By definition a masterpiece is a creation that has been given much critical praise, the greatest work of a person’s career, a work of outstanding creativity, skill or craftsmanship. The Arkansas Arts Center is truly a masterpiece in our community and it was originally crafted by the volunteer work of a little known group called the Fine Arts Club (FAC). The FAC started in 1914, and during the 2014 social season will celebrate its 100th anniversary by bringing back the original ball that launched large event fundraising in Arkansas, the Beaux Arts Ball.
Championing the 100th year efforts is FAC President Annamary Thompson, who came on board with the club two years ago and has since held several different positions in the organization.
“Art has the capability to really move people. And there are so many different ways to express oneself through art. I love that,” says Thompson. “Since my husband and I own Greg Thompson Fine Art in Argenta and are Arts Center Circle Members, it seemed like a very good fit to help further the mission of the Fine Arts Club and the Arts Center.”
In 1963, the club was instrumental in founding the current Arkansas Arts Center and has continued to promote and extend the activities, usefulness and enjoyment of the AAC, something that hits home for the Thompson family.
“Greg has been going to the Arts Center for 40 years, and I have been enjoying its exhibits and programming since I moved to Little Rock in 1996. One of the things we enjoy doing most as a family is going to the Arts Center on a Saturday or Sunday after church, enjoying lunch and then taking the kids through the collection,” says Thompson. “Greg knows a lot of back-stories about the artists and some of the specific pieces, so it’s always interesting.”
In celebration of its 100th anniversary this year, the club is partnering with the AAC as the presenting sponsor of its lecture series.
“I’m very excited about this sponsorship and the ability to raise awareness of the Fine Arts Club through these wonderful, first-class lectures,” says Thompson. “I want this year to be fun and productive, but most of all, I want to help the Arts Center. It is a true gem in our community and if we can partner with them and address their specific needs in order to make them thrive into the next 50 years and beyond then I will feel that my year as president was successful.”
AAC Executive Director Todd Herman is pleased about the partnership with the FAC as well. “The Fine Arts Club has been a cornerstone of the Arts Center and its success over decades, and their sponsorship of our lecture series is one more example of their ongoing dedication to bringing meaningful art experiences to the people of central Arkansas,” he says.
The Beaux Arts Ball was the predecessor of the popular biennial Tabriz event. Several months ago, Soirée visited with Jeanne Hamilton who was on the committee that helped kick start the fundraising efforts for the AAC.
“The Beaux Arts Ball was like nothing Arkansas had seen before. We had a tent on the grounds and inside the museum The Metropolitan Museum had loaned us Five Centuries of European Paintings,” says Hamilton of the 1963 event which drew celebrities such as actress Joan Fontaine and performances by jazz great Dave Brubeck.
Bringing back the ball as a special anniversary celebration is no small task. “We thought the 100th year was the perfect time to bring it back, as this is an off-year for Tabriz. Our goal is to raise $65,000 so that we can continue to support the projects and needs of the AAC,” Thompson says. In order to make the event a success the club needs volunteers with a passion for art and for helping others to help with all aspects – from being hosts, to volunteering on the day and night of the event.
Thompson’s eye for beauty goes beyond visual art. She is an independent sales director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. Next to her family and art, it is her passion.
“Mary Kay is a way to connect with people and really make a difference in their lives. Whether it’s with a new look, a bolster of confidence, or a new career, the company provides a medium to get in front of people and change lives. Art does the same thing. It changes people. Whether one is creating the art or experiencing it, good art changes your thoughts and perceptions and makes the world a better place.”
When not busy working and volunteering, the Thompsons enjoy traveling to museums and have started a lovely family tradition of buying a piece of art that really speaks to them as our souvenir. “It’s fun to look at these pieces around our house and remember those trips.”
Thompson continues about art, “Just like in life, there are pieces that are similar, or styles that are similar, but every piece of art is unique. And that’s what makes it special. I’m always inspired by the stories that art tells and the artists that create it. Some pieces stay with me forever, and that’s inspiring.”
Save the Date
- FAC Presents the Rothko Lecture
6 p.m., Oct. 24 - FAC Presents the Cloar Lecture
6 p.m., Feb. 27, 2014 - FAC Presents the Delta Exhibit
June 26, 2014 - Beaux Arts Ball
8 p.m.-midnight, June 7, 2014
For more info: ArkArts.com