Stephens-Merry Gallery formally opened at Second Street Live!
by February 8, 2011 8:44 am 142 views
story and photos by Joel Rafkin
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A large crowd gathered and mingled Monday at the opening reception of the Stephens-Merry Gallery at Second Street Live!.
The space has been there since the opening of Second Street Live! but now it is complete with graphic signage, a system to hang and display art work and gallery lighting.
"We caught fire one day with Bobby Stephens and Philip Merry," said John McIntosh who served as emcee of the dedication ceremony. It was Stephens and Merry who, through their networking, passion and dedication secured the funding and building that is now SSL.
"I’m like the guy in Top Gun. The real captain is Bobby Stephens but boy did I have fun being his wing man," said Merry when he took the microphone to speak about the project.
He said the building is a spark in Fort Smith that will add vibrance to the avenue through the arts.
The $2 million center — located at 101 N. Second St. and opened in early 2010 — seats around 225 in the main performance area and has a flexible stage that can be adjusted for capacity and performance benefits. The facility will be open to rent for meetings, receptions and other gatherings.
Renovations to the building began in November 2009. The building, first constructed in 1890, has roughly 20,000 square feet divided evenly among the first floor and a basement.
The works of Don Lee, art department chair at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, adorned the walls as the inaugural exhibit. A theme of color, geometric shape or combinations of the two hold meaning in the individual painting but also work collectively as a set.
Hors d’ouevres consisting of beer meatballs, Gorgonzola stuffed apricots, taco bites and Nieman Marcus brownies were prepared by Trefana Christian. Chris Cameron entertained on acoustic guitar and drinks were available for purchase.
A combined jazz band of UAFS faculty and students entertained guests with a concert in the theater following the reception in the gallery.
