KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Courtyard Little Rock Downtown Gets 'Artsy'

Courtyard Little Rock Downtown Gets 'Artsy'

(LITTLE ROCK, AR – 12/08/10) Step into the lobby of the Courtyard Little Rock Downtown, and you may think that you've entered an art gallery, instead of a hotel.  Lining the walls and halls of this 120-room hotel in the River Market District are over 60 pieces of artwork on display by members of the ArtGroup Maumelle, a collaborative of 17 local artists who create in a variety of mediums and styles.  The downtown Little Rock hotel is the latest stop on the popular 2nd Friday Art Night gallery walk.

The impressive display is arranged throughout the public areas of the hotel, and took about one month to install.  Artist bios and pricing on the pieces are kept at the hotel's front desk.  Guests are invited to make their way through the lobby and dining areas that have been transformed into a mini-gallery, adding a touch of individuality and warmth typically experienced at boutique hotels.  Guests are noticing, and they like what they see.

"Hotel guests and visitors have purchased six pieces of artwork since our gallery was installed in late October," explained General Manager Michael Hickerson.  "We are pleased to partner with the ArtGroup Maumelle to keep the arts alive in the River Market District, and hope to continue to bring new and interesting pieces for our guests to enjoy through this partnership."

The Courtyard Little Rock Downtown will celebrate the holiday season with 2nd Friday Art Night patrons on Friday, December 10, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., with hot cocoa, apple cider and holiday desserts.  Several ArtGroup Maumelle artists will be available to discuss their pieces and answer questions.  All artwork will be available for purchase ($250 and up), and may be taken home that evening.

The hotel is located at 521 President Clinton Avenue in Downtown Little Rock.