UA School of Art hosting grand opening celebration for Studio and Design Center

The University of Arkansas School of Art will officially celebrate the grand opening of the new Studio and Design Center in the Windgate Art and Design District

The event is Saturday (May 6) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 696 Praxis Lane in south Fayetteville. A UA spokesman said guests are encouraged to park at Fayetteville High School and use the free direct shuttle service to and from the center. Guests will be able to tour the facility, experience senior art and design exhibitions and purchase select student art.

In 2017, the School of Art received a $40 million gift from the Windgate Charitable Foundation to create the art and design district that serves students, faculty, artists, designers and the community. An additional $30 million partial challenge grant from the foundation in 2021 expanded the scope of the project.

Construction started in late 2020, and doors opened officially in January this year.

“It is a beautiful facility, and it is becoming home as students fill the halls, sounds of art making and discussion echo from floor to floor and friends and colleagues from the community stop by for a visit and a cup of coffee,” said Marty Maxwell Lane, director of the School of Art. “The creative vibrant hub we hoped and planned for is becoming a reality.”