Community School of the Arts receives $250,000 donation

Community School of the Arts has announce a gift in the amount of $250,000 to support the CSA Inspiring Excellence campaign to build a new Center for the Creative Arts.

First National Bank of Fort Smith presented the school with the check at their community block party in celebration of their 150th anniversary Saturday, May 14.

"This is an incredible gift for CSA to receive and a tremendous vote of confidence by First National! It is fitting that the Grand Lobby & Gallery will be named in honor of First National Bank," according to a statement from the school.

The center piece of the facility is the grand lobby and gallery to enter to attend shows, concerts and many other events throughout the facility.

The space with a spiral staircase and a second-floor balcony view will be for guests to visit, view artwork, attend receptions and luncheons, and enjoy the riverfront view.

Guest speakers, exhibits and performances will also be offered in the grand lobby. Construction of the 40,000 square foot facility, which sits just north of the U.S. Marshals Museum, started in February and is on schedule for completion in summer 2023.

The center will house art programs for young children through high school students, and even adults who wish to participate, according to the news release. The after-school Community Arts Connection program will offer classes and lessons for up to 500 children and youth daily. In addition, the center will be home to the Institute for the Creative Arts which offers specialized programs for high school students in grades 9-12. The Institute will operate daily as students attend from regional school districts and will receive high school credits at their participating school.