The third -- or fifth -- Kindred Spirit Award from the Muses Creative Artistry Project was given Tuesday night to Glen Jones, president of Henderson State University. Jones' school is a veritable pipeline for young talent the Hot Springs arts collective shepherds.
"A lot of our students are given opportunities as young artists to perform with The Muses, and that allows them to expand their own personal repertoire and gain broader experience as well, so there's been a natural relationship that's evolved over time," Jones said.
The project puts on several performances throughout the year, mostly classical in nature -- opera is a chief medium -- using students and touring professionals.
"I've got a 14-year-old who's a ballerina, a 10-year- old who's playing classic piano and training on the classics, and playing drums as well, and just seeing their appreciation and confidence; the arts gives them an opportunity to overcome obstacles, to overcome failure, to persevere and be resilient. It's just tremendous."
Jones is either the third or fifth recipient of the trophy. It's up for debate because the first two, Don Munro and Dorothy Morris, were feted, but not under the current aegis. The first formal Kindred Spirit Award winner was Walter E. Hussman Jr., and the second was former Gov. Mike Beebe.
The entire company this night numbered nearly 40, which is the largest troupe The Muses has brought to the Governor's Mansion, president Deleen Davidson said.
The night featured a buffet dinner and performances, beginning with "Brindisi" from La Traviata by Guiseppe Verdi and continuing with pieces by Mozart and Rossini, Bernstein, Sondheim and Schoenberg.
-- Photos and story by Bobby Ampezzan
High Profile on 09/20/2015