AMFA Names Dr. Jennifer Jankauskas as New Curator; NoraLee Bowles Named Executive Chef of Park Grill

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) announces Dr. Jennifer Jankauskas as the Museum’s newest Curator.

Jankauskas brings over 30 years of curatorial expertise to AMFA, with a keen eye for art that pushes boundaries—whether it's through unexpected materials, immersive experiences, or pieces that spark conversations about today's world. Prior to her role at AMFA, she was an independent curator, leading a project on modernist artist Dorothy Hood at the Art Museum of South Texas. In her past role as Curator of Art at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, she significantly expanded the contemporary art collection, earning recognition for her innovative exhibitions and leadership in developing Montgomery’s new John and Joyce Caddell Sculpture Garden.

Jankauskas has collaborated with prestigious institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago, The John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Artpace, and the American Federation of the Arts. Her academic credentials include a Doctor of Philosophy in Museum Studies from the University of Leicester, a Master of Arts in Art History, Theory, and Criticism from the Art Institute of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ohio University.

Jankauskas’ AMFA Debut: Minimalism: Color, Line, Form

Jankauskas’ first exhibition at AMFA, Minimalism: Color, Line, Form, opens on October 26, 2024, showcasing a selection of artworks entirely from the rich holdings of Minimalist art in the AMFA Foundation Collection.

This intimate exhibition features art by key practitioners of the influential Minimalist movement during the 1960s and 1970s, along with works by important artistic predecessors and later artists who continued to embrace the style of Minimalism by highlighting the purity and primacy of this radical abstraction. AMFA will host an art history class on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, where Jankauskas will discuss the roots of Minimalism, tracing its wide-ranging influences, including Constructivism, Suprematism, and the philosophy of Japanese Wabi-Sabi. The class will also explore Minimalism's lasting impact on art, architecture, design, and popular culture.

“I’m thrilled to join the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts at this pivotal moment following the successful reimagining of the Museum,” said Jankauskas. “I look forward to working with my talented colleagues and artists to bring new narratives to life. Minimalism: Color, Line, Form marks my debut at the Museum, and I’m eager to share the quiet sophistication of Minimalism with our visitors.”

Park Grill Updates

NoraLee Bowles joins AMFA’s Park Grill as Executive Chef, bringing over 25 years of culinary experience from boutique hotels to high-end dining. At AMFA, Bowles is responsible for shaping the restaurant’s menu and culinary vision, as well as overseeing all Museum catering. Her career highlights include successful tenures at the Hot Springs Convention Center and the Diamante Country Club in Hot Springs, Ark., and the Chickasaw Country Club in Memphis, Tenn, showcasing her versatility and leadership in culinary arts.

“Dr. Jankauskas brings a wealth of curatorial expertise that will enrich our exhibitions, infusing our galleries with fresh perspectives and compelling narratives––beginning this fall with Minimalism: Color, Line, Form,” said AMFA Executive Director Dr. Victoria Ramirez. “Meanwhile, Chef Bowles will craft an elevated dining experience at Park Grill, blending innovation with tradition to offer our guests a culinary journey that complements the Museum. Our workforce expansion over the past year reflects our dedication to the economic growth of Little Rock and Central Arkansas as we aim to create an inclusive cultural space that inspires and builds community through art.”

AMFA’s latest Annual Report highlights notable workforce growth, marking a remarkable milestone year with 100 full-time employees, 225 part-time employees, and 129 docents and volunteers.

About the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Founded in 1937, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is the largest cultural institution of its kind in the state, offering a unique blend of visual and performing arts experiences. AMFA is committed to featuring diverse media and artistic perspectives within its permanent collection as well as through rotating temporary exhibitions. AMFA’s international collection spans eight centuries, with strengths in works on paper and contemporary craft, and includes notable holdings by artists from Arkansas, the South, and across the United States and Europe.

With a vibrant mix of ideas, cultures, people, and places, AMFA extends this commitment to diversity through the innovative Windgate Art School, a dynamic children’s theatre and performing arts program, and community-focused educational programs for all ages. Located in Little Rock’s oldest urban green space, MacArthur Park, AMFA’s landmark building and grounds are designed by Studio Gang and SCAPE, in collaboration with Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects.