Tag Archives: River Market

A Decade of the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden

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Wayne Salge’s SIZZLING SISTERS, one of the original sculptures installed in the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden

On June 25, 2009, members of the Sculpture at the River Market committee and City leaders broke ground on the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden in Riverfront Park.

The groundbreaking followed an unveiling of the design plans for the new sculpture garden, which will be located east of the Peabody Hotel near the Forever a Rose garden and the Jack Fleischauer Garden.

“As part of the continuing improvements to Riverfront Park, we wanted to put more sculpture into the park to complement the new gardens, Peabody Park, and the upcoming La Petite Roche plaza,” said City Director Dean Kumpuris. “At the 2008 Sculpture at the River Market, six pieces were bought through proceeds from the show and sale to be placed in the park in 2009.”

According to Kumpuris, seven new pieces will join a dozen other sculptures in the park and along President Clinton Avenue that have been installed since 2004.

The sculpture garden features natural terraces and walkways. The design creates a space to host receptions, weddings or other events as well as to allow visitors to enjoy the sculptures in solitude.

The seven pieces which will be installed are “Full of Himself” by Jan Woods, “Cascade” by Chapel, “Bateleur Eagle” by Pete Zaluzec, “Sizzling Sister” by Wayne Salge, “Conversation with Myself” by Lorri Acott,  “First Glance” by Denny Haskew, and “Straight and Narrow” by Lisa Gordon.

“This is only the start,” said Sculpture at the River Market Chair Jane Rogers. “In addition to continuing to place sculpture in Riverfront Park, the committee is discussing ways to place public art throughout the city. In the months to come, we hope to be able to make some more announcements about sculpture and public art in Little Rock.”

The sculpture garden is made possible through the support of the Vogel Schwartz Foundation. Robert Vogel represented the family during the ground-breaking ceremony commending the city of Little Rock on their efforts to support the art community.

15th season of Movies in the Park starts with THOR: RAGNAROK

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Thor Ragnarok poster.jpgSummer nights are the perfect escape from the hot days, especially when the River Market’s outdoor film series returns to the First Security Amphitheater.

This annual event returns for the 15th season on June 5. Every Wednesday at sundown in June and July, family and friends unroll their blankets and unfold their chairs to relax and enjoy award-winning films ranging from animated to action and everything between.

Tonight’s film is THOR: RAGNAROK (PG-13).

In this 2017 release, Imprisoned on the other side of the universe, the mighty Thor finds himself in a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against the Hulk, his former ally and fellow Avenger. Thor’s quest for survival leads him in a race against time to prevent the all-powerful Hela from destroying his home world and the Asgardian civilization.

It stars Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban, Mark Ruffalo, and Anthony Hopkins.

Prior to the screening, from 6pm to 7:30pm (while supplies last), UA Little Rock Downtown is offering free popcorn inside their new facility. Come and grab your free Pop Pop Shoppe popcorn at UA Little Rock Downtown before Movies in the Park!

Families, picnics, and leashed pets are invited to the park to enjoy movies under the stars, but no glass containers. Don’t forget the bug spray! An adult must accompany all children under the age of 18 and an ID is required. Chaperoned youth, sports, church and other groups are welcome! The amphitheater will open an hour before film showings (approx. 7:30) and movies with begin at sundown each week (approx. 8:30).

For more information about Movies in the Park and to see which films will feature live performances or other activities before the showings, visit www.rivermarket.info or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lrrivermarket

Judas Priest should still be “Delivering the Goods” on June 1 Riverfront Park concert

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As reported earlier today (May 30), the new estimate for the Arkansas River crest in Little Rock is now expected on Wednesday, June 5 at 29 feet.

“At the current levels, coupled with the forecast from NOAA, we feel confident that none of the critical operating components of the stage, the seating area, the pit or the loading areas will be adversely affected by rising water at the time of the Judas Priest Concert on Saturday, June 1,” said Jim Rice, COO, Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Based on the current situation and forecast, the concert will proceed as planned.

LRCVB operations will continue to monitor both NOAA reports and the venue daily and remain in close contact with the concert promoter so that if anything changes, ticketholders can be notified as quickly as possible.  Additionally, the media will be updated as well as our websites and social media postings.

The box office will open at 12pm on Saturday for concertgoers who prefer to purchase tickets upon arrival.  Gates will open at 5pm.  Show starts at 7:30pm.

For updates, please visit www.rivermarket.info or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lrrivermarket.

Locally Labeled Pavilion Party returns to the River Market tonight

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Image result for locally labeled little rockThe Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau presents the 4th Annual Pavilion Party Celebrating Locally Labeled in Greater Little Rock.  The event runs from 6pm to 8pm tonight (May 16) at the River Market pavilions.  There is no admission fee, but a photo ID is required and guests must be 21 or older.

Event attendees can expect to party like a local in the River Market Pavilions on May 16, with Locally Labeled Partners, music by Cons of Formant and Locally Labeled wristbands for River Market restaurant specials following the party.  

This event offers a great opportunity to sample or purchase local libations, become familiar with the Locally Labeled Passport program and even get a jump start on filling one. Attendees who collect three (3) passport stickers at the event can present them to an event staffer for a special Locally Labeled insulated solo style cup, only available at this event!

Thanks to our partners at Core Brewing Co., Lost Forty Brewing, Diamond Bear Brewing Co., Rebel Kettle Brewing, Flyway Brewing Company, Stone’s Throw Brewing, The Water Buffalo & Buffalo Brewing Co., Vino’s Brewpub, River Bottom Winery at BoBrook Farms, An Enchanting Evening Winery and Rock Town Distillery.

2019 Movies in the Park lineup announced!

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Summer nights are the perfect escape from the hot days, especially when the River Market’s outdoor film series returns to the First Security Amphitheater.

This annual event returns for the 15th season on June 5. Every Wednesday at sundown in June and July, family and friends unroll their blankets and unfold their chairs to relax and enjoy award-winning films ranging from animated to action and everything between.

“We are looking forward to another great season of Movies in the Park and hope that everyone finds a movie they just Have to see in this year’s lineup,” Diana Long, Director of River Market Operations said.

The 2019 lineup:

June 5  Thor: Ragnarok  (PG-13)

June 12  How to Train a Dragon 3  (PG)

June 19  Dumb & Dumber (PG-13)

June 26  – Apollo 13 (PG)

July 3 – The Greatest Showman (PG)

July 10  The Sandlot (PG)

July 17  Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (PG-13)

July 24  Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (PG-13)

July 31  The Help (PG 13)

Families, picnics, and leashed pets are invited to the park to enjoy movies under the stars, but no glass containers. Don’t forget the bug spray! An adult must accompany all children under the age of 18 and an ID is required. Chaperoned youth, sports, church and other groups are welcome! The amphitheater will open an hour before film showings (approx. 7:30) and movies with begin at sundown each week (approx. 8:30).

For more information about Movies in the Park and to see which films will feature live performances or other activities before the showings, visit www.rivermarket.info or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lrrivermarket

Sculpture at the River Market Show and Sale this weekend!

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Little Rock residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to see and purchase works by leading sculptors when the Sculpture at the River Market Invitational Show and Sale takes place at the River Market pavilions on May 4 & 5

Over 700 sculptures will be on display in the River Market pavilions and in the adjacent area of Riverfront Park on these two days. The works featured will include all types of media, style, subject matter, and size.

The 2019 sculptors include: Lorri Acott, Serena Bates, Terry Bean, Jeff Best, Kelly Borsheim, Craig Campbell, Kathleen Caricof, Leslie Daly, Darrell Davis, Jane DeDecker, Michael Dunton, Theresa Dyer, Clay Enoch, Denny Haskew, Felipe Jimenz, James Keller, Edwad LaBonne, Jackie Mild Lau, and Bryan Massey.

Other participating sculptors are: Darren Miller, Ken Newman, Joe Norman, Nnamdi Okonkwo, Ed Pennebaker, John Powell, Timothy Roundy, Emelene Russell, Wayne Salge, Ryan T. Schmidt, Adam Schultz, Gene Sparling, Charles Strain, Bilhenry Walker, Michael Warrick, Basil Barrington Watson, CT Whitehouse, Russell Whiting, and David Zahn.

Sculpture at the River Market will be open in the River Market pavilions from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, and from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, May 5.

On Saturday, Alex Palmer from the Museum of Discovery will offer activities for children at 12 noon and 2pm adjacent to the River Market pavilions.

On Sunday, two food trucks will be on site with food available for sculpture guests to purchase.  Nach’yo Nachos and Rock-Brick Oven Pizza will both be present from 11am until 2pm.

On Friday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m., a Preview Party will kick off the weekend.  With food provided by Copper Grill, beverages provided by Southern Glazer’s and Stella Artois, it will be a festive atmosphere offering guests the first chance to purchase sculptures as well as visit with the sculptors.

Also that night, guests to the Preview Party will be able to vote for their favorite sculpture in the 2019 Public Monument Competition.  The winner, which will be announced on Sunday, May 5, at 3:00 p.m., will be placed adjacent to City Hall at the corner of Markham Street and Broadway Street in 2020.  The seven semifinalists are: Theresa Dyer, Clay Enoch, Joe Norman, Nnamdi Okonkwo, Ryan T. Schmidt, Charles Strain and Basil Barrington Watson.

Jazz in the Park closes out Spring 2019 with Ramona Smith

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Jazz in the Park is a free happy hour style event featuring different Jazz musicians weekly from 6pm-8pm in the History Pavilion in Riverfront Park. Family and Pet Friendly.  It is offered each Wednesday in April and September.

Tonight features Ramona Smith.

In the mid-1980’s, the legendary Johnny Otis recruited Ramona for his revue. She can be heard on the 1990 album by Johnny Otis, Good Lovin’ Blues, where she sings lead on several tracks. Ramona can also be heard on several live releases of the Johnny Otis Band from that period. She has opened for such notables as B.B. King and Al Jarreau. As a result of her work with Otis’ band, Ramona is a honorary member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In the late 90s, Ramona moved to Little Rock, AR where she is a local jazz club favorite, but Ramona and her music can travel to all 50 states and abroad.  She continues to wow audiences with her vocal prowess.

No Coolers Please. Lawn Chairs Welcome. (Rain Location is East Pavilion at River Market)