Press Room:
32nd Annual Toys Designed by Artists Opens at Arkansas Arts Center

For more information contact:
Emily Fraize, 501-396-0308
efraize@arkarts.com
January 7, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

32nd Annual Toys Designed by Artists Opens at Arkansas Arts Center

Approximately sixty toys were chosen from among the 120 entries. This exhibition, part juried and part invitational, will feature 51 artists. Among the artists are 14 student artists from colleges and universities. Arizona State University and Texas Tech University have, for the 3rd consecutive year, the most accepted entries from a school. In addition, 15 invited artists who have exhibited strongly in the past 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.

The Arkansas Arts Center has over 250 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.

Exhibition Sponsors: Maggie and Dick Dearnley; Delta Trust & Bank; Middleton Heat & Air; Sunbelt Mechanical, Inc.; Jim and Patti Womble

GENERAL INFORMATION
Contact: 501-372-4000
Location: Arkansas Arts Center - 9th and Commerce, Little Rock, AR 72202
Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm
Closed Monday and Major Holidays