Weekend to Celebrate Arkansas Arts

PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN, AR--(Marketwire - April 23, 2009) - Two programs celebrating the arts in Arkansas as well as Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller's influence on the state's cultural heritage will take place May 2-3 at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain.

Arkansas Artist's Sale Benefits Envision U

The fourth annual Arts in the Air Professional Art Exhibit and Sale will open at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2, and will feature the work of 20 of Arkansas' best artists. A portion of the proceeds from the month-long sale will benefit student art programs at the Rockefeller Institute, including Envision U -- a summer arts camp for high school students.

The opening of this year's show coincides with the Rockefeller Institute's second annual heritage program to be held Sunday, May 3, at 2 p.m. Named "WR: The Rockefeller Brand on the Arts in Arkansas," this event will explore Gov. Rockefeller's contributions to arts education. Panelists include:

--  Anne Bartley, daughter of Jeanette Bartley Rockefeller and former
    director of the Department of Arkansas Natural and Cultural Heritage (now
    the Department of Arkansas Heritage);
--  Kenneth Rose, associate director of research and education at the
    Rockefeller Archive Center in New York;
--  Townsend Wolfe, executive director of the Arkansas Arts Center from
    1968-2002; and
--  Ann Nicholson (moderator), producer and host of the weekly fine arts
    magazine "Arts Scene" on KLRE 90.5 FM and KUAR 89.1 FM.
    

For reservations and additional information about the arts/heritage weekend, visit www.uawri.org or call (501) 727-5435. Overnight accommodations are available at the Rockefeller Institute's Lodge and Conference Center.

Educational Conference and Lodging Center available at Petit Jean Mountain

The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is an educational center with conference and lodging facilities. Its mission is to develop diverse programs that nurture ideas, policies and activities to make life better in Arkansas.

The Rockefeller Institute accomplishes its mission by offering a variety of workshops, seminars, public lectures, conferences and special events. Program areas include the arts, heritage, culinary arts, public affairs, language instruction, the environment, archeology, and health and wellness. Learn more about our educational events on Facebook, Twitter or our Web site.

Contact Information: Contact: Adena J. White Programs/Marketing Associate (501) 727-6239