galleries and a permanent collection of more
than 500 pieces of art that are featured in a
rotating display.
RAM houses three large galleries in a
multi-level facility with a museum store,
classroom space, office space and much more.
e museum hosts school- and guided-tours
of its exhibitions as well as various exhibits
featuring local and regional artists in several
different media from paintings, sculptures,
pottery, jewelry and more. RAM also hosts
frequent traveling exhibits from around the
country.
"Last year, we had a wonderful exhibition
on Billie Holiday," Moncrief said. e traveling
exhibit was connected with the Smithsonian
Institution, Moncrief said, and featured photos
and artifacts from one week in the life of the
jazz and swing singer.
"We love to have been able to bring things
like this," said Moncrief. "It was a real treat to
our community."
A rather unique exhibit at RAM is e
Touch Gallery, where visitors to the museum
are encouraged to not only look at the art
displays, but to touch them as well. is gallery
was recently reopened aer the pandemic,
according to Daleana Vaughan, RAM
education director for the past six years. e
Touch Gallery offers an immersive experience
filled with wood and bronze carvings as well as
paintings, Vaughan added, saying the gallery
also provides a wonderful experience for
visually impaired museum patrons.
"Kids really enjoy it," Vaughan said,
"although adults are still a bit hesitant. How we
have it set up, it's low enough that even a small
child can reach the displays."
Beginning in 2022, RAM became the home
One of RAM's recent exhibitions, "Norma Tomboulian: Life into Clay," features sculpture
by the Fayetteville artist including "The Camelot Chess Set," which is 16 life-sized busts
by Tomboulian in the classic style of the famed Arthurian legend. It now resides in RAM's
permanent collection.
RAM's Paint 'N Sip class, held monthly,
helps attendees recreate works by the
great masters in acrylics on canvas.
Participants pictured paint Vincent Van
Gogh's "The Starry Night."
OZarK LIVING • February 2023 • 29
