A pandemic ... in the midst of a major construction project.
That combination might have sent other art museums packing. But the Arkansas Arts Center, which has risen like a phoenix from the ashes of adversity, had a banner year. This was chronicled at its annual meeting, a Sept. 21 virtual event broadcast from the center's temporary digs in Little Rock's Riverdale neighborhood.
Mayor Frank D. Scott Jr. joined board of trustees President Van Tilbury, foundation Chairman Warren Stephens, building committee Chairwoman Harriet Stephens, and Executive Director Victoria Ramirez in congratulating the board, foundation, staff and community for accomplishments that included a balanced budget for the 11th consecutive year the Arts Center has ended in the black.
Tilbury recognized outgoing trustees Merritt Dyke, Dale Ronnel, Ashley Merriman and Patrick O'Sullivan, along with outgoing officers Heather Wardle, Shantea Nelson and Jim Gorman. He also introduced incoming trustees Le'Kita Brown, Khayyam M. Eddings, Cathy Mayton and Larry Middleton and incoming ex-officio officers Melanie Buchanan, Ruby Ben and Paul Bash.
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Warren Stephens, also Capital Campaign co-chairman, recognized the service of outgoing foundation Chairman Bobby Tucker and discussed the foundation's ongoing efforts to conserve collection works. Capital Campaign co-chair Harriet Stephens provided an update on the progress on the new Arts Center, noting that it's on schedule and on budget despite covid-19 and weather. The new Arts Center, on which ground was broken Oct. 1, 2019, will open in 2022. The Capital Campaign, meanwhile, has raised $122.7 million of its $128 million goal.
In addition, Harriet Stephens "walked" attendees through some key spaces in the building -- including the glass-enclosed Cultural Living Room and the six acres of the landscaping around the building.
Ramirez outlined the milestones reached for the Arkansas Arts Center over the past year. Other accomplishments noted:
• Partnerships with cultural organizations near and far, including the Central Arkansas Library System, and loans of works from the foundation collection to museums and arts centers in Paris, Washington, Cleveland, Jonesboro, Pine Bluff and Columbia, S.C.
• Partnerships with Historic Arkansas Museum, the Thea Foundation, Acansa Gallery and the Argenta Branch of the William F. Laman Library in North Little Rock to host the 62nd Annual Delta Exhibition.
• The launch of 22&You, a special membership program for those committed to maintaining their memberships through the opening of the new Arts Center.
Michael Mayton was presented the Winthrop Rockefeller Memorial Award. The annual award honors those who serve and support the arts and the Arts Center above and beyond the normal call of duty.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams and Cary Jenkins