Some in our community can reflect back over the years since the North Central Arkansas Foundation of the Arts & Education started the North Central Arkansas (NCA) Art Gallery in 1993. The Executive Director of NCAFAE, Charlotte Rierson coordinated the art gallery. The gallery was first housed in the Indian Hills Country Club lobby. The gallery featured artist leagues from all over the state and professional as well as student exhibits. Charlotte worked with getting the local artists as well as artists from all over the state to exhibit their art. She has also been writing articles for the local paper since the beginning of the gallery. Charlotte says working with the arts has been her life’s passion. Now the gallery has evolved into having a “real gallery” space in the Fairfield Bay Conference Center. Mayor Paul Wellenberger hired an outstanding and talented couple, Wilba and Robert (Bob) Thompson to be the Co-Directors of the Conference Center. Mayor Paul asked them to take on the responsibility of managing the conference center months before the official opening, and along with their staff and volunteers, have been critical to its current success
Robert (Bob) Thompson wrote some of his thoughts into the following article:
“The Fairfield Bay Conference Center is starting its fifth year of operation this year. The center was opened in October 2013 after many years of setting empty. Over the four years of operation we have focused on making the center a success and bringing new growth and security to our community. A big part of the success and new opportunities is the recent commitment of a hotel to be built as an addition to the conference center. This is so recent that we will need to watch for the official ground breaking and all the exciting activities that will accompany this new addition to Fairfield Bay. Since its inception the direction of the conference center has been under the leadership of Wilba & me. Mayor Paul Wellenberger is the driving force in bringing us to this point with his tenacious efforts and positive drive. With the addition of our new hotel, we have stepped up our booking of conferences for fall, into 2019 and beyond. The success of all of the entities associated with the conference center would not be possible without all of the people who step up to support and give of their time and talents. We live in a community that is blessed with natural beauty that many in Arkansas can only dream of. Isn’t it true that many times we who live in our amazing Greers Ferry Lake community may fall into the trap of taking it for granted? We so often underestimate the value of or fail to appreciate what we have in our own back yard. We have enjoyed working with Charlotte Rierson, coordinator of the NCA Art Gallery. Wilba and I feel the gallery brings excellent quality art to our community with good taste and family values. Over the last four years the gallery has been visited by hundreds of visitors from all parts of the U.S. and beyond. Vacationers, time share owners, residents, students, people of all ages and all walks of life have found their way to the North Central Arkansas Art Gallery. As we move into year five we look back with appreciation and thanks to those who have served and supported the continued effort it takes to keep the gallery open and functioning. To all of the many talented and dedicated artists, to all of the faithful volunteers who receive, inventory, and display the art. To all of the people who daily keep the art bountifully on view and most of all who visit, view, and purchase the art. The viewing of the art is open to the public whenever the Conference Center is open. In the season, the Conference Center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. However, when we have conferences, meetings, weddings, events, entertainment, or visitors coming for information about the bay, the art is always an attraction.”
Bob and Wilba have extensive professional backgrounds. Bob’s background as a Chemical Engineer included numerous leadership positions in sales and training for Buckman Laboratories Incorporated in Memphis. Wilba owned and managed Sunset Mountain Candles in Fairfield Bay and later in Shirley. Prior to that, Wilba owned and operated the Apple Collection in the Fairfield Bay mall. Their professional background and training, their positive attitudes, and their ability to make great first impressions to our visitors and our residents has resulted in the success thus far and will continue to bring success to the Conference Center and Fairfield Bay
For more information or purchase of Artwork contact NCA Art Gallery Coordinator Charlotte Rierson-501-884-6100, e mail [email protected] or Fairfield Bay Conference Center Directors, Wilba or Bob Thompson- 501-884-4202, 110 Lost Creek Parkway, Fairfield Bay 72088.