Sparks to fund sculpture garden for new art museum

Sparks Health System announced Monday (July 19) it will fund a “unique sculpture garden” for the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum.

The hospital, owned by Naples, Fla.-based Health Management Systems, would not disclose the amount of the donation.

According to an art museum statement, the garden will provide an outside gathering area, to include a patio area for outdoor receptions and art classes.

The museum has raised $1.2 million toward a $2.2 million goal necessary to renovate a new building at 1601 Rogers Ave., near downtown Fort Smith. Arvest Bank donated the former branch bank at 1501 Rogers Ave. — acquired in its $211 million purchase of Superior Federal Bank in late 2003 — to the art center in early January to expand space to exhibit art, photos and provide other services.

Patrons of the new location may use the Internet coffee shop, digital workroom and library. More than 2,000 square feet welcomes the permanent collection, and additional storage space will be available for endowed works. A gift shop and meeting places will also be included within the 15,000 square-foot building.

Museum officials said the first two naming rights areas have been picked by Sparks and St. Edward Mercy Medical, the other large hospital operating in Fort Smith. St. Edward donated $50,000 to the museum in June 2009.

Other naming opportunities range from $300,000 for the main exhibition gallery to $25,000 for a quadrant of the artists’ interactive lounge.

Museum board member Steven Jones said a lighting plan for the exterior will be part of the renovation expected to be complete in spring 2011.

“The lighting will be a really nice beacon for that part of Rogers (Avenue) … and give the community an idea of what is at the museum,” Jones explained.

Museum officials are also conducting a local and nationwide search for an executive director.