December, like the other 11 months, is busy at the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas.
One date, the 7th, however, stands out in terms of its importance to the center itself. That is the time for Potpourri, the longest running and most important fundraiser the center puts on. A successful Potpourri keeps the doors open at no charge to patrons who are then able to access the gallery and other programming.
This year’s event is dedicated to Becky Simpson, an enthusiastic supporter of the center, who died in 2023, and the presenting sponsor is Express Employment, the staffing agency that Simpson owned for 35 years.
“Becky was a big supporter of the Arts and Science Center,” said Laura Beth Shaner, the chair for this year’s Potpourri gala. “She served on the Endowment Board for many years as well. She had been over the spirits silent auction for many years and spent numerous hours getting all of the donations and items together. She did a fabulous job and loved doing this for the art center.”
Erica Kriner, ARTx3’s development coordinator, said of Simpson: “Her contributions to Potpourri and to ARTx3 at large have created a legacy of giving that we hope to inspire in our patrons for years to come.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The event has all of the goodies one might expect for such an important event.
The gala will feature dinner by Chef Jamie McAfee, drinks sponsored by MK Distributors, a silent art auction, a silent spirits auction, live music by Groove City and a live auction with Master of Ceremonies Matt Soto.
How important is the Arts Center to the area? Let Shaner explain:
“The arts are important to every community, but in an economically challenged area like ours, it is an important reminder that creativity and imagination can be a part of our lives, regardless of our situation,” she said. “I think that’s especially true for local children, whose first exposure to the arts often comes at the Arts & Science Center. It is important to have this center in Pine Bluff and helping raise funds to provide this type of facility is very important.”
The event, as well, is crucial to the center’s operation.
“Potpourri is more than just a celebration of the arts,” said Interim Director Lindsey Collins. “It’s an essential element of ARTx3, providing the critical funding needed to sustain and grow our programs year-round. Having both attended and volunteered for Potpourri over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how this event brings our community together in support of creativity and culture. The generosity we receive at Potpourri directly supports the workshops, exhibitions and theater productions that make ARTx3 a vibrant, accessible hub of artistic expression for Pine Bluff.”
The gala also will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Art Center’s building downtown.
There are fun things to do in Pine Bluff and there are important things to do. This event merges the two in a compelling way, providing a most entertaining evening that doubles as a most crucial gathering for the Arts Center, one of the city’s shining lights. We encourage a show of support. Oh, and take your checkbook. There will be oodles of auction items you might just have to have.