University of Arkansas Makes Public Art a Top Priority; Chancellor Commissions Advisory Group

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The place of public art in society has been said to not only enhance aesthetic beauty and define a sense of place, but also inspire creativity and learning – all longstanding hallmarks of the University of Arkansas campus.

It is with that in mind that Chancellor G. David Gearhart has commissioned a new public art oversight advisory committee charged with increasing the amount of art available for public enjoyment. The artwork would include sculptures, murals, paintings, ceramics, mosaics, photography, fiberworks, mixed media and architectural site elements.

The formation of the committee will help address one of 15 major priorities outlined by the chancellor in a recently published report titled Transparency and Accountability to the People of Arkansas. In that publication, Gearhart cited the need to foster the arts on campus and throughout the region as a key goal to pursue aggressively through the university’s sesquicentennial in 2021.

“As an institution, we have always valued the arts,” said Gearhart,” and now we have an outstanding group of campus and community representatives who will help us to showcase our passion all around campus. In addition to the aesthetic enrichment art brings, the learning opportunities that will follow are priceless.”

Brad Choate, vice chancellor for university advancement, will chair the committee, whose members include:

• Carolyn Allen, dean, University of Arkansas Libraries
• Edwin Bradberry, community member
• Sarah Busch, student representative
• Sandy Edwards, associate director, Crystal Bridges Museum of Art
• Curtis Finch, community member
• Lynn Jacobs, art department chair, Fulbright College
• Mike Johnson, associate vice chancellor, facilities management
• Timothy Kral, biological sciences professor, Fulbright College
• Tom Paradise, geosciences professor, Fulbright College
• Don Pederson, vice chancellor for finance and administration
• Bethany Springer, assistant professor of art, Fulbright College
• Suzie Stephens, community member
• Laura Terry, professor, Fay Jones School of Architecture
• Carla Tyson, community member

Curtis Finch of Little Rock looks forward to bringing his love for art to his role on the committee. “The university has a beautiful campus, and it can be a beautiful outdoor art museum with a cohesive program of public art integrated with the architecture and landscape,” he said.

Committee members will serve a two-year term, and they will provide recommendations to the chancellor regarding all public art decisions on campus. Additionally, they will establish processes and criteria for commissioning art and make recommendations for a fundraising program that will secure private gift support and gifts of artwork.

“I anticipate great things in the classroom because of this initiative,” said Choate. “Faculty members will be encouraged to use art as a supplement to their curricula and to engage students in this process. There is so much to be learned from art, and the real beauty is that every student in every discipline can find his or her individual connection. The committee is off to a great start, and I am excited to see the outcomes of everyone’s hard work.”

“Our goal is to continue to serve as a cultural resource for the local community and for the state,” said Gearhart. “This is one more way we can provide opportunities for students, faculty, staff, community members and visitors to get a clear vision of what matters to the University of Arkansas. The importance of art is immeasurable, and I look forward to seeing the generosity of our alumni and friends as we work to build the availability of such beauty here in Fayetteville.”

Public artwork on the Fayetteville campus has precedent. The Peace Fountain, designed by Fay Jones, is one of the most recognizable landmarks on campus, and the native American-themed sculpture by Denny Haskew titled “Courage to Lead” is prominent near Vol Walker Hall and relatively close to the Trail of Tears, which runs along the southern edge of campus. Other public artwork on campus include the sculpture courtyard of the School of Law, a statue on the fifth floor of Old Main, the physics mobile and the Calder mobile, among other smaller works dispersed throughout campus.