ARKANSAS
News
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NEWS (Cities and Towns Follow the News)
Hot Springs Has Lots on tap this summer (click on Hot Springs)
Head to Little Rock for two special exhibits (Go below to Little Rock for details)
FORT SMITH
Fort Smith For a Perfect Trip
If you want to be where the New South meets the Old West, plan a trip to Fort Smith -- famous for its hospitality, Blues, barbecue, Bach, broncos, belles and beautiful scenery. It's a city with a colorful and historic past which has grown into a meetinghouse for the past, present and future with its well-preserved frontier spirit. Arkansas's second-largest city, Fort Smith is located on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border and near the junction of Interstates 40 and 540. Named after General Thomas A. Smith, commander of all military forces west of the Mississippi River in 1817, the city's birth year, Fort Smith is nestled along the banks of the Arkansas River and at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. While there, don't miss stopping in at "Miss Laura's." Once called the 'Riverfront Hotel" - just to be proper - this is the only former bordello listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built just before 19090, it was once the most popular place on the city's bawdy Front Street along the Arkansas River. The "house," later renamed "Miss Laura's," has been magnificently restored in Victorian splendor. You won't see the original 'ladies,' but you will be treated royally. (Located at 2 North B Street.
Call 1-800-637-1477 for hours/admission.
Miss Laura's Players
After touring the house, check out Miss Laura's Players. Formed in early 1993, this talented local group presents an original musical comedy skit spoofing life in early Fort Smith during the time of "Hangin' Judge" Isaac Parker and "Miss Laura" herself. It's entitled "Medicine Show on Hanging Day," and the performers are dressed in colorful period costumes entertaining visitors in the dinner theater with a variety of songs, dances, and laughter. (Located at the above address.
For hours/admission, call 1-800-637-1477).
Belle Grove Historic District -
At the Belle Grove Historic District, a 22-square block area bounded by North 5h Street, North H Street, North 8th Street, and North C Street, this area is near the downtown and was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in the early 1970s. Since then at least 40 homes that span 130 years of varying architectural styles have been restored, with some open for tours.
Fort Smith National Historic Site
At the Fort Smith National Historic Site, you'll find two walk-in recreated frontier jails, and new displays and exhibits. The site also contains he remains of two military posts built to keep pace on the frontier when southeastern Indian Tribes were relocated to Indian Territory. The Visitor Center had served as the former barracks building for the second fort, built in the 1830s on the Belle Point area overlooking the Arkansas River. Later, the barracks housed the courtroom of the federal judge for the Western District of Arkansas. The courtroom has been completely restored, and visitors can walk around inside the early basement jail once considered so horrid it was called "Hell on the Border." Adjacent to the restored barracks building is the Commissary Building -- a major military supply center during the mid-1800s. Later, it was used as Judge Parker's chambers. During his 21-year tenure on the bench beginning in 1875, Parker was known as the "Hanging Judge." He presided over 13,000 cases and sentenced 160 men to hang. Of those, 79 died on the gallows which were capable of hanging more than six men at one time. (Located at Third Street at Rogers.
For information/hours, call 479-783-3961.
There are many more sites and attractions. Contact Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2 North B, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901; 1-800-637-1477 for more information and free brochures.
HOT SPRINGS.
Latest Calendar of Events
## Through August 1 — Ansel Adams: Early Works at the Museum of Contemporary Art (Ozark Bathhouse). The premiere American nature photographer of the 20th Century is featured in this display of some of his most famous works. Call 501-609-9966 for more information.
## Through September 6 — Be The Dinosaur Exhibit at Mid-America Science Museum. Immerse yourself in a lifelike (and life-size) showing of animatronic monsters. Investigate a dig to uncover dinosaur bones. Exhibit free with regular admission charge. Call Andy Marquart at 501-767-3461.
## July 1 - 2 — Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen Pageant at the Convention Center. Winner represents the state at the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando. Call Thomas Collins, 870-866-0148.
## July 2 — Oaklawn Spa Blast 2010 Fourth of July celebration at Oaklawn Racing & Gaming. Fireworks, live music, mini-air show, rock walls, family fun park. No coolers allowed. Call Matt Clements at 501-623-4411, ext. 602.
## July 3 — Fourth of July free fireworks display at dark at Power Boats on Lake Hamilton on Highway 7 South. Contact Powerboats, 501-525-1166.
## July 3 — Ted Nugent concert at Magic Springs. The classic rocker performs at dark. Concert free with paid admission. Contact Dana Whisenhunt at 501-624-0100.
## July 10 — Dick Van Dyke and the Vantastix at Horner Hall at the Convention Center. The legendary funnyman and an a cappella trio. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $100 to $30. Call 501-249-9034.
## July 10 — Country musician Joe Nichols performs at Magic Springs. Concert free with paid admission. Call Dana Whisenhunt at 501-624-0100.
## July 14 – 17 — 53rd Miss Arkansas Pageant at Summit Arena. Contestants from all over Arkansas compete to represent the state in the Miss America Pageant. Call Marty Walker at 501-321-3506.
## July 29 – 31 — HOG (Harley Owners Group) motorcycle rally at the Convention Center and Summit Arena. Harley owners from all over America gather for rides, exhibits, concerts. Call Scotty Dodd at 479-890-6241.
## July 29 — Creedence Again, CCR tribute band at the Finish Line Theater at Oaklawn Racing & Gaming. Starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15. Contact Oaklawn at 501-623-4411, ext. 340.
## July 31 — Randy Travis concert at Magic Springs. Concert free with regular admission. Call Dana Whisenhunt at 501-624-0100.
## August 6 – 7 — Strongest Man National Championship at Summit Arena. Tote that car; lift that rock. Nation’s strongest men compete in feats of strength. Admission free and open to the public. Call Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.
## August 12 – 15 — 14th Annual Senior Softball S.P.A. qualifier tournament. Must be member of the Senior Players Association to compete. Admission free to the public. Call Arkansas Senior Olympics at 501-321-1441.
## August 19 — Hotel California Eagles tribute act at the Finish Line Theater at Oaklawn Racing & Gaming. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15. Call 501-623-4411, ext. 340.
## August 20 – 22 — Hot Springs Summer Gem, Mineral, Crystal, Jewelry and Beadfest at the Convention Center. Opens at 10 a.m. each day. Admission %5. Call Kay Schabilion at 504-455-6101.
## August 23 — Gordon Lightfoot in concert at Horner Hall at the Convention Center. The legendary singer/songwriter of tunes such as “Early Mornin’ Rain,” “Ribbon of Darkness” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” performs. Starts at 8 p.m. Tickets $60 to $40. Call 501-321-2277.
## September 3 – 4 — 14th Annual Hot Springs Blues Festival at Hill Wheatley Plaza. Free and open to the public. Call Ledra Orr at 501-844-1022.
## September 9 – 11 — Hot Springs Motorcycle Rally at the Convention Center. All makes and models of motorcycles gather for rally, rides, exhibits, concerts by Little Big Town, .38 Special. Call Fred Anderson at 501-282-7076.
## September 11 — Motorcycles in the Park exhibit of antique bikes. Call Michael Thompson at 501-525-9833.
## September 15 – 19 — Arkansas Senior Olympics, qualifier for National Senior Olympics. Archery, badminton, horseshoes, golf, road races, race walk, bowling, table tennis, tennis, swimming, cycling. Call Gail Ezelle at 501-321-1441.
## September 16 — Motorcycle Cannonball Run. Motorcyclists riding bikes made pre-1916 (Pope, Sears, Flying Merkel, Excelsior, Indian, Triumph and Harley Davidsons stop in Hot Springs overnight on a 3,320-mile race from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. Machines will be on free public display at the Convention Center. Call Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.
## September 24 – 25 — Third Annual Legends Balloon Rally at Memorial Field Airport. Free concerts by Clint Black and the Charlie Daniels Band. Balloon races, balloon glows at dusk, concessions. Call Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.
## September 25 — A1A, the Official Jimmy Buffett Tribute band at the Finish Line Theater at Oaklawn Racing & Gaming. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15. Call 501-623-4411, ext. 340.
Free Hot Springs National Park Quarters to Be Given Away At Mountain Tower as Soon as Coins Become Available
Free quarters bearing an image of Hot Springs National Park will be given away to the public at the Hot Springs Mountain Tower on the first day the new coins are available in 2010.
The United States Mint has announced that Hot Springs National Park would be the first site honored with a 25-cent coin in 2010 when the Mint issues a new series of quarters honoring “America the Beautiful.” It did not say when the coin would be issued.
“They will be given out one per person, first come first served, until we run out,” Arrison said. “We are also considering ordering a separate supply of them for our convention sales staff to give as souvenirs to meeting planners next year. The Mint hasn’t set forth a distribution schedule,” he said, “but we are already trying to get in touch with them to work out details for us to receive a supply of uncirculated Hot Springs quarters in time to pass them out as soon as possible after the date they are issued. It is a real tourism bonanza for us the way the national news media has publicized the Mint’s announcement that Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, will be the first site featured on this exciting new coin series. The news coverage has reminded the entire United States about one of our city’s visitor attractions and has helped spread the word that our city’s motto, ‘America’s First Resort,’ describes one of America’s unique treasures.” He said details of the free coin distribution will be announced as soon as that information becomes available from the Mint.
For more information call Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.
The Arts and Historic District of downtown Hot Springs will celebrate 20 years of hosting monthly Gallery Walk receptions
Begun in August 1989, Hot Springs’ Gallery Walk has been a favorite community event, drawing residents and guests downtown the first Friday of each month to enjoy the opening receptions of new exhibits in the area galleries. Featured artists are also often present to discuss their work with guests during the openings. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Gallery Walk in Hot Springs, many of the galleries will be featuring special exhibitions and activities.
The 20th anniversary of Hot Springs’ Gallery Walk will also mark the official unveiling of the new Gallery Walk logo designed by artist and illustrator Hugh Dunnahoe. A native Arkansan, Dunnahoe recently moved to Hot Springs from California and continues to provide illustration services to corporations throughout the U.S. and abroad. His rendering of major Disney theme parks and destinations in Anaheim, Orlando, Paris, and Hong Kong are featured in guest guide maps and marketing materials worldwide.
Gallery features:
Taylor’s Contemporanea Fine Arts, located at 204 Exchange St., will present new works by Warren Criswell, Darrell Loy Scott, James Wu and Thomas Bitista. A special exhibit by John Robinette, a Tennessee artist, presenting his dramatic Delta Scenes, will be featured along with construction in miniature, "The Lost Highway" by sculptor David Malcolm Rose. Since its inception, Taylor’s Contemporanea Fine Arts has been a part of Gallery Walk.
Owner, Carolyn Taylor states, "It has been a joy being a part of the growth of the art scene in Hot Springs. We have seen many changes to the downtown area. Vacant buildings being purchased, restored and becoming first class galleries and the cultural organizations with festivals of music, film, drama and poetry. The contribution the arts have made to the community and the economic impact is dramatic. Through the years the arts have been embraced and supported by the community. We thank you and with your continued support, the arts in Hot Springs will continue to flourish."
Linda Palmer’s Gallery, located at 800 B Central Avenue will feature champagne, chocolate, and exciting new work by gallery artists: Ellen Alderson, Doyle Young, and Linda Palmer during the Gallery Walk anniversary celebration. Alderson has had her watercolors and pastels accepted in the Delta Exhibition, 4th Annual Arts in the Air Professional Art Exhibit, the Mustard Tree Arts Festival and LSU’s International Exhibition on Animals in Art, all in 2009! Young continues his highly collected watercolor paintings from his “Generations of the South” series, inspired from his extensive travels throughout the Delta regions of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Palmer presents her “Boxed Tulips,” oil paintings from Garvan Woodland Gardens, while she also continues her work on the Champion Trees of Arkansas. Since 1992, Palmer has been an active participant in the arts on Central Avenue. Her collection of the history of the arts in Hot Springs will be showcased at her gallery during the celebration.
Carole Katchen, whose art has been seen in galleries and museums around the world, began to display her paintings in Hot Springs in 1995 with an exhibit of her satirical high society subjects at Taylor's Contemporanea Gallery. Since then she has shown her work at several galleries in Hot Springs and in 2008 she opened her own gallery at 618 W. Grand. For the Twentieth Anniversary she will exhibit a cross-section of the art she has produced during her years in Hot Springs. Katchen says, "I moved to Hot Springs because it's one of the few places I've found in the whole world that truly celebrates its artists. Over the years that I've been living here, I've come to appreciate it even more."
Gallery Central, located at 800 Central Avenue, will feature the colorful art glass creations of James Hayes, along with work by nearly 40 other artists creating in a variety of mediums from oil, acrylic, pastel, and watercolor paintings, to wood, clay, and steel sculpture.
Justus Fine Art Gallery, located at 827 A Central Avenue, will be celebrating its fifth anniversary along with the 20th anniversary of Gallery Walk on August 7. “I opened my own gallery in downtown Hot Springs five years ago after having participated as an artist for many years prior. Hot Springs is such a special place for the arts and the monthly Gallery Walk has been such a positive event to keep the artists and community involved and engaged,” stated Dolores Justus.
Featured artists for the celebration will include: Michael Ashley, Kari Albright, Robin Hazard-Bishop, Elizabeth Borne’, Cynthia Bowers, Hugh Dunnahoe, Mike Elsass, Robert Frank, Steve Griffith, Dolores Justus, Rebecca Thompson, and others. Refreshments will be served.
The newest gallery on the Walk is Gallery 726, located at 726 Central Avenue. The co-owners, Shirley Anderson, Barbara Seibel, Sue Shields, and Caryl Joy Young, who are all working artists, will provide a continuous painting demonstration from 5 pm to 9 pm. The gallery also features a fine selection of watercolor, oil, pastel, and acrylic paintings, along with pottery, glass art, turned wood, and handmade jewelry from 13 local and regional artists.
Hot Springs Fine Arts Center, located at 610 Central Avenue, will feature the distinctive floral paintings of Karlyn Holloway during the 20th anniversary celebration. Her technique and style is undoubtedly unique and sometimes void of nature’s representational colors. Some of her most dramatic botanical paintings are of flowers painted in duotones, only browns and blacks. They force the viewer to see beyond the color of the flower and study the linear quality in its petals and leaves. Holloway will also be in attendance to discuss her work during the opening.
Riciano Art Gallery, owned by international artist, Riciano, will be celebrating its Grand Opening during the August Gallery Walk. Over 150 pieces of art by local, national, and international artists including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and black and white photography will be featured. Riciano Art Gallery is located at 833 Central Avenue.
Other participating galleries will include:
Alison Parsons Gallery - 802 Central Avenue
American Art Gallery - 724 Central Avenue
Blue Moon Gallery - 718 Central Avenue
Crystal Springs Gallery - 620 Central Avenue
Attraction Central Gallery - 264 Central Avenue
Xu International - 610 Central Avenue
Hot Springs Mountain Tower Provides Breathtaking Setting For Intimate Weddings
Situated atop Hot Springs Mountain 1,256 feet above sea level, Hot Springs Mountain Tower offers a unique wedding location for parties of 200 or less. The ceremonies take place in the enclosed observation deck at the top of the tower. With a backdrop of 140 miles of beautiful Arkansas countryside, there is no need for decorations.
Tower weddings are typically done in the fall and spring due to the Mountain Tower hours of operation. During theses seasons, couples have the option of renting out the tower and hosting a private ceremony for larger groups. However, weddings can be held during the summer. “In the fall and spring we see the most weddings because the tower is available to rent between 5 and 10 p.m.” explains Huff. “For summer ceremonies, we prefer to keep the wedding parties under 10 people.”
During the summer the mountain tower opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. through mid-August. Admission is $7 for adults (12 and older), $6 for senior citizens (55 and older), $4 for children (5 to 11) and free for children 4 and under. To receive a dollar off admission, please visit hotsprings.org/coupon for a printable coupon. For more information about wedding ceremonies at the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, contact Rose Mary Huff, at (501) 623-6035.
Hot Springs Mountain Tower Provides Inexpensive Family Fun With an Educational Twist and Is Now Open Longer Hours
Hot Springs Mountain Tower is just minutes from the excitement of downtown Hot Springs, and multimedia exhibits provide fun, educational facts. An elevator ride up to the 360-degree enclosed observation deck will give you access to 70-mile views in every direction. When you’re not gazing out over beautiful Hot Springs National Park, a visit to the historical exhibit contained in the tower will let you learn about the construction of Oaklawn Park race track, Babe Ruth’s visits to Hot Springs or the city’s colorful gambling era.
The exhibits were designed by Access Museum Services of Nashville, Tenn., under contract with the Hot Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission with the approval of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to spend a hot afternoon, and it is perfect for the entire family,” Arrison said. It is educational entertainment, and there is always something to look at.”
During the summer the Mountain Tower opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. through mid-August. Admission is $7 for adults (12 and older), $6 for senior citizens (55 and older), $4 for children (5 to 11) and free for children 4 and under.
To receive a dollar off admission, please visit hotsprings.org/coupon for a printable coupon.
Miss Arkansas Pageant Agrees to Move Dates
The Miss Arkansas Pageant organization has agreed to move the dates for its event..
Future Pageants will be July 14-17, 2010; July 13-16, 2011, and July 11-14, 2012.
The Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant is an official state preliminary of the Miss America Organization. The Miss Arkansas Pageant has sent a representative to Miss America since 1938. The Pageant was moved permanently to Hot Springs in 1957, at which time it was held outdoors at Oaklawn Park.
Rich in history and social significance, the Miss America Organization is a not-for-profit corporation that has maintained a tradition for many decades of empowering American women to achieve their personal and professional goals, while providing a forum in which to express their opinions, talent and intelligence.
The Miss America competition exists for the purpose of providing personal and professional opportunities for young American women and promoting their voice in culture, politics and the community.
In addition to conducting the annual national competition, the Organization acts year-round as the nation's leading achievement program and largest scholarship fund for young American women.
Each year the Miss America Organization attracts approximately 80,000 contestants for competition and fosters a large network of more than 300,000 volunteers who organize all state and local competitions to further scholarship and achievement among young women in their communities.
The Miss Arkansas Pageant is co-sponsored by the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Foundation, Inc., the Hot Springs Advertising & Promotion Commission, the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and the City of Hot Springs.
For more information call Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.
LITTLE ROCK
See a mummy and a Picasso: It looks like it's time to plan that trip to Little Rock, Arkansas.
Spanning more than 3,000 years of dynastic history, "World of the Pharaohs: Treasures of Egypt Revealed" will be on display at the Arkansas Arts Center through July 5, 2010, making it the first Egyptian exhibit ever featured in the state.
The "Treasures of Egypt Revealed" exhibit is on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA and was made available to only four North American Cities (Idaho Falls, ID 2007-2008; Gatineau, Quebec, Canada 2008-2009; Little Rock, AR 2009-2010; and Huntsville, AL 2010-2011) with Little Rock, AR being one of the last two opportunities to see this amazing exhibit before it is returned to MFA at which time it is scheduled for an indefinite resting period of at least a decade.
Consisting of more than 200 objects, the exhibition dramatically illustrates the rich and diverse aspects of one of the world's great civilizations and is particularly strong in excavated material from the Pyramid age (2675-2130 B.C.), widely regarded as Egypt's finest hour.
Artifacts include a royal decree carved in limestone (Decree of Neferirkare), the false door of Inty, a Priestess of Inty and a relief scene from the tomb of Qar and Idu. Funerary objects will also well-represented. Among them are a Ptolemaic sarcophagus lid, a selection of stelae and several shawabits of officials. Other objects include a wooden granary model, stone vessels, ceramics, jewelry, amulets and a cat mummy. Most were found during a Harvard University-Boston Museum of Fine Arts expedition in the first half of the 20th century. In about four decades, archaeologists working in the tombs and temples of the Nile Valley uncovered secrets of the pharaohs that had been kept for thousands of years.
William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park - and Much, Much More
Although the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park is well worth visiting, there's much more to see and do in Little Rock, the state capital. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the public parks, zoo, public and private golf courses, and the numerous hiking and biking trails. Sports persons will enjoy the professional basketball, football, NCAA Sun Belt Conference competition, and Ray Winder Field, home to the Arkansas Travelers AA baseball team. History buffs can check out the Old State House Museum, the Historic Arkansas Museum, the Arkansas Arts Center, and many more museums and historical landmarks. If music is your love, check out the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Ballet Arkansas and the Arkansas Arts Center.
For more information, contact the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, Statehouse Plaza, P.O. Box 3232, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203; 501-376-4781, or check wet site www.littlerock.com.