MOCA in the News
BEAUTY AND DISTRESS
Article in the December 4, 2009 edition of the The Sentinel Record, Hot Springs, AR
Art gives historic building new life
UALR Public Radio Website
Painted War Helmets a glimpse into owners
Article in the August 3, 2009 edition of The Sentinel Record, Hot Springs, AR
MOCA kicks off membership drive
HOT SPRINGS, AR— Whether you're an artist or just a lover of art, you'll benefit by becoming a member of MOCA. During the month of August, MOCA kicks off their membership drive. MOCA wants you to be a part of all the great exhibits and events at the new Museum of Contemporary Art. A MOCA membership will inspire and nurture your love of art.
MOCA’s “Founder’s Circle” - MOCA is seeking 100 families to contribute $10,000.00 to fund the operating budget. Being a “Founder’s Circle” member entitles you to see all new exhibitions pre-opening, all event entries, private moments with artist as they visit our city, plus name appearing on MOCA’s Founder’s Circle wall.
By joining the Museum of Contemporary Art at any level, members can visit anytime throughout the year during any exhibit. As often as the member wants! There are a variety of membership levels. For the year 2010, MOCA is offering “Charter” memberships. Charter members receive special invitations to all events and shows, discounts on special events and workshops, up to 20% discount on facility rentals, plus guest admissions to the Museum. Charter memberships range from $150.00 to 1,000.00. These memberships are available only through 2010 and are renewable each year.
Yearly memberships range from individual $50.00 to $5,000.00. See membership application on line for details by visiting www.museumofcontemporaryart.org. or call the Museum at 501-609-9966. Take advantage of everything that a MOCA membership has to offer. MOCA is located in the Ozark, 425 Central Avenue. For more information on becoming a member visit our website at www.museumofcontemporaryart.org , or contact the Museum at 501.609.9966. MOCA is a non-profit 501 (3)(c) organization.
"Step Right Up" Circus Exhibit a Star Attraction at MOCA
Grenade Draws Attention
The Grenade sculpture located on the MOCA front lawn created by renowned Santa Fe artist Martin Horowitz is causing quite a stir in Hot Springs. Click here to learn why and watch the report on Arkansas Matters online.
Historical Hot Springs Ozark Bathhouse Goes Contemporary
May 8, 2009 Hot Springs, Arkansas - The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) at the Ozark opened its doors to the public. The 14,000 square foot facility, formerly known as the Ozark Bathhouse is now a shining gem in the Arkansas art community. Thanks to the great work of the National Park Service, the building was delivered to MOCA in almost ready to move in condition. The Park Service renovated the bath house’s plaster and tile. Finishing touches were completed by local subcontractors Hill &Cox Construction. Renovation work on the Ozark Bathhouse has taken over four years to complete.
In June of 2008, MOCA was granted the 60 year lease on the Ozark Bathhouse. MOCA is the first contemporary art museum in Arkansas. Over the past four years, MOCA raised capital from local patrons and a number of artists in order to lease the historical building. MOCA is using the historic Ozark to display modern art pieces from around the world.
MOCA is a 501(c) (3) non profit organization dedicated to the acquisition and display of the finest pieces of art, in all mediums. MOCA is also dedicated to the preservation of the Ozark Bathhouse, an icon clearly interwoven with the cultural identity of Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. According to MOCA Executive Director Rebecca Vestal Newell, “The Museum will blend the old (the Ozark) with the new (contemporary arts) in establishing a center of cultural excellence that is unique in both its scope and mission.” MOCA intends to offer art education and workshops for patrons of all ages.
Featured in celebration of MOCA’s opening, are the works of Michael Disfarmer (1884 – 1959). The exhibit “Disfarmer: The Vintage Prints” consist of original photographs from the great Arkansan portraitist, taken during the Depression and WWII era. Disfarmer exhibit will be on display through June 1, 2009.
NEWS RELEASE
May 14, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: MOCA Director Rebecca Newell
HOT SPRSINGS NATIONAL PARK, ARKANSAS – The Museum of Contemporary Art, located in the Ozark Building on Historical Bathhouse Row announced today a sizeable donation of art created by the late Little Rock resident, Bill Good. Bill Good's career in art began in the seventy's when he took private lessons from Louise Beeson while he was a Professor of Physics at the University of New Orleans. When he retired in 1980, he moved to the Chicago area where he painted and studied art with Bonnie Anderson, Director of the Studio in the Woods Art School. He also participated in workshops conducted by such prominent artists as Tom Lynch, Jim Pollard, Ted Gershner, Joseph Abbrecscia, and Gerald Merfeld. He began his professional painting career in 1984. He had several commissions to his credit, and sold and exhibited his paintings regularly. He had four one-man, and two shared exhibits in Illinois.
Bill moved to New Jersey in August of 1988. His activities included ten art shows, including the juried Mountain Art Show at St. John's, and workshops with Clyde Asperig and Lee Hughes. He had invited showings at the Mennen Company, the Chatham Savings of Morristown, and the Italian Chalet. He also organized and exhibited in the annual Art Show Benefit Sponsored by the Zonta Club of the Morristown area.
In 1992 he had a painting selected for the Oil Painters of America's National Exhibit in Chicago. Bill moved to the Georgetown area of Washington, DC in 1993 where he specialized in painting Georgetown scenes and other Washington area landscapes. He hosted a successful one-man show and had several paintings accepted into juried shows of the Capital Area Art Association.
In the summer of 1997, Bill and his wife retired to their Arkansas river-view home in Little Rock. He reestablished his studio there and continued his work in landscapes and informal portraits, until his death in 2005. The artist preferred to paint a variety of subjects including landscapes, still life, and portraits. He painted from nature, or his slides, photographs, memory, and imagination. His style was somewhat dependent upon mood and subject; however, it was basically one of realism, moving toward impressionism.