CALICO ROCK MUSEUM BOARD TAKES STEPS TO EXPAND

Calico rock chamber adThe Calico Rock Museum Foundation board of trustees has voted to acquire the historic Floyd’s Grocery Building, formerly Don Quixote’s restaurant, on Main Street in Calico Rock. The building will be restored and renovated to include a stand-alone art museum and a new science museum. The work will be completed in phases as funding allows.

The expansion will allow for the present history museum to be expanded by roughly 33%. Artifacts that are currently relegated to the archives because there is not enough space to display them will be moved to exhibit space.

The museum hopes to dedicate galleries to local artists, such as Emma Morgan, regional artists, and to well-known Arkansas artists. The science exhibits will be hands-on displays that will include topics such as the geology of this area, how the river formed land features, and the ecology of the area, including wildlife.

Once the new museum is completed, the Calico Rock Museum intends to accept an invitation to join the Arkansas Discovery Network. This is a network of museums that teach art and science in interactive ways and feature tinkering studios to teach students how to build and take apart in learning.

This acquisition could not be possible without the very generous gift by Ben and Gloria Sanders in memory of Gloria’s son, Tom Tomlinson. The purchase is being made through a “Bargain Sale Agreement” which is authorized under IRS regulations to allow individuals to make large property donations to nonprofits through sales that are below fair market value. To complete the purchase and expansion, the foundation has begun a $60,000 capital campaign.

Once the new museum is opened, it will be completely self-supported. All of the funds for the purchase and renovation will be raised from private individuals, corporations and grants. A loan is being obtained from First National Bank of Izard County in Calico Rock. “The bank has always supported the local community. Their efforts have helped us in the past to realize the current museum,” noted board vice chairman Wayne Wood.

The Calico Rock Museum builds a bridge between the past and present. To learn more or to make a pledge, visit www.calicorockmuseum.com “Art” page or call 870-297-6100.