THE COUNTDOWN IS ON
Ahead of its grand opening set for April 22, 2023, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts teased a few of the exhibitions and commissions coming to its new halls. Guests can expect to see works by Paul Signac, John Marin, Georgia O’Keeffe, Diego Rivera, Elaine de Kooning, Elias Sime, Ryan RedCorn, LaToya Hobbs and Oliver Lee Jackson, as well as commissions by contemporary artists Anne Lindberg and Natasha Bowdoin, plus lots more.
The AMFA also launched its docent program, inviting art lovers to get involved with the museum and share their passion with visitors. Learn more about the application process at arkmfa.org/docent-program.
A STRONG START
Local students are getting a leg up thanks to the introduction of EAST (education accelerated by service and technology) Initiative programs in their classrooms. Booker T. Washington, Mabelvale and Stephens elementary schools — all of which are Little Rock Community Schools, developed in partnership between the City of Little Rock and the Little Rock School District — will now have access to technology like 3D printers and VR headsets, as well as premium software like ArcGIS.
“We are elated to be able to provide life-changing educational experiences to the students of these schools beginning this school year,” EAST President and CEO Matt Dozier says. “Little Rock Community Schools’ mission to bring quality education to Little Rock’s most vulnerable neighborhoods aligns perfectly with our mission, and we cannot wait to see the positive impact EAST will have on these communities.”
GIFTS & GRANTS
• The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund received a $7,000 grant from Union Pacific Railroad to assist 10 single parent students pursuing a career-focused degree or skilled-trade certification during the spring 2023 semester.
• The AMFA received a $250,000 grant from Bank of America toward its capital campaign.
• UAMS received a $7.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to expand its infectious disease research capacity and establish a pandemic response and public health laboratory. It also received more than $2 million in federal grant money to partner with Arkansas Children’s on a program to help primary care providers diagnose, treat and refer kids with behavioral health issues.
• The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism launched a new grant to help nonprofit cultural institutions update their facilities. For more information about the Arkansas Cultural Institutions Trust Fund Grant and to apply by Jan. 9, visit arkansasheritage.com.
BIG MOVES
• Wayne Miller has stepped down from his role as executive director of The Venture Center. Mimi San Pedro, the chief strategy officer, will serve as interim director.
• The UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute added four new oncologists: doctors Anusha Jillella, Sonia Orcutt, Santanu Samanta and Cesar Giancarlo Gentille Sanchez.
• Excel by Eight promoted Jessi Rice Woods to communities director.
• Bridget Davis is the Argenta Community Theater’s new associate director of education.
• Nicole Harrod is now the director of clinical care and navigation at Arkansas Urology.
• Kim Kirkman has joined Arkansas Hospice as its vice president and chief philanthropy officer, while Laura Grimes is the foundation’s new communications and events coordinator.