Just a few days shy of a year after breaking ground on extensive modernizing renovations, the South Arkansas Arts Center on Friday held a grand unveiling of its updated facility.
"We really did achieve all of our goals," Laura Allen, SAAC executive director said. "I think it is really everything we set out for it to be."
Reaching Higher
Last July, SAAC announced a capital fundraising campaign, seeking $2.2 million for substantial updates to its building that would improve accessibility, aesthetics and safety.
As of Friday, the arts center still had a ways to go on its fundraising; Allen said they'd raised approximately 82% of their goal, leaving about $300,000 unfunded. One hundred eighty-five donors contributed to the campaign, giving anything from change collected over a period of a few weeks to checks for $20.50 to gifts of $500,000.
"We're really kind of hoping that we end up with not quite spending as much as we thought we were going to spend, so that'll help a little bit," Allen said. "We had a number of students collect change, my kids collected change."
The changes at SAAC, on the other hand, are complete, and Allen said the arts center was able to accomplish all it hoped to.
"I don't think we had to compromise on any of our big picture items. The building is accessible. The balcony is accessible. It is working much better already for all of our members and our students, and I think it is really everything that we set out for it to be," she said.
Improving accessibility for disabled, elderly or otherwise mobility-impaired patrons was one of the primary drivers for the renovations. SAAC added a new, visually-appealing ramp that's easily accessible from its three handicap-accessible parking spaces (up from one, previously), an elevator to take patrons to the second-floor and universally accessible restrooms and wheelchair access to the upstairs classrooms and balcony.
Those changes were clearly displayed Thursday evening, when SAAC held an unveiling for donors, as Richard Wharton, architectural designer of the changes, who uses a wheelchair, attended the dedication of "The Wharton Balcony" off SAAC's second floor.
"None of that would have been possible without the accessibility," Allen said.
Safety was another priority, which SAAC achieved by adding a check-in station for students directly off the front entrance, along with modernized entrances, exits and stairways and a new fire suppression system.
"The first thing we noticed was child safety, student safety. The first week that Sarah (Hatley, office manager) was sitting down there for kids coming in, she was like, 'I know exactly who's here, and I know exactly who's here that I don't have on my list,'" Allen said. "Child safety was our first big, like, notice that it had changed a lot."
On Friday morning, during a walk-through of the building, project architect Michael Rogers, of M R Designs, pointed out a small section of the second-floor ceiling comprised of wooden beams, the original ceiling of the armory the building used to house.
"When they were doing the demo, they found it under there and it was really his idea to leave it exposed," Allen said. "It's very cool. He had to adjust some of his lighting plans, add a beam."
The arts center's new prep kitchen got its first use on Thursday, when volunteers spent the day cooking hors d'oeuvres for the evening event, and Allen said she thinks the expanded hosting capabilities will enrich not only SAAC, but also those who rent its space for private events.
"I would like to give a special recognition to the ice maker; we've got an ice machine, so nobody had to go buy ice at the last minute, then go buy more ice. I really love that ice machine," she said. "It's part of our rental package now... so it'll make it a lot easier for people to use, for caterers to use, and really, it will make it a lot easier for our volunteers and committees... I'm really excited to see with the appropriate space and equipment, what we can do."
The most obvious changes, of course, were the cosmetic ones. Old and new come together on SAAC's new façade, where the dark brick has been broken up by stylish wood panels. And the Wharton Balcony offers ample space with a great view of Memorial Stadium. SAAC Tech Director Colleen Means joked Thursday that she's looking forward to watching the Wildcats' Homecoming game next weekend from that vantage point.
'Magic actually happens here'
Donors, arts enthusiasts, SAAC volunteers and others who attended the nonprofit's unveiling this week shared roughly the same sentiment: SAAC has stepped up its game in serving the community.
"It's terrific," said Madison Murphy, who Allen said helped ensure the Wharton Balcony was dedicated to its now-namesake. "The need has been here a long time. It was an aesthetically-challenged facility on the outside... Richard's vision, they articulated it well. They articulated that concept into a good outcome."
Beth Burns, former executive director at SAAC, said the renovated facilities go to show that one can't underestimate what El Dorado is capable of.
"I think it's perfect... It's slightly more than I envisioned," she said Friday. "SAAC has always had an emotional role in this community; now it looks as powerful as it is."
John Davis's eight-year-old daughter Harper, a student at SAAC, excitedly explored the building's new features Friday morning.
"It's great for the community," he said. "Any time we can keep stuff up-to-date, offer more for more people, it's a good thing."
Debbie McAdams, who with her husband Buddy contributed to the Reaching Higher campaign, said SAAC's mission is inspiring.
"They're timeless. They'll grow for years to come," she said. "I love SAAC's vision for incorporating all aspects of all cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds... They do a lot of trying to instill a spark, ignite a spark in young people and students... It's a hidden gem for south Arkansas."
Allen said the capital campaign committee at SAAC is currently in the process of organizing a winter fundraiser that will be held early in the new year, with additional details forthcoming. In the meantime, those who wish to contribute to the Reaching Higher campaign can do so at saac-arts.org, or by visiting or mailing funds to 110 E. 5th St. in El Dorado.
Karen Hicks, who can regularly be found managing the house at SAAC productions, said the arts center has made an enormous difference in her family's lives, instilling a love of the arts in her daughter and allowing her to see the artist in herself.
"Magic actually happens here," Hicks said Friday morning. "What happens at SAAC is powerful. For my family, the arts center has become a place of healing and community... SAAC has embraced us, and has given so many a place to explore our creativity in an encouraging and loving environment."
Allen added, "SAAC is a lot more than a building. SAAC is a community. SAAC is all of us."
Marshal Pilgreen shakes hands with Richard Wharton, who designed the renovations at the South Arkansas Arts Center, during an unveiling of the changes on Thursday evening. The new balcony at the nonprofit arts center was named in Wharton's honor. (Caitlan Butler/News-Times)
Harper Davis, 8, excitedly explores the renovations at the South Arkansas Arts Center on Friday, Oct. 13. (Caitlan Butler/News-Times)
South Arkansas Arts Center Executive Director Laura Allen, center, cuts the ribbon on SAAC's renovations, surrounded by SAAC staff and volunteers, including former executive director Beth Burns, right of Allen, on Friday morning. (Caitlan Butler/News-Times)
Laura Allen, executive director of the South Arkansas Arts Center, celebrates the grand unveiling of the facility's extensive renovations on Friday, Oct. 13. (Caitlan Butler/News-Times)
South Arkansas Arts Center patrons enjoy the new Wharton Balcony at the newly-renovated arts center on Thursday, Oct. 12. (Caitlan Butler/News-Times)
South Arkansas Arts Center Technical Director Colleen Means, left, shows Jill Weinishcke and Tyler Turner an expanded art classroom on SAAC's second floor on Friday, Oct. 13. (Caitlan Butler/News-Times)
A drone photograph shows the updated facade and Wharton Balcony at the South Arkansas Arts Center. (Courtesy of Johnathan Estes/Special to the News-Times)