A small group of Thea Foundation supporters got together July 22 to -- as they put it -- "chat all things Thea."
The party was held at the Heights home of Jeremy Mitchell. The foundation's recently installed president, Trish Roberson, took part in the discussion.
Paul Leopoulos co-founded the arts-based foundation with his wife, Linda, 19 years ago. The Thea Foundation's headquarters is at 401 Main St. in the Argenta Arts District in North Little Rock's downtown.
The foundation is named for Paul and Linda's daughter, Thea, who died in an automobile accident in May 2001 at age 17. Thea, a junior at North Little Rock High School-West Campus at the time of her death, had developed artistic abilities that gave her a joy and confidence that carried over to other aspects of her life. Last year, Nick Leopoulos succeeded his father as the organization's executive director.
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Following Thea's own experience with the arts, foundation programs are designed to advance the importance of the arts in students' development and help students be able to pursue their artistic interests through higher educational opportunities.
-- Story and photos by Rachel O'Neal
and Cary Jenkins