If the chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville erred at all when he described the Walton family's latest gift to the university as a "giant step ... in the right direction," it was on the side of understatement. That's how Joseph Steinmetz, the school's chancellor since 2016, described the Waltons' latest act of noblesse oblige toward not only the school but the state. For one great deed leads to another as each as a catalytic, a synergistic effect on the evolving whole. It may take a while for even a career administrator to grow accustomed to the continuing effect a great family can have on a small, closely knit state like this one.
And this time the Waltons have broken their own record when it comes not just to giving but shaping the very structure of the state's arts. "From a national perspective," declared the school's chancellor, "I think it will put the focus on not just art but on the entire university." And state.
Back in 2002 the family of Wal-Mart's founders Sam and Helen Walton announced that their foundation was giving $300 million to the university, which at the time was thought of as the biggest donation ever to a public university. But once again the Waltons have outdone themselves with this $120 million gift to establish a school of art, leaving impressed readers to wonder which of their gift-giving records they'll break next. Whichever one it is, Gentle Reader can be confident it'll not only set a new high-water mark but affect the very character of the school for the good.
The people of Arkansas have not only a friend and patron in the Waltons but leaders who make this Wonder State even more wonderful. This time their patronage has led to a new, organic connection between the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation and the world-renowned museum for American art at Crystal Bridges. And something says we ain't seen nothin' yet.
How have the Waltons benefited We the People of Arkansas? Well, there's a statement from Alice Walton, daughter of Mister Sam himself. She noted how the foundation "will inspire students and scholars from around the globe," and how "up-close interaction with the museum's collection and exhibition program will drive a unique curriculum." Once again Arkansas will be sui generis--one of a kind. Like the only state in the Union where diamonds are to be found. And this state is no longer just a diamond in the rough but one that's been cut and polished by the fine hand of Alice Walton and her extended family.
The university's department of art is to be extended, promoted and rechristened a school of art within the university's college of arts and sciences. Its interim director, Jeannie Hulen, notes that some 340 art majors were enrolled as of last fall, a number that had grown from about 235 in 2006. But now there is to be "unprecedented" financial support for the students. Which should make its school of art an ever greater magnet for talented disciples of the arts throughout the country. And the world.
Lest we forget, architecture is an art too. And there should now be another $10 million available to renovate the school's Fine Arts Center, which goes back to 1951 when it was designed by Fayetteville's own Edward Durell Stone--and it won't be just students that benefit by investment on this scale. According to interim Director Hulen, additional faculty and the university will beef up support for its Fine Arts Library, for what is great art without books to record and reflect it?
Margi Conrads, director of curatorial affairs at Crystal Bridges, adds this observation: "We're in a unique position to help the university have an exciting model for teaching that's based on working with original works of art."
All concerned sound equally excited about the new school's prospects. Other universities are facing cutbacks to many programs. But we're in this amazing, fortunate situation where we have support from upper administration and also our community. O art, when driven from other habitations, make this thy dwelling place! It's not exactly a new sentiment or editorial theme by now, but it bears repeating on this happy occasion: Thank you, Waltons, one and all, great and small.
Signed,
The Grateful People of Arkansas.
Editorial on 08/28/2017