The River Valley Art Center makes me sick

                       The only Art they display is the Art of people that pay to be in their classes and people that pay to be in their club. Look at this... and these people have the nerve to call themselves a nonprofit? Sickening. You will notice that nowhere on their website do they show the Art that they have displaying or a list of their Artists. The reason why is because the Art is an embarrassment and all River Valley Arts Center is just another Art Scam that prays on hacks that are willing to pay to play make believe Gallery Artist.

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Membership The progress and services of the Arts Center depend heavily on memberships.  Unlike civic clubs, there are no mandatory meetings or other requirements.  All it takes is an interest in the arts and culture and the improved quality of life it brings to the area and all residents from children, students to adults.  Residents of Russellville overwhelmingly voted for the construction of the Center for Performing Arts which indicates the desire for more cultural activities.  The River Valley Arts Center is working hard to support these activities and develop more opportunities for area residents. *At the bottom of the page, you can download the Membership Application. Move your mouse around til the arrow becomes a hand. All levels of membership include the following benefits: Name in Annual Report Monthly Newsletter Subscription Discount on Classes Discount on Theatre Tickets Invitation to Arts Center Events Invitation to Holiday Jubilee MEMBERSHIP CLASSIFICATIONS: Basic ($20)  Available to students enrolled in public or private schools, colleges or universities, home schooled students, senior citizens over the age of 55 and as an employee of specific membership classifications as outlined below. Valid identification must be presented at time of application. Individual  ($35)  For individuals not qualifying as a student or senior citizen.  Has same benefits as Basic. Family ($50) For a couple or parents and children residing in the home.  Has same benefits as Basic. Contributor ($100) All Individual benefits and the increased benefit of Recognition as Contributor in programs. Supporting ($250) All Contributor benefits and the increased benefit of two complimentary priority reserved tickets to theatre production. Benefactor ($500) All Contributor benefits and the increased benefit of four complimentary priority reserved tickets to theatre production and one employee receives Basic Membership Patron ($750) All Contributor benefits and the increased benefit of four complimentary priority reserved tickets to theatre production and two employees receive Basic Membership  Sustaining ($1,000) All Contributor benefits and the increased benefit of four complimentary priority reserved tickets to a theatre production, two complimentary tickets to Holiday Jubilee, name on plaque in foyer, use of Center for one event and four employees receive Basic Membership  Mega ($5,000) All Contributor benefits and the increased benefit of six complimentary priority reserved tickets to a theatre production, six complimentary tickets to Holiday Jubilee, name on plaque in foyer, use of Center for one event, and six employees receive Basic Membership

and this is on top of getting  $4,091.00 in Tax Payer Doll this year from The Arkansas Arts Council.



OFFICERS and DIRECTORS   
Officers
President: Emory Tyson Molitor
Vice President: Sara Larkin Gordon
Secretary: Carol Swindell
Treasurer: Carole Tackett

Directors
Mary Clark
Debra Fithen
Robert Ford
John Gale
Lodema Jensen
Jeanne Kierre
Juanita Luessen
Joy Murphy
Dennis Overman
Pattie Posey
Addy Pitts
Richard Ruble
Karla Stanton
Susan Ver Weire
Lynn Wiman

Honorary Board
Andy McNeill
Charles Curb
Ginnie Tyson
Steve Newby


Arkansas River Valley Arts Center Local Artist Registry Form
If you have a resume, photos, clippings, or any other information about you or your work you want included in your artist file, please send us an email with the items attached. artscenter@centurytel.net


Since they are too embarrassed to show their Art on their website. I will show it for you. Here is The Art of Richard Lee Barton.

                    Here is an actual picture from inside the "gallery". Anytime you see children running all over the place you know that you are not in a real Art Gallery.

...and here is a picture of them outside of the Gallery.

In short The River Valley Arts Center isn't an Art Gallery it's a daycare center.

                                                                               
                           The woman on the far right is Betty Lagrone. She isn't an Artist and she has Zero experience working in the Art Industry yet for some bizarre reason she is The Executive Director.

                  Here is another Photo of Betty inside The River Valley Arts Center. Am I the only one that notices what's missing here? Where is the Art Betty?


                  Here is another quote from Betty "

“One of the greatest challenges for even some of the larger museums and arts centers today is finding ways to remove  barriers to community participation, including admission charges, according to D. Bacigalupi, executive director of Crystal Bridges,” said River Valley Arts Center executive director Betty LaGrone.  “I am not suggesting that we have exhibits by world famous artists, but we are pleased that we continue to bring quality exhibits and exhibit receptions that can be enjoyed by area residents and visitors that are free and open to the public.”  

Crystal Bridges in Northwest Arkansas opened November 11, 2011 and has exhibits by world famous artists. 
                                                                                       

                                                              Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor Center

Pope County Library, Russellville
 

 

To be considered as an exhibitor in the Arts Center's Gallery, submit good quality photographs of 2-or 3-d works or an actual piece of art along with your biography to the Visual Arts Committee. This Committee reviews and schedules exhibits several months in advance.  There is also the opportunity to exhibit in the Arts Center's classroom gallery, lobby, Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor Center or Russellville Branch of Pope County Library."

*

                                       I don't know if you caught that but she is bragging about how their Artist are hacks and that they have no interest in promoting World Class Art. So to hell with the cultural enrichment of the people of Russellville right?