The Arkansas River Valley Arts Center is a private non-profit community organization.

In June of 1981 the first public meeting was held to organize the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center. After an initial donation of $5,000 from the Russellville Junior Auxiliary and commitments from community leaders for over $10,000, the Center officially opened its doors to the public at an all day celebration on October 7, 1981.

Our official service area is Pope, Johnson, and Yell counties but we serve residents, visitors and tourists from both inside and outside the state.  Several time each year the gallery will display art from artists around the state and often from outside Arkansas.  Students come from as far away as Little Rock, especially to take pottery classes from Winston Taylor.

Who We Are

Betty LaGrone, Executive Director

Betty is so impressed with the great talent and number of artists in the River Valley. She is passionate about promoting the arts and artists, individually and collectively, not just to the immediate area but to the state as a whole - to let everyone know what an unrecognized treasure we have.

Erica Hull, Administrative Assistant

Erica is becoming the technology specialist for the Arts Center.  Her enthusiasm for the arts is evident in all the time she spends on the Arts Center's programs and activities - often engaging her family to volunteer and help out our limited staff.

Winston Taylor, Artist-in-Residence

Winston has developed a state-wide reputation as an outstanding potter and pottery instructor.  He has been at the Arts Center about 20 years and has taught students who are now accomplished artisans in their own right.  "He is a tremendous asset to the Arts Center and area," said Betty LaGrone.