By Audrey Hanes, Photography by Brittney Osborn, Audrey Poff, Rebecca Orr and Kent Arnold 

Led by longtime champion of the arts Kristi Pulliam, the recent addition of The Foundation of Arts’ Public Arts Commission is making a lasting impact on the City of Jonesboro by advocating and supporting art for everyone.

“When I was still with The Foundation of Arts, I wanted to address the need for increased attention on public art,” said Pulliam, who led the FOA for many years before turning her focus to family and her business, Ktizo Coaching & Consulting, which helps people live more intentionally through strategic planning, leadership training and nutrition coaching. “I was noticing that more and more people were interested in public art, including our own city government and business leaders, so I wanted to gather some leaders together with the express purpose of bringing focus to the current public art in our community and finding ways to bring more to Jonesboro. The public art commissioners are perfectly suited to meet those goals.”

With the support of The Foundation of Arts’ Executive Director, Stephanie Epps, Pulliam recruited fellow leaders and arts enthusiasts Audrey Poff, Cari White, Eleanor Allen, Teresa Roche, Sarah Doss, Sarah Rickert, Rebecca Orr, Beverly Parker and Catherine Norvell to join her on the commission.

“At the time the Public Art Commission was conceived, I had the privilege of choosing the commissioners,” said Pulliam, who is also the community development specialist for the Delta Center for Economic Development at Arkansas State University. “I wanted at least one representative from the private sector, banking and industry, A-State, the arts community, public relations and DJA. I knew that we would be working closely with the city, so it would be important to represent various communities who could benefit from and help implement more public art. There has been turnover, and it’s a work in progress, but if we all work together, we can do it. …

“Initially, I asked these women, who are already community leaders, to join the commission. We are in the process of creating a few bylaws and an established system to ensure continuity and productivity moving forward.”

Pulliam says she loves public art for its ability to provide a sense of unity among diverse groups and to change an ordinary place into a beloved space.

“Public Art serves multiple purposes; it enhances public spaces, cultivates community identity, promotes cultural awareness, reduces crime and stimulates economic development,” she said. “It can also encourage dialogue, social interaction and critical thinking, all while beautifying the environment, inviting visitors to our city and contributing to the overall quality of life. Who wouldn’t want more public art?”

The Public Art Commission (PAC) works under The Foundation of Arts umbrella. Pulliam says the FOA is well-suited to provide structure for PAC, working in partnership with the City of Jonesboro. 

“Between the city’s desire for a better quality of life and the FOA’s mission to increase the community’s quality of life through the arts, the PAC is another great way for the two entities to work together,” said Pulliam. “Our city needs a group of leaders to think intentionally about public art as they join with others who are already making our city more beautiful by implementing art in their businesses and neighborhoods. The FOA’s Public Art Commission fits the bill.”

As a member of the commission, Sarah Rickert says she is thankful for the opportunity to work with others who share her passion for finding local creatives in the community and connecting them with opportunities to shine, which benefits everyone. 

“With an abundance of talent in our community and a desire to continue to add beauty and interest throughout, it was a natural progression to unify the efforts of those with this common interest to collaborate together with others who are passionate about their art and passionate about finding ways to feature our talent and continue to make our town beautiful,” said Rickert. “(Our) goal is twofold: to look for ways to make our town more beautiful with art sprinkled throughout where creation and inspiration from our local artists can thrive and be something that all can enjoy and benefit from.”

First to jump on board was the Northeast Arkansas Career and Technical Center’s Henry Laxton. The instructor and his welding students created the wolf and butterflies around the parking area on Main Street across from The FOA’s Art Center. 

One of the commission’s next projects was artist Katie Coleman’s whimsical mural on the side of Generations Floral Company’s storefront in Downtown Jonesboro, which was completed in August. Coleman, who is from Dexter, Mo., submitted examples of her work to the PAC and was chosen from among the submissions. The mural’s rich florals, coupled with the ballet dancers and jazz musicians, brings many layers of art together for those exiting the downtown area. 

“I loved getting to do (the mural); I was so excited because it was my first piece outside of Missouri,” said Coleman. “I loved the ideas they were throwing at me with the flowers and the little dancers mixed in. Then I brought up the idea to switch it up from my other pieces and make it more of a nighttime scene with the moon and stars.”

Pulliam says the commission is also playing a big part in implementing the traffic signal box art that is popping up all over the city.

“A huge thanks to the artists in our area, and very importantly, thanks should go to Mayor (Harold) Copenhaver and several of his staff members, including Danny Kapales and Lynette Hirsch, who have been integral in helping the commission implement the projects by prepping spaces and installing sculptures,” she said.

Pulliam and the commissioners urge community members to get involved and help make more public art happen all over the City of Jonesboro.

“Anyone who wants to support the Public Art Commission in its goals can sponsor a public art project,” said Pulliam. “Businesses and individuals are needed to help implement pieces all over Jonesboro. We aren’t just wanting to implement downtown, although downtown is a natural place to start.”

As Downtown Jonesboro Alliance Executive Director, Sarah Doss was eager to get involved and cultivate opportunities in the downtown area that would be open to public art.

“My role with the Public Arts Commission is to be an advocate for downtown and coordinate art projects DJA is planning and installing downtown with art projects being planned and installed with the PAC downtown,” said Doss. “Really, insuring they work together to beautify our district. … We have so many amazing organizations that are striving to beautify our community that the Public Arts Commission really became necessary to handle the workload and streamline all of the various public art initiatives.”

The DJA executive director says PAC has been such an asset to the City of Jonesboro and she is honored and excited to continue serving on the commission. 

“I’m eager to see how things continue to change visually around town over the coming years,” said Doss.

Pulliam looks forward to the continued artistic beautification of Jonesboro, as well. 

“I love Jonesboro and want to work with good people who do good things for our community,” said Pulliam. “Positive creative experiences and excellent art can lift us, allowing a glimpse of God’s glory. That glimpse changes us, causing a ripple effect that is powerful for good. Even one meaningful experience matters. I’m like most people; I want to do things that really matter – for our children and grandchildren – and to me, this does.”

Suggestions for more pieces, artists or places to implement public art are welcome. Ideas may be submitted to one of the commissioners or by emailing kpulliam1972@gmail.com.