Arkansas: Winthrop Rockefeller's Canvas

PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN, Ark. (May 15, 2009) — Winthrop Rockefeller was born in New York City in his family’s nine-story mansion, then the largest private residence in the city. It contained rare, ancient, medieval and Renaissance treasures collected by his father, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Some, such as the Unicorn Tapestries, were held in his father’s adjoining premises.

On the seventh floor was his mother’s private modern art gallery. Abby Aldrich Rockefeller is largely responsible for the development of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Although Winthrop Rockefeller led a lifestyle significantly different from his famous family, he continued their tradition of philanthropy and support for the arts. When he moved to Arkansas in 1953, he addressed tough issues and saw great opportunity in what was then the poorest state in the Union. For Winthrop Rockefeller, Arkansas was a blank canvas.

In early May, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute atop Petit Jean Mountain celebrated the late governor’s influence on Arkansas’ cultural heritage during its second annual heritage event. Named “WR: The Rockefeller Brand on the Arts in Arkansas,” the program featured a panel of individuals who explored and remembered the Rockefeller tradition of support for the arts as well as Gov. Rockefeller’s contributions to the arts and arts education across the state. Panelists included the following:

• Anne Bartley, daughter of Jeanette Bartley Rockefeller and former director of the Department of Arkansas Natural and Cultural Heritage (now the Department of Arkansas Heritage);
• Kenneth Rose, associate director of research and education at the Rockefeller Archive Center in New York; and
• Townsend Wolfe, executive director of the Arkansas Arts Center from 1968-2002.

The discussion was moderated by Ann Nicholson, producer and host of the weekly fine arts magazine “Arts Scene” on KLRE 90.5 FM and KUAR 89.1 FM.

Politics, Arts and the Economy

Born in India and educated in Kashmir, Scotland and England, it was not until she arrived in Arkansas that Nicholson realized the close connection between the arts and politics. “Gov. Rockefeller was the right person for the right place at the right time,” Nicholson said.

Bartley added that a society’s government reflects who it is; therefore it matters greatly who is elected. “Without an involvement in the arts, we lose who we are,” Bartley said.

The arts are also vital to society from an economic perspective. According to Rose, Rockefeller’s work as chairman on the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission taught him that attracting industry to an area is difficult without a strong arts community.

As a result, Rockefeller and his wife, Jeannette – who herself had been enthusiastic about the arts and creativity since an early age – launched a statewide capital campaign for the Museum of Fine Arts in 1959. A year later, the Arkansas Arts Center was created. Although his monetary contributions helped a great deal, Wolfe noted that Rockefeller genuinely cared for the state of Arkansas and its people.

“Winthrop Rockefeller had more than wealth, and he did more than spend,” Wolfe said. “He loved this state, and during his travels, he realized that it had things worth preserving.”

Learn more about WR: The Rockefeller Brand on Arkansas History and Culture.

Arkansas Art Exhibit Now Open

This year’s heritage event coincided with the opening of the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute’s fourth annual Arts in the Air Professional Art Exhibit and Sale, which features the work of 20 select Arkansas artists. A portion of the proceeds from the month-long sale will benefit student art programs at the Rockefeller Institute, including Envision U – a summer arts camp for high school students.

The exhibit and sale will continue until May 23. It will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 5-8 p.m. and on Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. at the Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain. Other times are available by appointment; call (501) 727-6220.

About the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute

The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is a unique educational center with conference and lodging facilities. Committed to acting as a catalyst, its vision involves combining the legacy and ideas of Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller with the resources and expertise of the University of Arkansas System. Its mission is to develop diverse programs that nurture ideas, policies and activities to make life better in Arkansas.

The Rockefeller Institute accomplishes its mission by offering a variety of workshops, seminars, public lectures, conferences and special events. Program areas include heritage, the arts, public affairs, culinary arts, language instruction, the environment, archeology, and health and wellness. To learn more, visit the Web site or call (501) 727-5435.

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