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Foundation of Arts to Celebrate 40th Anniversary in Downtown Jonesboro This Sunday

Photo: Contributed/The Foundation of Arts


Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The Foundation of Arts (FOA) will open its doors to the public this Sunday to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

The event runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 25 at 115 E. Monroe Ave. Attendees can expect live music, facility tours, art displays, and appearances by characters from the “House of Villains” show. A brief program and a special organizational reveal are scheduled for 3:15 p.m. inside The Forum Theatre.

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Since its inception, the FOA has provided an outlet for residents ranging from toddlers to adults to explore their artistic talents.

“Forty years represents an amazing accomplishment,” FOA Executive Director Lynette Hirsch said. “We are celebrating the people who have made this organization what it is today while looking ahead to what we can accomplish together. We want to continue dreaming and creating opportunities for all ages and abilities to discover their talents, find their voices, and experience the arts as an essential part of a thriving community.”

As the organization enters its next chapter, it is highlighting several recent facility and programming investments designed to modernize its infrastructure and expand its community footprint:

  • Downtown Mural: Created by artist Natausha Light with grant support from Arvest Bank and the Public Art Commission, a new mural brings the FOA’s mission out of the classroom and directly into the visual landscape of downtown Jonesboro.
  • Taproom Renovations: The former theatre room has been upgraded with new flooring and mirrors to create an enhanced space for classes and artistic development. The FOA is currently offering naming sponsorships for the space to individuals, families, and local businesses.
  • Stage Technology Upgrades: Earlier this month, the organization finalized a $75,000 overhaul of its theatrical fly system. Funded by the 2023 Giving Campaign, the modernized stage infrastructure will better support technical crews and future productions at The Forum.

“Together, these projects demonstrate the Foundation of Arts’ commitment to maintaining and improving its facilities while building a stronger foundation for the next generation of artists, performers, and arts enthusiasts,” Hirsch said.

The FOA invites all community members, past volunteers, and patrons to join the celebration this Sunday.

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