Press Room:
31st Annual Toys Designed by Artists debuts at Arkansas Arts Center

For more information contact:
Emily Fraize, 501-396-0308
efraize@arkarts.com
September 8, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

31st Annual Toys Designed by Artists debuts at Arkansas Arts Center
(LITTLE ROCK, AR) - The 31st Annual Toys Designed by Artists exhibition opens at the Arkansas Arts Center on Friday, November 28, 2003 and runs through Sunday, January 4, 2004.

Approximately ninety toys were chosen from among the 176 entries. This exhibition, part juried and part invitational, will feature 78 artists. Works in the exhibition were submitted from 22 states and seventeen colleges and universities. The most represented school in the exhibit is Arizona State University with nine works. In addition, 13 artists represented in the museum's collection of toys will return to participate in this years' exhibition.

The exhibit encompasses not only functional toys, but objects inspired by toys and many times not intended for children's play. The materials used in the toys are diverse and include clay, metal, fiber, wood, plastic and glass. Alan DuBois, curator of Decorative Arts, said, "These toys, as may be expected, are as diverse as their makers. The artists range from university students to professional designers. Common among the toys is a capacity to distract our attention, to delight and to give pleasure to our audience."

The Arkansas Arts Center has over 220 toys designed by artists in its collection. Fifty of those toys are now touring American museums in an exhibit organized by ExhibitsUSA in association with the Mid-America Arts Alliance, located in Kansas City, Mo.

Season Sponsors: John and Robyn Horn; Rebsamen Insurance

Exhibition Sponsors: Sunbelt Mechanical Contractors, Inc; Wittenberg Delony & Davidson Architects; Maggie and Dick Dearnley; Innerplan Office Interiors; Rhodes & Associates, Inc.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Contact: 501-372-4000
Location: Arkansas Arts Center - 9th and Commerce, Little Rock, AR 72202
Free Admission
Gallery Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Closed Monday and major holidays