The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation honored John Ed Anthony at its May 15, 2023, annual meeting with the Winthrop Rockefeller Award, which is bestowed upon individuals who exhibit exceptional dedication and support for the arts and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
A committee comprising previous recipients selected Anthony for his unwavering support for initiatives such as the Young Arkansas Artists program, the Delta Exhibition, and AMFA’s Capital Campaign. Warren Stephens, chair of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation Board of Directors, and Terri Erwin, member of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation Board of Directors, presented Anthony with the award.
Stephens commented, “This commitment mirrors the service exemplified by the late Governor Winthrop Rockefeller, whose work was instrumental to the early growth of the museum. John Ed Anthony is a steadfast supporter of AMFA who has made an impact in every aspect of the foundation’s mission.”
Anthony was previously inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame for his achievements with the company Anthony Timberlands; he has been a member of the AMFA Foundation Board of Directors since 2016.
About the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
Founded in 1937, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is the largest cultural institution of its kind in the state, offering a unique blend of visual, educational, and performing arts experiences. AMFA is committed to featuring diverse media and artistic perspectives within its permanent collection as well as through rotating temporary exhibitions. AMFA’s international collection spans eight centuries, with strengths in works on paper, and includes notable holdings by artists from Arkansas, the South, and across the United States and Europe.
With a vibrant mix of ideas, cultures, people, and places, the museum extends its commitment to artistic diversity through the innovative Windgate Art School, a dynamic children’s theatre and performing arts program, and community-focused educational programs for all ages. Located in Little Rock’s oldest urban green space, MacArthur Park, AMFA’s landmark building and grounds are designed by Studio Gang and SCAPE, in collaboration with Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects.