THE STAGE IS SET
The local arts scene is back in action with full schedules in the coming months. The first week of May, Ballet Arkansas is bringing back its popular Live at the Plaza series featuring eight days of free performances and recreational classes at Argenta Plaza.
Also in the live sector this month is the Yadaloo Music and Arts festival on May 21 in North Little Rock, returning to the banks of the river for the first time since it launched in 2019. The day of live music, art installations, games, food and vendors is designed for a portion of proceeds to benefit We Are The 22, a veteran’s suicide intervention nonprofit in Arkansas.
And just around the corner are the Arkansas Repertory Theatre’s summer educational programs. Between July 18-29, The Rep will host four week-long day camps for middle and high school students covering everything from stage design to dance, complete with a final showcase performance.
RISING STARS
Our sister publication Arkansas Business has announced its 2022 class of 40 Under 40, an annual showcase of Arkansans younger than 40 “making a significant impact on their companies, organizations and communities.”
Nonprofit leaders who made the list include:
- Jeremy Hill, City Year Little Rock
- Raymond Long, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas
- Dr. Malachi Nichols, ForwARd Arkansas
- Sarah Riffle, Arkansas Foodbank
- Anthony Young, Southern Bancorp Community Partners
Honorees are nominated by readers and chosen by AB editors.
In other age-related news, Home for Healing’s young professionals group recently became an official organization. The 4300 Club (a reference to the nonprofit’s physical address) launched with about 20 members who volunteer their time and efforts to further Home for Healing’s mission to provide free housing for patients undergoing cancer treatment and families with kids in the NICU.
BIG MOVES
Shelley Myers is now tackling the dual role of chief operating officer/chief financial officer for Camp Aldersgate.
The Methodist Family Health Foundation recently hired Rebecca “Bec” Dwyer-Coop as its director of development.
UAMS has hired former Arkansas Rep. Andy Davis as its new vice chancellor of institutional relations.
Rich Huddleston, long-time executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, has announced his impending resignation after 27 years with the nonprofit.
Brad Cushman has also announced his retirement as UA Little Rock’s art gallery director, a role he’s held for 22 years as part of his nearly 35-year career in art education.
Stacy Ferguson is the new chief administrative and finance officer for Easterseals Arkansas.