Rebecca Hurst, of Fayetteville, is a co-founder and managing partner of Smith Hurst, a law firm in Rogers. She also serves on the Corporate Leadership Council for the Walton Arts Center and teaches law at the University of Arkansas School of Law. Hurst is involved with multiple charitable organizations and has devoted pro bono time to helping nonprofit organizations thrive. Her charity and community work has been recognized repeatedly in Northwest Arkansas. Hurst, who was appointed to the Advisory Council for the Arkansas Arts Council by Gov. Asa Hutchinson earlier this year, represents District 1, which covers Northwest Arkansas counties from Washington to Baxter.
Q. How would you describe yourself?
A. I am a happy wife, step-mother and estate planning, business and nonprofits tax attorney who loves music, musical theater and the visual arts.
Q. What is your connection with the arts in Arkansas?
A. Once upon a time, I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. I loved painting, singing and acting, but unfortunately, I have found that -- while I have much love for the arts -- I feel I have only mediocre talent in those areas. But, my love for the visual arts, music and theater has remained strong within me. I go to the Walton Arts Center, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Walmart AMP and many other museums, galleries and venues. I love seeing and supporting the work being produced by talented artists within our state.
Q. Why is it important to be on the Advisory Council of the Arkansas Arts Council?
A. I am honored to be appointed by Gov. Hutchinson to serve on the Advisory Council of the Arkansas Arts Council. The arts have brought so much joy to my life, and I feel like this is a way that I can give back through service to both the arts and our state.
Q. When were you appointed or how long have you been on the advisory board?
A. I was appointed in January 2019, so I am a “newbie.”
Q. What are your biggest accomplishments as an artist or arts supporter?
A. Somehow having the lead in my school play when I was in fifth grade doesn’t seem like a good answer. I’m joking, but seriously, I love having the opportunity to give back by donating to support the arts. Recently, I was in the Kindred Spirits of Crystal Bridges donor recognition program. I also have had the opportunity to serve on the Corporate Leadership Council of the Walton Arts Center. Both of these are certainly great accomplishments for me, but so far, I think my biggest accomplishment as a supporter of the arts is having the opportunity to serve on the Advisory Council to the Arkansas Arts Council.
Q. What would you like to see the advisory council or the Arts Council accomplish this year?
A. I would like to continue to increase our support of arts education programs so we can provide even more Arkansans with opportunities to engage in the arts – whether that be by attending their first play or working with a mound of clay.
Q. What do you wish people knew about Arkansas’s arts communities, the Arts Council or the advisory board?
A. That the Arts Council is made up of not only tremendously talented artists, but hard-working individuals who have a true passion for arts and arts education in our state. We are truly fortunate to have such dedicated and passionate individuals working to support the arts and arts education in Arkansas.