Art museums are known for displaying portraits of people -- portraits painted by masters, here and gone, of the famous and the obscure throughout history.
Every two years, the Arkansas Arts Center paints a virtual portrait of the movers and shakers who were instrumental in the center's ability to bring free art to the people. This year, two individuals and an organization were honored at Pop! A Beaux Arts Ball -- Pop being short for Portrait of a Patron. The event was held May 3 in the center's galleries.
Guests were served champagne before sitting down to a short awards program, conducted by center Director Todd Herman in the Alice Pratt Brown Atrium. Jane McGehee Wilson was presented the service award for her more than 50 years of "dogged pursuit of a secure financial future for the organization."
The Fine Arts Club of Arkansas, represented by Annette Anderson, received the philanthropy award for its century-plus years of work to "elevate the arts in Arkansas, planting the seeds for the Arkansas Arts Center and cultivating its growth." Townsend Wolfe, the late director of the museum, was recognized for his vision of a viable center where art would be displayed at no cost to visitors. Brooks Gibson-Wolfe accepted the award on her husband's behalf.
Following the program, attendees were ushered into the museum galleries for light hors d'oeuvres, drinks and dancing to the sounds of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Big Band as well as recorded music.
All proceeds from Pop! A Beaux Arts Ball will help pay for the arts center's education and outreach programs.
High Profile on 05/13/2018