The Gala Neo-Noir, Arkansas’s newest and most prestigious fundraiser for the arts, was held in the Arlington Crystal Ballroom and welcomed over 250 attendees. Photo by Jeff Fuller-Freeman.
The Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance (HSACA) hosted its first annual fall fundraiser, the Gala, on November 2 at the Arlington Hotel. The Gala Neo-Noir supported the nonprofit’s mission to celebrate, advocate, and promote area arts and culture. The event welcomed over 250 people, featured 17 art experiences, and presented Mary Zunick with the 2024 Arts Ambassador Award.
The exterior of the Arlington Hotel was dressed in stunning violet and indigo lights provided by System Admin, creating a grand backdrop to the red carpet at the hotel’s main entrance and the ambient music of the Conway Symphony Orchestra. Over 250 attendees experienced an interactive event that detoured from the typical formal fundraiser by offering lounge seating and art events interspersed throughout the evening.
The Gala opened with an attention-getting performance on the Taeko drum by Kae Reed. It also offered noir-style portraits by Jeff Fuller-Freeman, culinary art, rap, soap sculptures, music honoring Dia de los Muertos by Jacob Flores, fashion by Arkansas Fashion School, live-life drawing and painting by multiple artists, and the DJ artistry of Stephanie Ragsdale.
The Arts Ambassador Award was presented to Mary Zunick immediately following the first performance. The award presented to Zunick was handcrafted by local artist Gene Sparling.
The Ambassador is selected by the HSACA Board to honor a community member who embodies the active spirit of the local arts community. Zunick, former Executive Director of HSACA, was chosen for her hands-on involvement with Hot Springs arts in her roles with the Sister City program and Visit Hot Springs.
