Thea Foundation and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) are pleased to announce that UAMS has purchased a one-of-a-kind painting titled Art Fair by Matt McLeod, the featured artist of the second annual Thea Arts Festival held on April 27 in the Argenta Arts District, for the permanent art collection in the UAMS Medical Center.  The acquisition of this painting is made possible through the generosity of an anonymous private foundation that provided a grant for the purpose of acquiring art for the UAMS Medical Center.

This painting will join others installed in public spaces for the benefit of patients and their families and other visitors and UAMS staff. The art collection is being developed through the generosity of private donors and philanthropic foundations for the good of UAMS and for all who share in the benefits of our state-sponsored health care system and educational work.  

Matt McLeod

Keep Arkansas Beautiful (KAB)’s Poster Competition is held in conjunction with the Great American Cleanup to involve statewide elementary school students in the Cleanup effort, and to educate the public about the importance of a clean and beautiful community to economic development, civic pride and environmental quality of life.  The competition’s winners, including students in grades K - 5, will be exhibited in Thea’s gallery from May 13 to 17.  More information at www.keeparkansasbeautiful.com.

Thea will host KAB’s Poster Competition Winners as well as Mary Ann Stafford’s ongoing The Argenta Project during this upcoming Argenta ArtWalk on Friday, May 17, 5 to 8pm.  Visitors can peruse the art while enjoying yummy hors d’oeuvres and drinks from the open wine and cheese bar.