Nonprofit, UA establish arts residency program at Mount Sequoyah

Mount Sequoyah Center Inc., a nonprofit education and retreat center, has established an arts and arts residency program, Creative Spaces at Mount Sequoyah. The Fayetteville nonprofit will work with area artists and the University of Arkansas to develop the program, supporting art residencies, studio spaces and public arts programming.

“Mount Sequoyah has been looking for ways to make a difference in Northwest Arkansas and to develop partnerships with other organizations,” said Jess Schload, executive director of Mount Sequoyah Center. “With this program, we have accomplished both of those goals.”

Lisa Marie Evans, director of Creative Spaces, started in the position in October and will lead programming, create partnerships in the arts community, coordinate with the UA to organize exhibitions and events and build an arts residency program. Evans, who’s a filmmaker, animator and community organizer, recently relocated her studio from Kansas City, Mo., to Mount Sequoyah.

“Creative Spaces at Mount Sequoyah will thrive as a gathering place for artists to build connections with peers and community through panels, workshops, residencies, studios and other art related events,” Evans said. “Something magical happens when a space is dedicated to fostering creativity and learning. Collaborations and connections have the potential to weave their way from our doorstep to other countries and continents.”

An advisory board for Creative Spaces includes representatives from the UA’s Program in Creative Writing and Translation, Department of Theatre and School of Art. Adrienne Callander, assistant professor for the School of Art and Sam M. Walton College of Business, serves on the board along with area artists Kathy Thompson and Danny Baskin.

“Via multidisciplinary public events, the residency program and the studios, Creative Spaces at Mount Sequoyah will serve as a connector for all who engage the arts in Northwest Arkansas,” Callander said. “Ideally, we’ll convene to appreciate, to cross-pollinate and even to co-create.”