The Arkansas Arts Center’s Contemporaries auxiliary group is calling on all Arkansans to showcase their inner artist by sharing public art installation ideas for the Arts Center’s Carrie Remmel Dickinson fountain. The winning design will be prominently displayed at the fountain and the artist(s) will win a $1,500 cash prize. Entries are due Sept. 2, 2016.
The contest is being hosted in preparation for the fourth annual Fountain Fest, an outdoor party and fundraiser around the fountain. This year’s Fountain Fest is taking place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13. Funds raised will go toward purchasing artwork for the Arts Center’s permanent collection as well as Contemporaries projects that support the Arts Center.
“This contest is so unique because it gives an artist the opportunity to have maximum exposure by having the winning sculpture featured at the Arkansas Arts Center,” said Jessie Walker McLarty, event chair for Fountain Fest. “We can’t wait to see the submissions and will be proud to unveil the winning art during Fountain Fest.”
“Fountain Fest has quickly become one of the Arts Center’s most anticipated events,” said Todd Herman, executive director of the Arkansas Arts Center. “We are so proud and appreciative of the Contemporaries group for their efforts and dedication in seeing Fountain Fest grow year over year. This fun event not only enriches the permanent collection through art that they purchase with the proceeds, but it also fosters the growth of future generations of the Arkansas Arts Center.”
This year’s event will include heavy hors d’oeuvres and libations, music by Luke Johnson & Brian Nahlen, and raffles to win a Louis Vuitton purse and a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon. The event is sponsored by CenterPoint Energy, Lost Forty Brewing, the Markham Group, Moon Distributors Inc., Staley Electric, Stone’s Throw Brewing and Stone Ward.
Tickets can be purchased online at ArkansasArtsCenter.org and are $25 each. Fountain Fest benefits the Arkansas Arts Center and the Contemporaries auxiliary group. For more information, visit ArkansasArtsCenter.org or Facebook.com/FountainFest.
About The Contemporaries
The Contemporaries is an affiliate-membership group of the Arkansas Arts Center whose members are made up of art enthusiasts who wish to expand their knowledge and appreciation of the arts. Through exclusive tours of the Arkansas Arts Center, private homes and local galleries, the members of the Contemporaries enjoy numerous opportunities throughout the year to develop a more informed appreciation of art. Memberships are available to Arts Center members between the ages of 21 and 45 for an annual fee of $30/individual or $40/couple. Visit arkansasartscenter.org/contemporaries for more information.
About the Arkansas Arts Center
The Arkansas Arts Center is the state’s premiere center for visual and performing arts and hosts a permanent collection with a number of renowned works including drawings, contemporary craft and special collections. The strength of the collection is works on paper with an emphasis on drawings and contemporary craft objects. The collection includes paintings, sculpture and the largest U.S. repository of watercolors and drawings by 19th century artist Paul Signac. The AAC also features the award-winning Children’s Theatre, art classes and public programs. In addition, the AAC offers touring programs for communities, such as Children’s Theatre on Tour, the Artmobile and traveling exhibitions. Visit arkansasartscenter.org to learn more.
