Local Notes: Ozark Natural Science Center Received Ruf Fund Grant to Support Upcoming Summer Camps | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

ONSC

Ozark Natural Science Center (ONSC) announced the receipt of a generous grant from the Ruf Fund to support its upcoming summer camps focused on environmental education and conservation in the War Eagle watershed.

ONSC Naturalist Teachers provide engaging lessons and activities that align with national and state science learning standards and provide students with a well-rounded education in biology, ecology, geology, and social studies. During ONSC’s immersive four-day, three-night summer camps, students immerse themselves in more than 40 hours of science curriculum through a series of hikes and classes.

This summer, ONSC will take students to War Eagle Creek for creekside classes, complemented by visits to Bear Hollow Creek, near the ONSC campus, for comparative analysis. Ruf Fund support will cover costs associated with these field trips, including supplies, meals, transportation and staff time.

In addition to financial support, ONSC will collaborate with the Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists (NWAMN) and Beaver Watershed Alliance staff during summer camps. NWAMN volunteers assist with program delivery and trail maintenance, while Beaver Watershed Alliance staff enhance streamside classes at War Eagle Creek.

Information: onsc.us/camps.

Fashion fit for (The) Queen

The Medium will present Fashion Fit For (A) Queen, an original fashion cabaret tribute to the band Queen, created by Brandy Lee Harris, creative director of Big Sister Studio, at 7:30 p.m. June 22 at The Medium, 214 S. Main St. in Springdale.

Fashion Fit For (A) Queen is a project of The Medium’s Creative Exchange Fund (CXF). Founded in 2021, CXF provides a platform for creative risk-taking. CXF offers creatives like Harris three essential resources: time, money and space. Since June 2021, CXF has awarded more than $250,000 to 69 individuals, groups and organizations. Harris and Big Sister Studio received $15,000 from CXF to produce the show. The Creative Exchange Fund is supported by the Tyson Family Foundation.

Fashion Fit For (A) Queen is a mix of music and fashion, paying homage to the impact of the band Queen. The event will feature local designers, models and performers showcasing outfits inspired by the band’s unique style. Additionally, live performances of Queen’s greatest hits will be performed by Austin, Texas tribute band Magnifico. “If a fashion show, a musical and a rock concert had a baby, it would be this show,” said Brandy Lee.

“We are so inspired by Brandy Lee Harris and the magic she brings to The Medium,” says Amber Perrodin, artist and community manager at The Medium. “We are excited to showcase the creativity of local designers and the one and only Magnifico!”

Information: shopbigsister.com/products/fashion-fit-for-a-queen.

Heartland Comprehensive Health Institute

Heartland Whole Health Institute announced that John Findley, MD, will join the organization as chief medical officer effective June 24. In her new role, Findley will work with partners to reduce costs, improve outcomes and expand access to comprehensive healthcare at Heartland.

“Dr. Findley brings nearly three decades of diverse experience leading significant change and innovation in health care,” said Walter Harris, president and CEO of Heartland Whole Health Institute. “I am confident that his innovative leadership and commitment to excellence will advance our work to transform health care and fulfill our mission of closing the gaps for better health, together.”

Findley is recognized for his leadership in promoting value-based care and advocating for preventative and holistic care services. Most recently, he served as president of Bryan Health Connect, a hospital-based physician organization in Lincoln, NE. Before holding several executive positions, Findley also worked as a medical provider for 15 years in western Colorado.

“I am thrilled to join the talented and passionate team at Heartland Whole Health Institute,” said Dr. Findley. “Together, we will redesign and develop a service delivery system that better serves patients across the Heartland, ultimately changing the trajectory of health care for future generations. I look forward to collaborating with partners across the Heartland and beyond to make rapid, measurable progress.”

Founded in 2019 by philanthropist Alice Walton, the Heartland Whole Health Institute places a whole health approach at the center of the broader health system to address the current health crisis. Construction of the Institute is underway on the campus of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The 75,000-square-foot building will include offices and community gathering areas.

Information: heartlandwholehealth.org.

Don Tyson Award Nominations

The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art announced Wednesday that it is seeking nominations for the prestigious 2024

Don Tyson Award. Featuring a cash prize of $200,000, the Don Tyson Award for the Advancement of American Art was established by the Tyson family in honor of the late Don Tyson, former chairman and CEO of Tyson Foods.

The biennial award is given to individuals or institutions living in the United States working in any medium. It recognizes those who have changed the way we look at, think about, or experience art and have impacted the field through innovation, out-of-the-box thinking, and risk-taking. In doing so, recipients raised awareness, challenged preconceived notions, removed barriers and, ultimately, increased accessibility.

Crystal Bridges believes that those whose work and efforts have resulted in this type of dynamic impact need to be recognized. The award will be awarded in the fall of 2024.

The long-awaited award returns after the 2022 award was given to renowned photographer and creative pioneer, Deborah Willis, Ph.D. Previous recipients include the Houston-based organization Project Row Houses (2020), Vanessa German (2018) , a citizen artist whose art explores transformation through art and advocacy, and the Archives of American Art (2016), the first recipient of the Don Tyson Prize. .

Crystal Bridges is accepting nominations for the 2024 Don Tyson Award through Sunday, June 30, 2024. The public can submit their nominations online.

Information: crystalbridges.org/reports-and-research/don-tyson-prize/

car show

The 53rd Annual Classic Car Show and Shine Weekend, hosted by the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce, will take place September 6th and 7th in Eureka Springs. This year marks a new name for the event, but it remains the oldest auto show in the Ozarks, proudly displaying vintage automobiles and timeless classics.

The festivities begin Friday night with dinner at Pauly’s. As the sun sets there will be a scenic cruise.

Saturday brings the judged car show. From meticulously restored antiques to loud muscle cars, all vehicles are welcome to participate.

After the show, there will be an awards ceremony where outstanding cars will be recognized. Afterwards there will be a parade through the historic center.

Registration is now open, with a special $25 rate available until July 31 for the first 150 cars. After that, registration costs R$30.

Information: antiquautofest.com.