Sculptor launches exhibition

Arts center lauds volunteers

Walton Arts Center volunteers were treated to a luauthemed reception July 10 at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville. The group honors its volunteers with their own night each year to recognize their work and the hours they give the center.

Some 200 volunteers gave more than 25,000 hours — the equivalent of 13 full-time employees — to the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. Volunteers serve many roles in areas such as front of house, studio and education outreach, special events, administration and working with resident companies TheatreSquared, Trike Theatre, Symphony of Northwest Arkansas and the Community Creative Center.

This year’s top 10 volunteers with the most hours served:

■ Kathy Knight — 800.25;

■ Mike Allen — 648.75;

■ Jacque Allen — 644.5;

■ Catherine Koch — 629;

■ Mike Wulf — 586.5;

■ Morgan Lindsey — 498.25;

■ Judy Davison — 462.25;

■ Bryce Hopkins — 419;

■ Maureen Neagle — 407; and ■ Kathy Taylor — 393.

Arts patrons gathered July 12 at The Peel Compton Museum and Heritage Gardens in Bentonville for a reception to mark the opening of Ed Pennebaker’s Forms, Past and Present exhibition. Pennebaker, a glass artist, created the exhibition “that ties in with the historical presence in the museum and the natural beauty of Compton Gardens … His current sculptural forms are inspired by nature and the environment. The Peel Compton Foundation is dedicated to historic preservation and environmental stewardship.”

The exhibition will continue through Aug. 31 in the historical mansion and on the grounds and consists of sculptures of glass with steel, stone and found objects.

On the horizon for The Peel Compton Foundation is Gardens on Tap and Biketoberfest, a beer tasting and bike ride, Oct. 20 at Compton Gardens and Conference Center in Bentonville.

Those gathering to launch Forms, Past and Present with Pennebaker included Alan Dranow, Lynne Walton, Aaron Jones, Jeannie McIntire, Nancy Mitchell, Caroline Mitchell, Carol Corning and Allison Hubbard.

For more event photos — nwadg.com/photos/society.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Jeannie McIntire (from left), Aaron Jones, Lynne Walton, artist Ed Pennebaker and Carol Corning gather July 12 at The Peel Mansion Museum and Heritage Gardens in Bentonville to to mark the opening of Pennebaker’s Forms, Past and Present exhibition.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Theresa Rye (left) and Tracy Cousar visit at the luau.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Kathy Taylor and Marty Spaeth visit at the luau July 12 in Fayetteville.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Caroline Mitchell (left) and Nancy Mitchell attend a reception to mark the opening of the Forms, Past and Present exhibition.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Stephanie and Robin Lenogue (from left) and Melody DeVere enjoy the Walton Arts Center volunteer appreciation luau July 10 at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville.

Courtesy photo A collection of glass orbs by Ed Pennebaker is displayed at The Peel Mansion.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Steve Gray (from left), “Wilson,” Ralph Harvey and Ryce Hopkins attend the Walton Arts Center luau.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Bobbye Breecher (from left), Sharon Brasko and Darla Newman enjoy the volunteer luau.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/CARIN SCHOPPMEYER Alan Dranow and Allison Hubbard visit at the July 12 Peel Mansion reception.