Get to know RAM
for 75th anniversary
By Steve Peterson
Special to Ozark Living Magazine
e Fort Smith Regional Art Museum,
RAM, has been fulfilling its mission of
fostering art appreciation throughout the
community for three-quarters of a century as
of 2023. It is also one of the best-kept secrets
in the Arkansas River Valley and a surprise to
many first-time visitors.
"Many visitors (to RAM) tell us it is their
first time and that they had no idea there was a
mini-Crystal Bridges right here in Fort Smith,"
said Julie Moncrief, development director at
RAM. Moncrief, who has been with RAM for
just more than three years, said the museum
has about 10,000 visitors annually.
Still, many of those visitors are first-timers,
Moncrief said, who say they drive past the
museum at 1601 Rogers Ave. in downtown
Fort Smith all the time without really knowing
what's inside.
"Many people still have not been in this
building," Moncrief said. "It is a great asset to
the region."
Moncrief and the rest of the RAM staff
hope to further enlighten area residents and
visitors about all the museum has to offer with
a series of 75th anniversary events throughout
2023. Some of those events include a 75th
anniversary gala; special exhibits, including
the recently opened Ceramics of Pablo Picasso
exhibit; a series of special summer art camps;
a block party event; a time capsule; and much
more.
RAM mission
One thing that has tied the history of RAM
together over 75 years is the fact that its central
goal hasn't changed much in that entire three-
quarters of a century, Moncrief said.
"e core mission has never changed, only
The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
building as seen in August 2021.
"Weeping Eyes" is a carving by Fort Smith
resident Jon Williams on display at RAM.
OZarK LIVING • February 2023 • 27
