Rea Charitable Trust Supports Bradbury Art Museum
JONESBORO – Arkansas State University has received a $25,000 gift from the Rea Charitable Trust for the Bradbury Art Museum’s educational programming.
This brings the trust's total giving history to $70,000 in the last four years in support of the museum's increased emphasis on educational opportunities for young people.
“We are very appreciative for our education partners in the arts," stated Dr. Carl Cates, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Communication. "The critical thinking and analysis skills developed in the programming supported by the Rea Charitable Trust will positively impact countless students,”
Jacqueline Brightwell, director of BAM, commented, "We are truly grateful to the Rea Charitable Trust for their continued support of Bradbury Art Museum. Since 2016, their generosity has been pivotal in developing and enriching our educational outreach."
Support from the Rea Charitable Trust will allow BAM to continue offering this public outreach, which has successfully engaged thousands of participants.
"The Rea Charitable Trust’s generosity has facilitated the development of BAM’s new summer program," added education coordinator Haley Voges. "Our first art camps were a tremendous success, and growing interest suggests that trend will continue."
An exhibition space adjacent to the museum is dedicated to display participants' artwork created in BAM workshops, after-school programs and summer classes. The display helps to better engage the community in positive, artistic experiences that foster individual and civic pride.
By providing an affirmative culmination to these art experiences, where all involved succeed, our citizens, and especially our youth, will better appreciate and understand the value of the arts.
Classes for local youth are provided throughout the year. These include artmaking sessions, museum tours, and conversations about how to view and interpret works of art. Staff has found that continuity is a significant factor in program success. Accordingly, BAM now offers this after-school programming during summer months.
Each fall high school students visit the museum, select an artwork, and in response create a new work and a written statement with their thoughts about that piece. This year, high schools from 11 local counties will be invited to participate. The program culminates in a competitive exhibition, "Inspired," held at BAM at the end of each year.
The Rea Charitable Trust was created in 2009 with its primary purpose being the promotion of the arts.
Isabel McClintic Rea, born December 31, 1917, into a well-known Midland, Texas, ranching family, was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. McClintic. After completing high school in Midland with the class of 1935, she majored in music at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Va.
She married Bryce Rea Jr. and had one son, Charles Bryce Rea. Mrs. Rea, who became known as one of Midland’s most talented pianists, died in 2004.
# # #
