh character of…

…there’s something in all of them we identify with, don’t you think? Much like the Wizard of Oz characters. But I’ll say Christopher Robin because he is cheerful and gets along well with others.

-The performer I’d drop everything to see is

…Bette Midler.

-My first paying job was

…babysitting. Swore I’d never have kids.

-A book I think everyone should read is

….Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton

-My favorite season is…

….Spring. Great convertible weather.

-We are all geeks (or experts) about something. My field is

….shopping on the cheap.