Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1495070
By Randy Rice Special to West Washington County Guide e western Washington County area is rich in history, and few organizations have worked to preserve that history and present it to the public like Historic Cane Hill, a nonprofit organization that owns 150- plus acres south of Lincoln, Arkansas. "Our official mission is that we're dedicated to preserving historically significant structures of the Cane Hill community and western Washington County," said David Collins, public program manager for Historic Cane Hill. "is includes the many small communities around present-day Cane Hill, Arkansas. We seek to build on the legacies of architecture, education and the arts by providing programs and a venue to experience art and culture rooted in the history of the region and the beautiful natural surroundings of the Ozark Mountains." Historic Cane Hill was formed in 2013 to take over the renovation efforts of the former Cane Hill College and to acquire and care for other properties that contributed to the story of Cane Hill. "In 2017, the college was fully renovated and Historic Cane Hill began to expand its mission to honor the educational and arts-based experience in its history by offering unique opportunities for children, adults and families to encounter history, art and nature here," Collins said. "From 2020 to the present, a new vision of Historic Cane Hill as a site dedicated to telling a full history of all the past inhabitants of the area, promoting arts locally and around the state, and offering a natural and serene place to visit, meet and spend time in the unique natural landscape of the Ozarks." In addition to Collins, overseeing the efforts of Historic Cane Hill are Vanessa McKuin, executive director; Lawrence McElroy, director of arts and culture; and Carly Squyres, administrative assistant. In any given year, there is a lot going on and the organization provides many opportunities to learn about the area's engrossing history and see historical sites and artifacts. At Cane Hill Museum, you'll find permanent exhibits about the art and history of the Cane Hill community that the public can view during museum hours. e gallery hosts temporary exhibitions with different focuses. Last year, the gallery served as the visitor center and exhibit area for the Smithsonian Institution's "Habitat" exhibition. "We recently closed our annual exhibition of artwork from our Arkansas High School Student Art Competition, which is a partnership with the University of Arkansas School of Art," Collins said. "We are now preparing an exhibition of the Arkansas Quail and Turkey Stamp Art Contest, for which we partner with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. at will be from March 18 to April 22 this year." e largest exhibition of the year will be their pottery exhibition "Niloak and Beyond," which will be on display May 7 to July 8. It is a collection of swirl-type pottery from around the nation, with a focus on the Photo courtesy NWA Democrat-Gazette Artist Myria Allen of Fayetteville, a member of the Plein Air Painters of the Ozarks, paints from the south side of the now restored 1891 Cane Hill Presbyterian Church during the group's visit to Historic Cane Hill. Preserving history in West Washington County Ad Number: 040523nwr4661 H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H 824-5459 303 W. Pridemore • Lincoln American Drive-In H Burgers H Fries H Shakes H Daily Specials H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H Serving Lincoln since 1958 2023 West Washington County Directory | 17