Give A Gift. Transform A Life.

“Make no mistake: you are redirecting lives.”- Sinovia Mayfield

Dear Arts Center supporter,

Like you, my wish this holiday season is that those in need will be met by the generosity of others. Like you, I will try to do my part. Gifts to organizations that provide food, warm clothes, or a surprise from a kind Santa are critically important this time of year.

So, too, are gifts to the Arkansas Arts Center. We may not be saving lives at the Arkansas Arts Center, but we are changing them.

Meet Sinovia…

Today, Sinovia is the Volunteer and Visitor Services Coordinator at Arkansas Arts Center. She is charged with growing our volunteer base and improving our visitors’ experience. For three years, she was a terrific stage manager for our Children’s Theatre. Today, Sinovia is outspoken and poised; she is comfortable and articulate whether addressing a few volunteers or a packed house.

This was not always the case.

Sinovia was a shy child, who would never dream of speaking to strangers or a group of people. Everything changed in 1998.

“I call it my pilot light summer, as the things I learned and experienced that summer served as the driving force, the foundation, for the rest of my life as an advocate and lover of the arts.”

What happened that summer? Sinovia was enrolled in the Arkansas Arts Center’s Summer Theatre Academy. The flame was lit, and Sinovia kept enrolling…in dance classes, in theatre classes…she enrolled in the first 6th grade class at Horace Mann Arts and Science Middle School…she enrolled at Parkview Arts High School…she enrolled at UCA as a theatre major. She is now enrolled and finishing a degree at UALR.

“With each new experience and new show, the shy girl that entered the AAC became stronger,” says Sinovia. “The girl who could barely squeak out a note for the group auditions at Summer Theatre Academy was now reading poetry and performing in front of people with ease.”

As Sinovia told a gathering of Arkansas Arts Center board members recently, “Make no mistake: youare redirecting lives.”

Art changes people. It enriches lives. It expands our minds and hearts. It fosters empathy andcreativity. In Sinovia’s case, it gave her life purpose.

“Every morning I am joyful and so grateful for the opportunity to walk into the place that started it all and call it my full-time job. I am doubly thankful to the Arkansas Arts Center for providing the opportunity and education to discover, ignite, and pursue my passion.”

This holiday season, as you consider your year-end giving, please think of Sinovia. Last year, with your support, we were able to reach more than 550,000 Arkansans. The next Sinovia is among them.

So, as you make those important year-end gifts to organizations that make a difference in people’s lives, remember we are doing just that.

Won’t you please make a gift today? You may do so by filling out the donation form below or by calling Heather Hignite at 501-396-0383.

We remain deeply grateful for your past support and friendship, and wish you and yours awonderful holiday.

Sincerely,

Kelly Ford

Director of Development

P.S. Supporters like you are an essential part of the magic of the Arts Center. Your gift allows us to share that magic with a larger circle! Please continue your support TODAY!

Yes, I believe the Arkansas Arts Center changes lives and enhances our community and state! Please accept my gift in the amount of: