Fort Smith Art Center raises $1.1 million, changes name

story and photos by Aric Mitchell
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The Fort Smith Art Center will in early 2011 go by the new moniker: The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM).

Also, the new name will be attached to what is now a vacant building at 1601 Rogers Ave. The building was donated to the center by Arvest Bank in January 2009. It was also the site of Thursday’s (May 6) press conference during which the art center board held a ceremonial ground breaking to highlight the beginning of renovations to the building.

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.

Despite the name change and transition, efforts will be ongoing for programs and activities into the latter part of 2010. The center’s $2.2 million fundraising goal includes support for programs and renovations.

In an interview prior to the press conference, Board of Trustees President Marta Jones said RAM is an ambitious project and relocation will be certain, but challenging.

“Operational expenses are currently $140,000 per year. Costs in the new building will be twice that. Keep in mind we will be adding full-time staff. For instance, the search is now on for an executive director with museum experience and the necessary credentials,” Jones explained.

The budget allocates 25% to the first two years of operation. This portion covers salaries as well as heating, air and electricity costs. The remaining 75% goes toward moving and building. SSI Construction leads the project.

Since Jan. 1, 2009, donors have contributed $1.1 million to the cause, a total taken from cash funds and “’in kind’ services and materials,” according to the board’s May 5 press release.

With less than a year until the early 2011 launch, meeting the final goal will be tough, but board member Dolores Chitwood is optimistic.

“From here we feel that it is simply a matter of telling our story to foundations, businesses and the people of Fort Smith. Now that we are starting the work, we feel the focus is going to shift in our favor. People are more apt to donate when they see talk become action, and it is the board’s opinion that we are on the road, unequivocally, to getting the job done,” she said.

Expanding programs and activities to include traveling exhibits was a major goal of the new location, according to project architect Galen Hunter.

“Most of the challenges to the redesign have been related to climate and building standards,” Hunter said. “Now we will have a lot of clear open spaces for the permanent collection and out-of-state exhibits. Thanks to the help of (museum consultant) Jim Volkert, initial plans have been modified and refined to help RAM comply with modern building codes while also creating an environment that preserves the integrity of our collection.” 

Volkert was not present at Thursday’s press conference, but he is no stranger to historical and architectural projects. During his career, he has assisted the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Children’s Museum in Washington D.C. His expertise touches on all levels of institutional growth, exhibition development, staffing, resources, schedules and programs.

As the Capital Campaign continues its work toward the final goal, the next few fundraising events will be designed to continue the Art Center’s work at the North Sixth Street location.  

“Belle Bazaar,” scheduled for Saturday, May 22, is an annual gala held at Golden Living headquarters building in south Fort Smith. Featured auctions include trips to France, jewelry items and high-end art. There will be an open bar, gourmet dining, and stand-up comedy from performers Doug Shadell and Paul Hickman, Jr. Cost is $75 per person. Reserved tables are available for $600.

“This event will be something special,” Jones said. “It is a change of pace from the standard forms of entertainment in our area. It will also be a great way for mom and dad to spend a night out, and support a cause that will enrich the community.”

The Art Center goal for this event is $20,000 and should, along with the remainder of 2010’s calendar, keep the doors open during the transitional period.