Page 4 - 2018 TL Spirit of Saline County

4TT SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
SPIRIT OF SALINE COUNTY • TRI-LAKES EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
COUNTY
CULTURE
Artistic, historic attractions provide engaging opportunities to learn
MEET
YOUR NEIGHBOR
Rachelle Michel
SERVER BENTON
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN SALINE COUNTY?
I moved to Bryant with my family when I was 12 years old. I lived there until I bought my house in Benton in 2013.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE BEING ON WHEEL OF FORTUNE?
Wheel of Fortune was a flood of many differ- ent emotions at the same time. It was surreal being there in person because I grew up watch- ing the show with my grandmother and have always loved playing. It was also exciting and fun getting to meet new people from all over the country; however, all the nerves I was feel- ing from competing in front of TV cameras and bright lights were challenging to overcome.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAMILY’S REACTION WHEN THEY FOUND OUT YOU WON?
They were all really excited and supportive. My husband, Sean, was on tour when I was tap- ing the show, so we were both excited to converse afterward. Sean was the reason I even sent in an application. His persuasion and motivation were the reasons I did it all.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE?
I learned that taking a risk can reap a big reward. All glory and honor I give to God because all good things come from him. I’m thankful and so humbled with all the love and support.
WHAT MAKES BENTON A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE/RAISE A FAMILY?
I love Benton because it is so close to the city but still has a country feel. I also enjoy that we have a historic downtown area.
BY SARAH DeCLERK / SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
Perhaps one of the best ways to get to know an area is by learning about its peo- ple. From the actors who sing their hearts out during a musical at the Royal eatre to the miners who helped supply materials to American troops during World War II, an assortment of individuals have shaped Saline County. Here are a few places to ex- plore the local culture.
THE ROYAL THEATRE
e Royal eatre has been a landmark in downtown Benton since 1920, when it was built as a movie theater. Now the home of the Royal Players, the theater has been reimagined as a performing-arts space where locals can watch and partici- pate in theater.
“You could speak forever of the value of the arts,” said Paul Johnston, president of the board. “ is is performance art, and it gives people the opportunity for expres- sion. It gives people the opportunity to use their imagination a little bit, to expand their ability to read into a story.”
e establishment also houses the Young Players, an organization that teach- es theater skills and provides performance opportunities for children and young adults. Johnston said the Young Players offer monthly workshops and yearly trips to destinations where members can learn about professional theater.
“It offers a lot of kids an opportunity to have a hobby, a skill that quite often is overlooked,” he added. “ ey find a home where they can excel and explode. ey blossom right in front of your eyes.”
According to the theater’s website, up- coming performances include Singin’ in the Rain Jr. on July 12-15 and Anything Goes on Aug. 9-19. To learn more, visit www. theroyalplayers.com.
SARAH DECLERK/TRI-LAKES EDITION
Cast members from The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 pose for a group photo after a performance at the Royal Theatre in Benton.
DIANNE ROBERTS ART STUDIO AND GALLERY
Located inside Gingles Etc. in Benton, the Dianne Roberts Art Studio and Gallery pro- vides a space for people to learn visual-art techniques and browse artwork by local art- ist Dianne Roberts, who is known for her his- toric and commissioned art.
Roberts said she offers four adult art class- es Monday through Wednesday. Although the classes are conducted in a group setting, she described them as “independent studies,” in which she works with students individually on a project of their choice, whether they are learning to draw with pencil, paint with oil or acrylic paint, or even illustrates a book.
“Art is a way of thinking. It lets people be themselves,” she said, adding that students often come to her classes stressed but leave relaxed. “It’s a way of expressing yourself. It’s very therapeutic.”
For more information, visit www.drart studio.com.
THE SOUTHWEST TRAIL MURAL
Roberts was also the mastermind behind e Southwest Trail, a larger-than-life mu- ral that adorns the side of the Bell Building in downtown Benton. Roberts worked with Memphis muralist Mark Davey to complete the mural in December 2015.
“ e mural is just about everyday people and how they lived,” Roberts said. “It covers the different livelihoods of the people from 1400 to 1900.”
e left side of the mural depicts the Sa- line River, along with Caddo people hunting and making salt. e right side of the mural depicts newer industries, from timber and cotton production to the development of Niloak pottery.
GANN MUSEUM
Staking claim as the only known build- ing made of bauxite, the Gann Museum is a fitting place in which to learn about Saline County history. Built in 1893, patients of Dr. Dewell Gann Sr. built the structure as his of- fice when they were unable to pay their med- ical bills, said Lindsay Jordan, executive direc- tor, who added that the building later served as the Saline County Library.
In addition to learning about the Gann family, museum patrons can view exhibits about early settlers, the aluminum industry and Niloak pottery. e museum currently boasts a temporary exhibit about World War II, which includes uniforms, weapons and a home-front display.
Jordan said the building, as well as the his- toric information therein, is a significant part of Saline County culture.
“I think it’s very important for our heri- tage,” she said. “We can’t really move forward without learning where we came from.”
The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and group tours can be scheduled by call- ing 501-778-5513. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. To learn more, visit www.gannmuseum.com.
BAUXITE MUSEUM
History buffs can also learn about Saline County’s past at the Bauxite Historical Asso- ciation Museum. According to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, the mu- seum focuses on 1920-1950 and features an array of artifacts related to the area’s mining industry, as well as local sports and land- marks. One of the most interesting items is an evening gown made of aluminum thread that was designed by Jean Desses of Paris. For more information, call 501-557-9858.
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