Arkansas Arts Center’s Fountain Fest celebrates fifth anniversary

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Arts Center’s Contemporaries return to the Carrie Remmel Dickinson Fountain this fall with the fifth annual Fountain Fest.

The fundraiser, featuring food, music, art and libations, will center around the reveal of a surprise installation in the fountain on Oct. 19.

“Over the last five years, Fountain Fest has become one of the most anticipated events of the year,” Contemporaries President Catherine Robben said in a news release. “But it’s also more than just a great party. Funds raised at Fountain Fest support our efforts to expand the Arkansas Arts Center Collection and provide exceptional programming for young professionals in Little Rock.”

Fountain Fest will begin at 5:30 p.m., with heavy hors d’oeuvres by Canvas Restaurant, beer by Lost Forty Brewing and Stone’s Throw Brewing, and cocktails by Roxor Gin. Local duo Luke Johnson and Brian Nahlen will provide music. Museum school instructors and students will assist with a variety of art-making activities and Children’s Theater company members will provide a shadow puppet photo booth.

“We’re excited to integrate all aspects of the Arts Center into this event,” Fountain Fest Chair Heather Wardle said. “Museum school instructors and students will be helping guests create art and Children’s Theater actors and directors will be using shadow puppets to create unique photos. It’s a perfect way for the community to engage with the Arts Center.”

The event will also feature two raffle items. The first is a Louis Vuitton purse valued at over $1,000. The second is a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 23-year old Bourbon. The winner does not have to be present to win.

Tickets are $25 and raffle tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.arkansasartscenter.org/ tickets or by calling 501-396-0337.