Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The Foundation of Arts (FOA) celebrated four decades of community enrichment on Sunday, welcoming a large crowd to Rotary Centennial Park and The Forum to honor the organization’s history while looking toward its future.

FOA Executive Director Lynette Hirsch told JRN she was thrilled with the community’s response to the afternoon celebration, which featured live performances, facility tours, and a formal awards ceremony.

“It’s a joy to know the community is invested in the arts and to know the support shows the impact The Foundation of Arts has had and continues to have within our community,” she said.

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Sunday’s festivities were set against the backdrop of a newly completed mural in Rotary Centennial Park. Commissioned by the FOA’s Public Art Commission and sponsored by the Arvest Foundation, the piece was executed by local artist Natausha Light and finished just in time to serve as the visual centerpiece for the anniversary.

The event’s entertainment highlighted a wide variety of local talent. A string quartet from the Delta Symphony Orchestra—featuring Tanja McKay and Eric Skaug on violin, Marcia Burns on viola, and Elaine Bartee on cello—performed during the outdoor gathering. Meanwhile, characters from the FOA’s current interactive production, “The House of Villains,” mingled with guests before kicking off the indoor ceremony with a musical performance.

Courtesy of the Foundation of Arts

During the program inside The Forum, Hirsch and FOA Board Member Dr. Hans Hacker presented awards to four individuals for their impact on the organization:

  • The Legacy Award was presented to Kristi Pulliam for her long-term service and investment in the history of the FOA and the arts in Northeast Arkansas.
  • The Heart of the Arts Award was given to father-son duo Jon and Jake Seale for their generosity, volunteering, and commitment to strengthening the FOA’s mission.
  • The Art of Inspiration Award was awarded to Annie Roberts for her creativity, leadership, and mentorship that has inspired local artists and audiences.

The afternoon culminated with Hirsch outlining the organization’s next chapter. She unveiled the FOA’s new logo and a marketing campaign video titled “I am The Foundation of Arts,” featuring individuals of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

“Different ages. Different abilities. Different backgrounds. Different experiences. All coming together through the arts, and every one of them has a place here,” she told the crowd. “Our new logo and marketing campaign give us a fresh way to tell that story. They help us reach new audiences, connect with more people throughout Northeast Arkansas, and invite them to discover what the Foundation of Arts has to offer.”

Courtesy of the Foundation of Arts

Reaching the 40-year milestone, Hirsch noted, is about honoring those who built the FOA’s foundation while looking forward with anticipation.

“Because our work doesn’t stop at the doors of this building,” she said. “We want people throughout our community and region to see themselves in what we do and know there’s a place for them here. Forty years has brought us to this moment. Together, we create what comes next.”

Note: The FOA’s production of “The House of Villains” has six remaining shows running Oct. 28, 29, and 30 at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Click here for more details.

Courtesy of the Foundation of Arts

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