The Calico Rock Museum & Visitor Center is busting at the seams and needs room to grow. To remedy the problem, the Calico Rock Community Foundation has purchased the historic Calico Rock Hardware Company building, located next door to the museum. This expansion will nearly double the size of the museum and provide space for new exhibits, archives, community gatherings, and classrooms.
The Tomlinson Art Center will more than double in size, a major component of the project. This will allow the museum to display all the works in the collection and add sculpture and installations, which was not possible before this expansion. It will also include a new discovery center and make the archives and research center more accessible.
“We plan to begin construction in January. The building is really in great shape and has been restored with love, but we need to connect the buildings, add accessibility, and finish out galleries and a second community event space,” noted Executive Director Gloria Sanders.
When completed, guests will be able to enter the museum at an expanded Birth of the Ozarks exhibit, continue through the heritage museum, the science center, the new discovery center, and finish their tour in the art center. The complete round trip will be easy for guests to navigate and explore.
“Earlier this summer, we added staff members that are bringing our historical exhibits and art works to life for our guests with guided tours and programs,” Sanders added. “Having Denny Elrod and Brandie Soden on our team has increased interest in our museum and fueled our need to expand,” she said. The expansion will also include a three-bedroom vacation rental property to generate income for the Foundation and sales tax revenue for the city.
The Windgate Foundation has awarded the museum with a significant grant for the purchase and renovations. This grant requires local donors to invest in the project, as well. The Windgate Foundation is challenging the community to get behind the project and support the museum.
“The museum is very important to Calico Rock. It brings people to town, it welcomes them when they get here, and it has helped the town grow over the past decade,” Calico Rock Mayor Greg Hamby said. “This expansion is good for Calico Rock,” he added.
The Windgate Foundation knows times are tough, but they also know that Calico Rock is tough. By growing the museum, they hope to continue growing the town. The Calico Rock Community Foundation is accepting donations of any amount. Any gift will help.
Donations may be made securely online using PayPal or CashApp by visiting www.calicorockmuseum.com. Checks may be mailed to: Calico Rock Museum Expansion, 105 Main Street, Calico Rock, AR 72519. Additional information can be found on the museum’s website or by calling 870-297-6100
