Tag Archives: Little Rock Parks and Recreation

Committee for Arts and History Kicks off Campaign for Arts Center, Military Museum & MacArthur Park today at noon

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Today at Noon Campaign Kick-Off

Join us in supporting Arts + History at the official campaign kick-off

Tuesday, January 5 at 12 p.m.

The Arkansas Arts Center outside of the Children’s Theatre entrance

The Committee for Arts and History is a group of citizen advocates campaigning for Little Rock residents to vote FOR a bond issue backed by an already approved hotel tax on out-of-town visitors to improve the Arkansas Arts Center, MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, and MacArthur Park in a special election on February 9, 2016.

The improvements are of vital importance for the Arkansas Arts Center to keep its accreditation in 2016, to preserve a National Historic Landmark, and for Little Rock citizens to protect our cultural attractions.

 

15 Highlights of 2015 – Sculpture at the River Market expands beyond River Market

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0202PeaceIn 2015, Sculpture at the River Market officially expanded outside of the River Market area.

There have certainly been sculptures in Little Rock since the Henry Moore sculpture arrived in the 1970s.  Working with the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, Sculpture at the River Market has located scores of sculptures in Riverfront Park (both in the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden and in other areas of the park) and on the streets in the River Market District.

In 2011, the group started a public monument competition. The first three annual winners were all placed in Riverfront Park. Lorri Acott won the 2014 competition for her sculpture Peace.  Instead of being placed in the park, it was installed at the southeast corner of the intersection of Second and Main Streets.

It has quickly become a focal point in downtown Little Rock.

The 2015 public monument competition was won by Michael Warrick. It will be placed on Chenal Parkway at Chenal Village Drive.

Also in 2015, the sculptures downtown started attracting attention.  Actress Melissa Joan Hart and singer Tim McGraw both took to social media to highlight Little Rock sculpture while they were visiting Little Rock.  McGraw highlighted the pig sculpture at the River Market while Hart praised Rabbit Reach at the corner of President Clinton Avenue and Sherman Street.

The 2016 edition of the annual show and sale will be April 22 to 24.

6th Annual “Holiday Music at the Arsenal” today at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History

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macmusThis afternoon from 2pm to 4pm, visitors to the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History can enjoy a seasonal concert given by pupils of the Margaret Wyatt Vocal and Piano Studios.

Wyatt enjoyed a career in both opera and musical theater, working throughout the United States and locally with the Arkansas Repertory Theater and Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.  She has taught piano and voice in Little Rock for over 25 years.  Included in the concert will be holiday favorites from around the world.  The concert is free and open to the public.

Located in the historic Arsenal Tower in MacArthur Park, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History honors the Arkansans who have served in the armed forces.  Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, weapons, documents, uniforms and other military items that vividly portray Arkansas’s military history at home and abroad.

Other exhibits include:

  • Undaunted Courage, Proven Loyalty: Japanese American Soldiers in World War II
  • From Turbulence to Tranquility: The Little Rock Arsenal
  • Capital In Crisis and Celebration: Little Rock and the Civil War
  • Alger Cadet Gun
  • Camden Expedition
  • David Owen Dodd
  • Through the Camera’s Eye: The Allison Collection of World War II Photographs
  • By the President in the Name of Congress: Arkansas’ Medal of Honor Recipients
  • Conflict and Crisis: The MacArthur- Truman Controversy
  • Duty, Honor and Country: General Douglas MacArthur
  • The Sun Never Sets on the Mighty Jeep: The Jeep During World War II
  • War and Remembrance: The 1911 United Confederate Veterans Reunion
  • First Call – American Posters of World War I

Free “Movies at MacArthur Museum” tonight WAY OF THE WARRIOR

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In partnership with AETN, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History will host a screening of the documentary Way of the Warrior. The screening starts at 6:30pm tonight at the museum in MacArthur Park.  This film was chosen for November as a way to commemorate Native American Heritage Month.

Free admission. Free popcorn and beverages provided.

This documentary examines the visceral nature of war and the bravery of Native-American veterans who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War–and came to grips with the difficult post-war personal and societal conditions.

Their stories are examined through the prism of what it means to be “ogichidaa,” one who protects and follows the way of the warrior. Dramatic historical footage, period photographs and sound effects juxtaposed with photos of veterans in more genial settings, away from combat with family and friends stateside, create portrait of not just the warrior, but the paradox of a warrior’s motivations.

The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is a program of the City of Little Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department.

On Veterans Day, visit the Little Rock museum which pays tribute to Arkansas’ veterans

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With today being Veterans Day,  it is a good time to remember the museum in Little Rock dedicated to preserving Arkansas’ rich military history.  Though most City of Little Rock offices are closed today for the holiday, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is open.

Located in the historic Arsenal Tower in MacArthur Park, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History honors the Arkansans who have served in the armed forces.  Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, weapons, documents, uniforms and other military items that vividly portray Arkansas’s military history at home and abroad.

Exhibits include:
  • Undaunted Courage, Proven Loyalty: Japanese American Soldiers in World War II
  • From Turbulence to Tranquility: The Little Rock Arsenal
  • Capital In Crisis and Celebration: Little Rock and the Civil War
  • Alger Cadet Gun
  • Camden Expedition
  • David Owen Dodd
  • Through the Camera’s Eye: The Allison Collection of World War II Photographs
  • By the President in the Name of Congress: Arkansas’ Medal of Honor Recipients
  • Conflict and Crisis: The MacArthur- Truman Controversy
  • Duty, Honor and Country: General Douglas MacArthur
  • The Sun Never Sets on the Mighty Jeep: The Jeep During World War II
  • War and Remembrance: The 1911 United Confederate Veterans Reunion
  • First Call – American Posters of World War I

The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is a museum of the City of Little Rock.  It is led by executive director Stephan McAteer who works with the MacArthur Military History Museum Commission.

Hours of Operation
Monday – Saturday; 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday; 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Balloon Glow & Mac-O-Lanterns in MacArthur Park tonight!

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balloonglowWhat better way to spend All Hallow’s Eve Eve?

Make plans for a great evening in the beautiful and historic MacArthur Park!

Enjoy…
Hot Air Balloons
Pumpkin Carving and Painting
Food Trucks & Local Breweries
Live Music
FREE admission to the Arkansas Arts Center (open until 9 p.m.)

This will truly be fun for all ages!

Come hungry and feast on one of the many delicious options from our local food trucks! Guests ages 21 and over can experience several local craft beers!

Sign up to paint a pumpkin!

$5 tethered balloon rides for the kids

Schedule (subject to change)
6:00 Festival begins – Eat, drink and be merry. Watch some talented local artists create pumpkin masterpieces!

7:00 Balloon Glow

9:00 Event concludes

Saturday morning at 7:30, come back and send off the balloons in style…come bid them farewell and have a delicious breakfast with too!

Free movie tonight at MacArthur Museum of Ark. Military History – Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq

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MacMus IraqIn partnership with AETN, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History will host a screening of the documentary Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq. The screening starts at 6:30pm tonight at the museum in MacArthur Park.

Free admission. Free popcorn and beverages provided.

From executive producer James Gandolfini, this 2007 HBO documentary about wounded soldiers surveys the physical and emotional costs of war through memories of their “alive day,” the day they narrowly escaped death in Iraq. In a war that has left more than 27,000 wounded, Alive Day Memories looks at a new generation of veterans.

*Disclaimer: This documentary features adult language and adult content. Parental discretion is advised.

The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is a program of the City of Little Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department.