The arts community is mourning the unexpected and profound loss of Charles Preston Law, affectionately known as “Chuck,” who passed away on July 27.
A loyal fixture of the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie for over two decades, Law’s dedication and passion profoundly impacted countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of friends, family, students and colleagues alike. Law also taught at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Law is described by his peers as a “one-man show,” a man of diverse talents whose greatest passion was fostering a love for the arts in all children. Those who knew him say he tirelessly championed after-school programs and art camps, ensuring every child, regardless of background, had access to meaningful experiences in visual arts and ceramics.
“He created after-school programs and art camps for all kids, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue through these vital programs,” said Monica Petter, a member of the Grand Prairie Arts Council.
Fellow member Teressa Pitts echoed that sentiment. “Chuck was passionate about introducing art to children,” she said. “He worked tirelessly to make sure all children were included.”
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“Mr. Chuck,” as he was known to his art students, had a remarkable ability to see and nurture talent. Lexie Hale, a former student who pursued a career in fine arts because of him, fondly recalled a summer art camp memory. “We made our own wallets out of colored duct tape — it was the coolest art project I had ever done at the time,” she said.
Beyond his profound influence at the Arts Center, Law’s musical talents shone brightly. According to his biography, he served as the director of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Trojan Band for two decades, founding the UALR Percussion Ensemble in 1989. He was also the principal percussionist with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra for 16 seasons, studying with renowned musicians and even performing with legends like Johnny Mathis and the late Frank Sinatra Jr. To his university students at UALR and UAPB, he was respectfully known as “Professor Law.”
Marianne Maynard, who worked with Law for more than 20 years on the Grand Prairie Festival of Arts and youth programs, shared, “I will always remember his willingness to do just about anything I ask.” She said his diligent work in securing funding for the Arts Center and its programs ensured their continued success.
The Grand Prairie Arts Council was established in 1964 by local artists, authors, business leaders, and educators to promote the arts in Stuttgart, Arkansas County and surrounding counties. It also established a permanent facility with classrooms and exhibit space, with a director to oversee programs and development. The primary focus of the council has been to promote the arts through education and public involvement, festivals and classes that benefit the entire community while demonstrating the social and economic benefits that the arts provide.
The council has scheduled a reception to honor Law’s memory at the Arts Center on Sept. 14 from 2-4 p.m. Friends, family, students and coworkers are invited to gather, share cherished memories and celebrate Law’s extraordinary life.
“Chuck’s passing leaves a significant void, but his spirit and dedication will undoubtedly live on through the countless lives he touched and the programs he so passionately built,” the council said in a statement.
Law is survived by his wife, Teressa Law, and his children, Lily Grace Law, Charles Garrett Law, and Sarah Raye Law. Memorials honoring his legacy can be made to the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie, ensuring that his vision of accessible arts for all children continues to flourish.
As the council stated with heavy hearts, “His labors of love were the after-school programs and the art camps. Mr. Chuck was his own one-man show with diverse talents, and he will be missed. The community stands ready to support the Arts Center in ensuring the future of its programs, carrying forward the torch that Chuck so brightly ignited.”