FOWLER CENTER

Wallace and Jama Fowler of Jonesboro made a gift of $5 million to Arkansas State University to complete construction of a building now named in their honor.  It is one of the largest gifts in the history of the university.

The Fowlers are known in Arkansas and beyond as successful business developers and outstanding citizens.  They have been successful in their longtime business enterprise, Fowler Foods, which has extended restaurant franchises to many communities.

The couple has also been recognized for giving their time and resources to numerous causes which benefit untold numbers of people throughout Jonesboro and the entire region.  The Fowlers have provided leadership and a vision for Jonesboro’s progress while serving in numerous capacities in a variety of organizations and activities.  The Greater Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce has long been a special interest of the Fowlers.  Mr. Fowler was a leader in the community effort to raise funds for construction of a new facility for the Chamber, which promotes economic development in the city and region.  Additionally, he was named Volunteer Industrial Developer of the Year in Arkansas.

The couple’s other community interests include the Jonesboro Church Health Center, the Municipal Airport Commission, St. Bernards Medical Center, Jonesboro Industrial Development Commission, United Cerebral Palsy of Northeast Arkansas, the Arkansas State University Museum, and the Arkansas Development Commission.

Riceland Hall

Riceland Hall, a 970-seat auditorium, is named in honor of Riceland Foods, Inc., a farmer-owned cooperative.  Riceland markets rice, soybeans and wheat grown by its 8,000 farmer-members and is the world’s largest miller and marketer of rice.  Riceland has offered an endowment to provide program costs associated with the “Riceland Distinguished Presentation Series.”  The hall is acoustically designed and shaped for music functions, spoken presentations and public forums.  The side walls feature motorized acoustical drapes to change the quality of the hall to accommodate various kinds of performing groups.  Even the air-conditioning system was designed to provide air movement without distracting noise.

The 2,000 square foot oak hardwood stage will accommodate a large orchestra, an orchestra with choir, and a wide range of media presentations.  Additional areas associated with the hall are humidity-controlled piano storage, riser storage, dressing areas, and a receiving area adjacent to the stage.

Drama Theater

In addition to its obvious importance to the university, the Drama Theatre has a far-reaching potential for community functions, as well.  It is perfect for business and individual presentations, corporate meetings, and economic development forums, and can be used in conjunction with other areas within the center.

The Drama Theatre has been designed as an intimate space, with comfortable seating arranged near the stage.  The 344-seat theatre features stepped seating to maximize sight lines and is acoustically designed for spoken drama productions.  The proscenium features a 40’ x 20’ opening.  The orchestra pit will hold up to 25 musicians.  A stage apron can be placed over the orchestra pit to bring presenters to the front seats of the theatre.

A complete catwalk system above the ceiling provides access for lighting and rigging areas.  It also connects the backstage area to the control booth.  The stage house features a suspended floor and full fly-loft, rigged so that scenic properties may be “flown” out of view.  In addition, a massive doorway connects the state to the scenic design studio, so that properties may be easily and quickly moved between the spaces.

Experimental Theatre

The Experimental Teaching Theatre has a myriad of advantages, because of its flexible, functional layout.  Its simple “Black Box” design permits the space to become anything its users want it to be.  Tables, chairs, podiums, elevated platforms, lighting and sophisticated presentation can be arranged for classes, meals, receptions, product displays, exhibitions and smaller meetings.  The theatre can seat up to 250 people in a variety of arrangements.  A tension grid suspended 18 feet above the floor provides for variable configurations for lighting and sound.

Theatre Department faculty and staff are housed adjacent to the Experimental Theatre.  Nearby are situated classrooms, costume and scenic design studios, dressing rooms and catering facilities.

Access to the Theatre Department and Experimental Theatre can be controlled using a separate entrance.  This control will permit classes and other department functions to be conducted while the rest of the facility is closed.  Separate parking for the Theatre Department and Experimental Theatre is arranged on the south side of the Fowler Center, and patrons for the Experimental Theatre will find parking availability at this location.

Grand Hall

Endowed through a gift by the Pugh family the Grand Hall is a special gathering place unlike any other in the region.  It features an elliptical ceiling with a large light rope chandelier.

The Grand Hall is a place of hospitality and entertainment.  Entrance to the concert hall, drama theatre, and experimental theatre can be gained through this space.  It will also serve as a gathering space for receptions with a capacity of 650 people and can accommodate up to 200 for a seated dinner.  The Grand Hall will be used for university and community functions, and may be reserved for special events.
 

Rotunda

The Rotunda provides a dramatic arrival point for visitors to the Fowler Center.  The 50-foot circular entry features a 24’ x 20’ plaster dome overhead.  On the floor in the center of the Rotunda is the university seal in terrazzo.  Access to the Grand Hall, Administrative Offices and the Bradbury Gallery can be gained through this entrance.
 

Bradbury Gallery

The Bradbury Gallery is named for Curt and “Chucki” Bradbury of Little Rock, who have established a generous endowment to provide for exhibitions to be mounted in the gallery.  Mrs. Bradbury served with distinction as a Trustee of Arkansas State University, and is an alumna.  Mr. Bradbury is a successful investment and banking executive.

The Bradbury Gallery serves as an educational and teaching gallery, as well as a space for patrons to view works from the university’s permanent collection, traveling exhibitions, competitive exhibitions, and other special collections.  The Bradbury Gallery is a 5,200 square foot exhibition area and a 2,000 square foot curatorial facility.  In order to ensure the safety of exhibits, a state-of-the-art security system has been installed.  Track lighting has been strategically placed to create the best possible display conditions.  The gallery features hardwood floors and moveable fixtures.

The Bradbury Gallery is the catalyst for a rich visual arts dialog – celebrating art created in the Delta, while making art from elsewhere available to the people of the Delta.  The Delta National Small Prints Exhibition is an annual feature.
 

The ASU Theatre

The Fowler Center is also home to the ASU Department of Theatre and includes departmental and faculty offices, classrooms, scene and costume shops, green room, dressing rooms, and make-up rooms.