Art in Park Opening Reception Scheduled for Oct. 16

Wildwood Park for the Arts announces its newest program: Art in the Park. Art in the Park is an opportunity for local artists to use the lobby space of Wildwood’s theatre complex as exhibition space. Art in the Park is a collaboration with artists, galleries and universities in central Arkansas to provide revolving exhibits throughout the year.

The public is invited to a reception on Thursday, October 16, 2014 from 6 to 8 pm, for artists participating in Wildwood’s first Art in the Park installation. The works will be on display beginning October 16th through November 16th.

Following the reception, the art may be viewed weekdays between 10 am and 4 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 pm.

Art in the Park is an initiative to provide additional encounters with art and culture for daily Park visitors who are most familiar with Wildwood as a public outdoor space.

The following artists are featured through mid-November: Vicki Kovaleski, Emily Moll Wood, Tom Tull, Robin Tucker, Gary Wayne Golden, Tim Jacob, W. Michael Spain, Mark Johnson.

Artist Kay Thomas Visits Roberts Elementary

Teaching artist Kay Thomas spent last week working with third graders at Roberts Elementary. She worked with the children in the art of puppetry, exercising their creative talents in building puppets out of various materials. Thomas incorporated language arts and character building skills by recognizing and identifying various character traits and themes of community.

Thomas, a native of Texarkana is in her second year as a teaching artist in Wildwood’s Arts in Education program. To learn more about the Arts in Education program, click here.

Zinse Agginie is the first Arts in Education Artist of the Year

Zinse Agginie, an artists specializing in African drumming and storytelling is in residence at Robinson Elementary this week where he will work with grads K-2nd.

Zinse will work with children to learn ancient African myths such as the stories of Anansi and the Eagle in the Moon. He also gives them a hands-on chance to learn about music and rhythm while playing traditional African drums.

Zinse will continue his work in Wildwood’s Arts in Education program next week at Baker Elementary.

Wine Reserve Dinner – Now at Chenal Country Club!

Wildwood Park’s annual Wine Reserve Dinner is November 7, 2014. Held for the first time at Chenal Country Club, the event pairs the incredible foods of Diamond Chef-winning Dan Capello, and carefully paired with fine wine by sommelier Jonathan Looney. Between dinner and dessert, guests will enjoy live entertainment and a short, select live auction.

Proceeds from the Wine Reserve Dinner will support the Wildwood Academy of Music and the Arts, which launched in summer 2014. This six-week, music-intensive academy provides music training for students 6-18 with all levels of experience. Students also participate in elective arts courses, including visual arts, culinary arts, theatre, master classes and more. The park’s scenic backdrop provides the opportunity for students to enjoy daily nature hikes with master naturalists. This unique educational experience provides underserved students with opportunities to create and perform art, learning alongside a world-renowned faculty.

For more information on the Wine Reserve Dinner and purchase a table or individual table, please click here.

 

 

James Cotton in Concert: October 9

Seven-time Grammy nominee James Cotton will perform in concert at Wildwood Park’s Lucy Lockett Cabe Festival Theatre on October 9 at 7pm.

Cotton is considered the greatest living harmonica player and won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1996. Cotton’s collaborators include Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, B.B. King, Otis Reading, and Carlos Santana. You can learn more about James Cotton here.

Tickets for the October 9 concert are $35 for General Admission and $75 VIP tickets, which include a post-show reception and preferred seating. Student and group discounts are also available. Tickets are available here. 

 

Hay Days – Hayride Field Trips in October

 

Wildwood Park will be hosting hayrides, story telling, and more at its Hay Day celebrations in October. Hay Days is open to the public on Saturdays in October from 12pm until 4pm. Admission is $5.

Hay Days is also available for school field trips from October 21 – 31. Each field trip includes an old-fashioned, tractor-drawn hayride through the autumn woods, story time featuring American Tall Tales & Native American Folklore, and a lil’ pumpkin to take home.

For more information and to schedule a field trip, please call Angela at 501 – 821 – 7275.