Wildwood board gets lesson on cultivating area’s talent
How to facilitate and advance arts for our entire community? That was the question on the minds of board members of Little Rock’s Wildwood Park for the Arts as they hosted Jeffrey Kimpton, president of Michigan’s Interlochen Center for the Arts, for an Aug. 29 consultation that was followed by a cocktail reception.
Introduced by Dr. Tom Bruce, Kimpton — overseer of what is billed as the nation’s most prestigious arts education center, with its summer arts camp and residential arts academy — spoke on the dynamics of the privately owned Interlochen, whose alumni include actress Felicity Huffman, singer-songwriter Jewel, and Aaron Dworkin, who created the Sphinx competition. He also referred to his discussion with Wildwood board members on how the Interlochen model might be used at Wildwood, which recently embarked on an educational outreach program and is exploring ways to expand its music and arts offerings, starting next summer.
Noting that Wildwood’s “vision is one that is going to have to be collectively shaped by a lot of people,” Kimpton said the organization would serve itself best by plugging into different aspects of the Little Rock community.
After a question-and-answer session, board members and guests resumed chatting while sipping libations and feasting on a buffet of mini sandwiches, brie and crackers, spinach dip with pita chips, and dessert bars. — Story and photos by
Helaine R. Williams