Mansion merriment caps Tour of Homes
The Quapaw Quarter Association’s media blitz that took place leading up to the May 13-14 Spring Tour of Homes didn’t do it justice. The meticulous attention to period restoration — and in some instances, a disregard for it — was uniquely evident in the six homes on the tour: three on Arch Street, two on Gaines Street and one on State Street, all in the historic Governor’s Mansion District.
A highlight of the weekend was a late-afternoon tour May 13 that culminated with a candlelight dinner at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion. Certain ticket holders enjoyed champagne and appetizers along their self-guided walk — or ride in a trolley — then took in more drinks and a seated dinner in the Grand Hall with first lady Susan and Gov. Asa Hutchinson.
An accompanying silent auction featured paintings by John Kushmaul, whose most recent works depict recognizable parts of downtown Little Rock. “Most of the works are based upon photographs I take of the city,” Kushmaul says in his artist’s statement. “Little Rock serves as a convenient subject because of the variety of architecture covering the history of modern life in Arkansas.” Pianist John Willis provided dinner music.
Afterward, some patrons meandered down Center Street to the nearby home of Jay Barth and Chuck Cliett, president of the Quapaw Quarter Association board and chairman of the tour. The pair provided after-dinner libations and a glimpse into their own historic home, which has been on the tour in the past.
It was the first tour for Patricia Blick, the new executive director of the association. The event grossed more than $50,000; bills were still coming in, Blick said.