He founded the Arkansas Repertory Theater in 1976. He's performed in--or directed—300 shows. And he’s now taking on a new role, as director of Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts.

Founded 38 years ago, Wildwood is a 105-acre garden and arts center in west Little Rock's Chenal Valley.

(Cliff Baker, Director) “It really is a beautiful property, and a real jewel. Right now, it kind of feels undiscovered. I'd love to get people out here using it on a daily basis, not just when we do festivals.”

Known for years as the home for the Arkansas Opera Theater--and now used by other artistic companies--the facility's new director, Cliff Baker, is hoping to take the park to another level.

(Baker) “My dream would be for a young couple meeting up here at lunch with a brown bag and getting away from the office just for an hour. And people sitting out here, reading books on a sunny day. I'd love to see it used really as it was conceived--which was a park setting.”
With woodlands, flowers, an arboretum, a lake, and a 625-seat theater, Baker says the options at Wildwood are limitless.

(Baker) “Opera is one of the arts we're programming, but we're also doing horticultural arts, culinary arts, literary art, visual. So, lots of exciting things. And I think people will really have a great time when they come out here.”

The next event will be the Blooms Festival, scheduled for Mother's Day weekend.

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