The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute - University of Arkansas System

Art Exhibit to Feature the Work of Minority Arkansas Artists

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PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN, Ark. (April 5, 2010) — An exhibit and sale featuring the work of 13 minority artists from Arkansas will open with a reception Friday, April 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain.

The Arts in the Air Professional Art Exhibit and Sale, now in its fifth year, highlights the work of some of Arkansas’ best artists and serves as a fundraiser for other parts of the Rockefeller Institute’s educational programming.

Beginning last year, the art show’s opening was held in conjunction with the Rockefeller Institute’s annual Winthrop Rockefeller legacy event as a way to recognize the former governor’s support for the arts. The 2010 legacy program focuses on his influence on improved race relations and social equality. In keeping with this theme, artists featured in this year’s show belong to an ethnic minority group.

Participating artists include the following:

• David Clemons, Little Rock
• Rex Deloney, Little Rock
• Alonzo Ford, Lexa
• Henri Linton, Pine Bluff
• Delita Martin, Little Rock
• Bryan Massey Sr., Conway
• Heidi Mullins, Little Rock
• John Newman, Fayetteville
• Aj Smith, Little Rock
• Angelo Thomas, Little Rock
• Ed Wade, Marianna
• Susan Williams, Little Rock
• Marjorie Williams-Smith, Little Rock

The opening reception that evening will consist of art, musical entertainment by Brenda & Ellis, and refreshments. Reception tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or in advance. Registration is available online at uawri.org or by calling 501-727-5435. Overnight accommodations are available at the Rockefeller Institute’s Lodge and Conference Center. Call 501-727-5435 for room reservations.

The Arts in the Air Professional Art Exhibit and Sale will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. until Friday, May 21.

The Rockefeller Institute wanted to honor another Arkansan who made cultural development, including art education, available to those who were being excluded because of race.

John Miller Howard has been hailed as a pioneer in art education for black college students in Arkansas. He served as founder and chair of the Department of Art at Arkansas Agriculture, Mechanical and Normal College, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Shortly after his death in 1981, Howard was honored by The Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas with a retrospective exhibit of his work as an artist. The Rockefeller Institute will present a portion of that exhibit during its Legacy Weekend on April 30 and May 1. Paintings from the Howard exhibit are not for sale.

In 2005, the University of Arkansas System established Winthrop Rockefeller Institute with a grant from the Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust. By integrating the resources and expertise of a statewide university system with the legacy and ideas of Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller, this educational institute and conference center creates an atmosphere where collaboration and change can thrive.

The Rockefeller Institute offers a variety of workshops, seminars, public lectures, conferences and special events. Program areas include agriculture and environment, arts and humanities, economic development, and policy and public affairs. To learn more, call 501-727-5435, visit the Web site at uawri.org, or stay connected on Twitter and Facebook.