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We are the Arkansas river valley arts foundation
our mission & vision for the future
The mission of the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center is to create opportunities for participation, education, appreciation, and enjoyment of the arts for all people.
It is our aim to serve the people of Arkansas, particularly the people of the Arkansas River Valley. The Arts Center will advance and empower the arts by increasing awareness, appreciation, and enjoyment of art for the benefit of all. Our vision reflects out determination to encourage youth and adults to improve the quality of life, including socio-economic status, for themselves and their community through the involvement in and expansion of the creative community. We will provide quality public programs and enrichment and cultural opportunities by investing in new ways to serve and involve residents and visitors.
We cannot exist without the support of our community and those around us that attend our classes, our gallery showings, purchasing art from local artists, and those who donate funds, time, and supplies. We are looking into the future year of 2026 and need operational funds to keep our lights on, our building, and our staff, so we can continue serving our artists, children, and community members with educational classes and experiences.
Please consider donating to our cause today and receive the benefits along with knowing you're helping fund future artists, legacies, and your community culture.
Our History
1936
WPA built the rock building that would eventually house the River Valley Arts Center.
1981
After a June planning meeting, a $5,000 grant from the Junior Auxiliary, and commitments from community leaders for over $10,000, the River Valley Arts Center Foundation, Inc. was formed.
The Arts Center officially opened its doors to the public at an all day celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony on October 7th in the borrowed building on West Main Street.
Articles of Incorporation prepared by Lu Hardin were signed in December 1981. A Board of Directors was formed and Richard Barton served as the first Executive Director.
1984
After three years the borrowed building was sold and the arts center needed a new home. The City of Russellville agreed to lease the rock building built by the WPA in 1936 which had formerly been the public pool bathhouse located in the City Park. The building was renovated with community donations and labor as well as the assistance of Van Horn construction.
1999
A Memorial Garden was designed and added to honor the six residents who were lost in an airline crash, including then Arts Center president Gordon McLerran.
Now
The Main building now houses a main gallery space with monthly exhibits, a classroom, gift shop, office, restrooms, galley kitchen and a receptionist area. The original pool chemical storage building was a challenging renovation, but now functions as a kiln house for our pottery teachers to fire students' works. A small building was donated by City Corporation and moved to its current location to house the pottery studio.
Most of the operating budget for the River Valley Arts Center comes from memberships and support of area residents, with some funding from small corporate and foundation grants and the support of the Arkansas Arts Council. Class fees go towards supplies, paid instructors, and minimal overhead costs.
A full time volunteer Executive Director and a part time artist in residence comprise the staff of the Arts Center.
With the help of the Board of Directors, community volunteers, and partnerships with area organizations we are able to provide an array of visual and performing arts programs and venues which enriches the Arkansas River Valley communities.
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