JONESBORO, Ark. — The Foundation of Arts is set to mark its 40th anniversary with a celebration on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 3 to 5 p.m. at 115 E. Monroe Ave. in downtown Jonesboro.
The event will feature live music, facility tours, and art displays, according to an announcement from the organization. Attendees can also look forward to appearances by characters from “House of Villains” and a special reveal tied to the nonprofit’s continued growth. A brief program is scheduled to begin at 3:15 p.m. in the Forum Theatre.
The celebration will honor 40 years of contributions to arts education and productions, recognizing the artists, educators, volunteers, patrons, and supporters who have helped shape the organization.
“Forty years represents an amazing accomplishment,” said Executive Director Lynette Hirsch. “We are celebrating the people who have made this organization what it is today while looking ahead to what we can accomplish together.”
The milestone comes as the nonprofit continues to invest in facility improvements. In October, the organization completed a $75,000 renovation of its theatrical fly system, the stage equipment used to raise and lower scenery and other production elements. The project was funded through the Foundation’s 2023 Giving Campaign.
Other upgrades include new flooring and mirrors in the former theater room, enhancing its use for classes and artistic development. The Foundation of Arts is also offering naming sponsorship opportunities to individuals, families, and businesses to support its facilities and future programming.
Additionally, the organization highlighted a new mural project led by artist Natausha Light, created in partnership with the Public Art Commission and supported by a grant from Arvest Bank. The mural aims to increase public art across downtown Jonesboro.
Looking forward, the Foundation of Arts has set goals to expand arts education, build stronger community partnerships, develop new programming, and increase opportunities for people of all ages across northeast Arkansas to engage with the arts.
“We want to continue dreaming and creating opportunities for all ages and abilities to discover their talents, find their voices, and experience the arts as an essential part of a thriving community,” Hirsch said.