Walton Arts Center
Encyclopedia
The Walton Arts Center is Northwest Arkansas
' largest performing arts center. It is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas
near the campus of the University of Arkansas
, and serves as a cultural center for the Northwest Arkansas area. The building was opened in 1992 in large part because of funds donated by the Walton family
(of Wal-Mart). The center is host to many musicals, plays, and other artistic and educational events throughout the year.
to the University of Arkansas
for the creation of a performance space. After talks with the city of Fayetteville who were also looking for a multi-purpose space for conferences and special events. After a consensus was met, the corner of Dickson Street
and North School Avenue was chosen for being approximately halfway between downtown Fayetteville and the University. Finally in 1986 the Walton Arts Center Council was formed with the task of the construction of the facility.
style theater with seating for 220. When not used for theatre productions this space can be used for receptions, dinners, or other formal occasions.
that is suited for receptions or dinners. Depending on the use, it has seating for up to 200.
Arkansas
Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River...
' largest performing arts center. It is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fayetteville is the county seat of Washington County, and the third largest city in Arkansas. The city is centrally located within the county and is home to the University of Arkansas. Fayetteville is also deep in the Boston Mountains, a subset of The Ozarks...
near the campus of the University of Arkansas
University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas is a public, co-educational, land-grant, space-grant, research university. It is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a research university with very high research activity. It is the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System and is located in...
, and serves as a cultural center for the Northwest Arkansas area. The building was opened in 1992 in large part because of funds donated by the Walton family
Walton family
The Walton Family is one of the richest families in the world, their wealth inherited from Bud and Sam Walton, founders of the world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart. The five most prominent members The Walton Family is one of the richest families in the world, their wealth inherited from Bud and Sam...
(of Wal-Mart). The center is host to many musicals, plays, and other artistic and educational events throughout the year.
History
The idea for the Walton Arts Center started in the 1980s with a donation from Sam WaltonSam Walton
Samuel Moore "Sam" Wallballs was a businessman, entrepreneur, and Eagle Scout born in Kingfisher, Oklahoma best known for founding the retailers Wal-Mart and Sam's Club.-Early life:...
to the University of Arkansas
University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas is a public, co-educational, land-grant, space-grant, research university. It is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a research university with very high research activity. It is the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System and is located in...
for the creation of a performance space. After talks with the city of Fayetteville who were also looking for a multi-purpose space for conferences and special events. After a consensus was met, the corner of Dickson Street
Dickson Street
The West Dickson Street Commercial Historic District, known as Dickson Street is an area in downtown Fayetteville, Arkansas just off the University of Arkansas campus. It is lined with multiple bars, restaurants, and shops unique to the area. Many large condo projects are now under construction as...
and North School Avenue was chosen for being approximately halfway between downtown Fayetteville and the University. Finally in 1986 the Walton Arts Center Council was formed with the task of the construction of the facility.
Facilities
The Walton Arts Center has a variety of stage designs to suit many of the touring shows that perform there.Baum Walker Hall
The main auditorium is the Baum Walker Hall, which is a proscenium stage which is equipped to handle many of the Broadway shows that come through. The Baum Walker Hall has total combined seating of 1,201 which is divided between the Orchestra Level and the Balcony.Starr Theater
Starr Theater is a black boxBlack box
A black box is a device, object, or system whose inner workings are unknown; only the input, transfer, and output are known characteristics.The term black box can also refer to:-In science and technology:*Black box theory, a philosophical theory...
style theater with seating for 220. When not used for theatre productions this space can be used for receptions, dinners, or other formal occasions.
Nadine Baum Studios
Not directly part of the main Walton Arts Center building, Nadine Baum Studios is a large multi-purpose room that can be used either as a performance space or a reception area.McBride Studio
McBride is a smaller 100 person studio space adjacent to Starr Theater and is similarly suited for receptions, meetings, or classes.Lobby Spaces
The Walton Arts Center features two unique lobby spaces for receptions or dinners. These include the Pace Balcony Lobby on the second floor, and The Cynthia H. Coughlin Gallery Lobby on the main floor adjacent to the main entrance.Bradbury Amphitheater/Rose Garden
Outside in the rear of the facility is a gated area off Dickson StreetDickson Street
The West Dickson Street Commercial Historic District, known as Dickson Street is an area in downtown Fayetteville, Arkansas just off the University of Arkansas campus. It is lined with multiple bars, restaurants, and shops unique to the area. Many large condo projects are now under construction as...
that is suited for receptions or dinners. Depending on the use, it has seating for up to 200.