Tag Archives: Arkansas Arts Center

ACANSA preview – Visual Art

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The second annual ACANSA Arts Festival runs from September 16 to 20.  It will feature a variety of art forms at a variety of venues downtown.  This week, we are previewing some of the acts.  Up next – visual art.

Argenta Art Gallery Exhibit and Reception

Up first is the opening reception of the Angela Davis Johnson exhibit at the Argenta Art Gallery. The reception is Thursday evening September 17, 2015. The exhibit will run through October 12, 2015

Angela Davis Johnson is best known for her vibrant narrative paintings that examine universal connections, identity and historical occurrences through personal symbols. Ms. Johnson creates textured figures using oil paint, scrap paper and fabric within unique compositions.

Please let organizers know if you plan to attend by sending an email to tickets@ACANSAartsFestival.org or call the office at 501-663-2287. There is no charge for this event.

A Little Poetry: The Art of Alonzo Ford Reception

On Friday, September 18, at the Arkansas Arts Center, there will be an Alonzo Ford exhibit and reception.

A Little Poetry: The Art of Alonzo Ford. The exhibition will be on view September 15 to October 25, 2015 in our Sam Strauss, Jr., Gallery.

Alonzo Ford, grew up on farm in the Southland Community near Lexa, Arkansas. His figurative drawings focus on his memories of a life lived on his family farm. Ford enjoys creating with color and drawing landscapes that depict farm life and old buildings and active portraits. Stark figures engage in the daily activities Ford recalls from childhood leaving one with a sense of the activity, simplicity, and intimacy of mid-century rural life in Arkansas.

Reception begins at 5:30pm

Festival passes, can be purchased at the ACANSA website.
For more information, 501-663-2287 or email admin@ACANSAartsfestival.org

Studio Show series of Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre launches with THE UGLY DUCKLING

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aac ct ss UglyDuckling_posterThis year, the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre features three Studio Shows in addition to its mainstage shows.  Up first, The Ugly Duckling, Aug. 28-Sept. 6, 2015.

Devised and directed by Katie Campbell, The Ugly Duckling is a reimagining of the classic fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen. It follows a young girl as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal transformation. This shadow play unfolds with three actor-puppeteers, two overhead projectors, nearly 100 paper puppets.

“The striking and graphic simplicity of the paper cutting along with the inherently cinematic quality of overhead projector puppetry lays the aesthetic foundation for the production,” Campbell said. “There is no dialogue as the narrative unfolds entirely in the visual language of puppetry and the emotional topography of music.”

Campbell, a North Carolina native, made her home in Little Rock eight years ago when she became a company member with the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre. The Ugly Duckling stemmed from a thesis project as she pursed an MFA in directing theatre for young audiences at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

“It happened out of necessity—I needed a story that could be told with very few actors and a minimalist set in order to share a tour van with another student,” Campbell said. “But I believe in the story so much. I love telling stories of personal transformation, so it was a natural fit for me to reimagine Andersen’s classic but to adapt it from my personal life lens.”

After touring in North Carolina, Campbell contacted the AACCT to gauge their interest in her show. “There’s never been a single idea that Brad [Bradley Anderson, AACCT artistic director] has said ‘no’ to,” Campbell said. “He and the Arts Center are just so supportive and encouraging of anyone with artistic ambition.”

Before the show could begin at the AAC Children’s Theatre, Campbell needed to find new music since the University of North Carolina at Greensboro owned the rights to the original scores. Enter the Jim Henson Foundation.

The Ugly Duckling was the recipient of a 2015 Jim Henson Foundation Family Grant which celebrates innovation and excellence in puppetry. The grant allowed Campbell to approach Jessica Drake Mosher to compose and arrange new, original music.

The two met through a mutual friend on Facebook, and after only a few months of comparing notes, the ensemble was complete. Mosher’s music will be performed live by a 15-piece ensemble from the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra, directed by Geoffrey Robson.

“I have long been interested in collaborating with the Arkansas Arts Center and this is a wonderful opportunity for a first collaboration,” said Robson, associate conductor for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.

“I was even more excited that Katie was commissioning new music to be written for this production,” Robson said. “It is always a thrill to be involved in a world premiere, and to give students the opportunity to work with a living composer. Performing a piece of music for the first time is a unique learning experience, and it is a thrill that all of this is happening as the Arts Center kicks off its Studio Series.”

“This is a true collaboration of arts organizations,” Campbell said. “I just consider myself a caretaker of this project because it would not have been possible without any of them.”

After the 36-minute show, the audience is invited to participate in a hands-on demonstration of the shadow puppetry process.

The Ugly Duckling is presented by The Philip R. Jonsson Foundation and sponsored by the Jim Henson Foundation. 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.

Show times: Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices: $10 General admission, $8 for Arkansas Arts Center members

Be a Part of Fountain Fest – Design Public Art for the Fountain

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AAC Con FF2015Your public art installation proposal could put you at the center of this fall’s Fountain Fest, hosted by the Arkansas Arts Center Contemporaries. Submit your entry on the following pages so you can be in the running for this prestigious art installation in front of the Arkansas Arts Center. The winning artist’s name(s) will be included in publicity about this event, and there is a cash prize.

The AAC Contemporaries are seeking an artist or a group of artists to create a (temporary) art installation centered on or around the Carrie Remmel Dickinson fountain in front of the AAC. The selection process will be by jury.

Art Installation initial proposal shall include a written description of the project and a sketch (or more if needed). The written description can include a list of materials that will be used and ideas about execution. Deadline for initial proposal is September 11. Jury will narrow down the applicants to no more than the top four. The finalists will be notified by Wednesday September 18, letting them know that they have been selected to expand upon their proposal. Interviews with the finalists will follow. The artist or group which is selected will be notified by September 21.

The artist (or group of artists) who is selected as the winner will be awarded $1,000 to offset cost of materials and time.

Please feel free to visit the Carrie Remmel Dickinson fountain in person, for help with visualizing the size and scale for your proposed project. Click here for fountain dimensions and views

Artists may submit their proposal any time before September 11 via this form, including the written description of the idea and attaching a jpeg (300 dpi) of the proposal sketch, or may send a package via the US Post Office to Arkansas Arts Center Attn: Spencer Jansen PO Box 2137 Little Rock, AR 72203 containing a written description of the proposed idea along with sketch(es). All (postal) mailed entries must be received before September 11.

2015 marks the third annual Fountain Fest, an outdoor party around the Carrie Remmel Dickinson fountain hosted by the Arkansas Arts Center Contemporaries. Funds raised will go toward purchasing artwork and to fund Contemporaries projects that support the AAC.

The Contemporaries is an affiliate-membership group of the Arkansas Arts Center whose members are made up of young art enthusiasts who wish to expand their knowledge and appreciation of the arts.

New this year at Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre – Three Studio Shows

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arkartsRecognized by The Drama League as one of the best regional theatre companies in America, the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre is the only professional company in Arkansas that produces children’s literary works for the stage.

New this year, AACCT will also feature three Studio Shows: The Ugly Duckling; Apollo: To the Moon and The Odyssey. The Ugly Duckling is a recipient of the 2015 Jim Henson Foundation Family Grant which celebrates innovation and excellence in puppetry. It will feature original music performed live by an ensemble from the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra, directed by Geoffrey Robson. The Ugly Duckling is presented by The Philip R. Jonsson Foundation and sponsored by The Jim Henson Foundation.

Studio Shows are intended to provide space to explore new ideas and themes, and appeal to a different audience than Main Stage shows. Smaller in size and budget, Studio Shows are intended to showcase actors and ideas over scenery and properties.

Theatre doors open 30 minutes prior to show for seating.

 The Ugly Duckling

 August 28 – September 6, 2015

 Show times: Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

 Ticket prices: $10 General admission, $8 for Arkansas Arts Center members

 Best enjoyed by kindergarten and up.

This reimagining of the classic fairytale follows a young girl as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal transformation. This shadow play unfolds with three actor-puppeteers, two overhead projectors, more than 60 paper puppets and original music performed live by an ensemble from the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra, directed by Geoffrey Robson. The Ugly Duckling is a recipient of the 2015 Jim Henson Foundation Family Grant which celebrates innovation and excellence in puppetry. Presented by The Philip R. Jonsson Foundation and sponsored by The Jim Henson Foundation. Devised and Directed by Katie Campbell; Music by Jessica Drake Mosher.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArkansasArtsCenter.org/theater.

 

 Apollo: To the Moon

 October 9-11, 2015

 Show times: Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

 Ticket prices: $10 General admission, $8 for Arkansas Arts Center members

 Best enjoyed by all ages.

So what does it take to get to the moon? In this history-packed celebration of our American Space Program, 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. Originally produced by Smithsonian’s Discovery Theatre. Written by Mary Hall Surface; Directed by John Isner; With music by Lori Isner.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArkansasArtsCenter.org/theater.

 

 The Odyssey  

 February 19-28, 2016

 Show times: Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

 Ticket prices: $10 General admission, $8 for Arkansas Arts Center members

 Best enjoyed by third grade and up.

Homer’s epic poem comes vibrantly alive in a fusion of music, dance, mime, masks, and choral effects. Enduring Poseidon’s wrath, King Odysseus faces witches, sirens and a cyclops as he wends his way—literally through Hell and high water—to his home and the long-suffering love of his queen Penelope. Adapted for the stage by Keith Smith, Music by Lori Isner.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArkansasArtsCenter.org/theater.

 

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.

Little Rock Look Back: Judge Eisele rules HAIR must flow at Robinson Auditorium

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Ad for the original production of HAIR in Little Rock. Note the ticket prices. And that they could be purchased at Moses Music Shops.

Ad for the original production of HAIR in Little Rock. 

Forty-four years ago today, on August 11, 1971, Nixon appointee Federal Judge G. Thomas Eisele ruled that the musical Hair must be allowed to play in Little Rock in 1972 at Robinson Auditorium.

In February 1971, a young Little Rock attorney named Phil Kaplan petitioned the Little Rock Board of Censors to see if it would allow a production of Hair to play in the city. He was asking on behalf of a client who was interested in bringing a national tour to Arkansas’ capital city. The show, which had opened on Broadway to great acclaim in April 1968 after an Off Broadway run in 1967, was known for containing a nude scene as well for a script which was fairly liberally sprinkled with four-letter words. The Censors stated they could not offer an opinion without having seen a production.

By July 1971, Kaplan and his client (who by then had been identified as local promoter Jim Porter and his company Southwest Productions) were seeking permission for a January 1972 booking of Hair from the City’s Auditorium Commission which was charged with overseeing operations at Robinson Auditorium. At its July meeting, the Commissioners voted against allowing Hair because of its “brief nude scene” and “bawdy language.”

Kaplan decried the decision. He stated that the body couldn’t “sit in censorship of legitimate theatrical productions.” He noted courts had held that Hair could be produced and that the Auditorium Commission, as an agent for the State, “clearly can’t exercise prior censorship.” He proffered that if the production was obscene it would be a matter for law enforcement not the Auditorium Commission.

The Commission countered that they had an opinion from City Attorney Joseph Kemp stating they had the authority. One of the Commissioners, Mrs. Grady Miller (sister-in-law of the building’s eponym, the late Senator Robinson, she had served on the Commission since 1940), expressed her concern that allowing Hair would open the door to other productions such as Oh! Calcutta!

On July 26, 1971, Southwest Productions filed suit against the Auditorium Commission. Four days later there was a hearing before federal Judge G. Thomas Eisele. At that hearing, Auditorium Commission member Lee Rogers read aloud excerpts from the script he found objectionable. Under questioning from Kaplan, a recent touring production of Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite was discussed. That play has adultery as a central theme of one of its acts. Rogers admitted he found the play funny, and that since the adultery did not take place on stage, he did not object to it. Among those testifying in favor of it was Robert Reddington, who was director of performing arts at the Arkansas Arts Center.

Judge Eisele offered a ruling on August 11 which compelled the Auditorium Commission to allow Hair to be performed. Prior to the ruling, some of the Auditorium Commissioners had publicly stated that if they had to allow Hair, they would close it after the first performance on the grounds of obscenity. To combat this, Judge Eisele stated that the Commission had to allow Hair to perform the entire six day engagement it sought.

Upon hearing of the Judge’s ruling, Commissioner Miller offered a succinct, two word response. “Oh, Dear!”

On January 18, 1972, Hair played the first of its 8 performances over 6 days at Robinson Auditorium.  In his review the next day, the Arkansas Gazette’s Bill Lewis noted that Hair “threw out all it had to offer” and that Little Rock had survived.

Little Rock was by no means unique in trying to stop productions of Hair.  St. Louis, Birmingham, Los Angeles, Tallahassee, Boston, Atlanta, Charlotte NC, West Palm Beach, Oklahoma City, Mobile and Chattanooga all tried unsuccessfully to stop performances in their public auditoriums.  Despite Judge Eisele’s ruling against the City of Little Rock, members of the Fort Smith City Council also tried to stop a production later in 1972 in that city. This was despite warnings from City staff that there was not legal standing.

Feed Your Mind Friday today at noon at the Arkansas Arts Center

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stephens-galleryFeed Your Mind Fridays offer the chance for you to get up close and personal with works on display at the Arkansas Arts Center, and often times the opportunity to meet the artist in person.

Today at noon, explore your Arkansas Arts Center Collection as Louise A. Palermo, Director of Education and Programs, leads a discussion on the many stories layered throughout “Andromeda” by Odilon Redon. The cost to attend is FREE!

Meet at the Stephens Inc. Visitors Center to start the discussion.

After it is concluded, hang around and have lunch at the Best Impressions Restaurant.

Final weekend for 54th Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition at Arkansas Arts Center

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Pamette Goodlow, Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School, 10th Grade, Untitled, bleach and oil pastel.

Pamette Goodlow, Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School, 10th Grade, Untitled, bleach and oil pastel.

The Young Arkansas Artists exhibition is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.  Works by student artists vary in size, media, style and subject matter. Some are whimsical, some are thought-provoking, some are introspective. But all show the caliber of artwork being created by Arkansas students from all over the state and from all sizes of schools.

The exhibition closes on Sunday, so this weekend is the last chance to see the 54th edition.  The Arts Center is open 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday.

Now in its sixth decade, this annual children’s art exhibition showcases artwork by students in kindergarten through 12th grade from across the state.

455 entries from 111 schools and programs across Arkansas were received. 106 works in a huge variety of media were juried by the Arkansas Art Educators.

Award juror Katherine Strauss selected a Best of Class and Honorable Mentions for each grade among other awards. Monetary awards are provided to each winner’s school. Each year, selections from the exhibition travel to schools and other venues throughout the state as part of the Arkansas Arts Center’s State Services program.