North Little Rock Tourism announced the construction of the atg Pavilion at the Argenta Plaza on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
The atg Pavilion is a visionary cultural initiative designed to celebrate Arkansas’s historic role in shaping American music. As a place-based public art experience, the Pavilion aligns with the city’s commitment to elevating arts and cultural infrastructure, creating vibrant public spaces, and strengthening community identity.
Located outdoors and accessible to the public, the Pavilion will house 21 large-scale bronze sculptures honoring iconic Arkansas musicians whose artistry has shaped genres from gospel to rock, soul, country, classical, and blues. Among the figures featured will be Cotton Plant’s Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Forrest City’s Al Green, Delight’s Glen Campbell, Marvell’s Levon Helm and Brinkley’s Louis Jordan. (A complete list is at the end of this article.)
Anchoring the experience will be a central sculpture of Johnny Cash—an eight-foot bronze by Arkansas artist Kevin Kresse, identical to the one recently installed in the National Statuary Hall of the U.S. Congress.
By honoring the diverse stories and contributions of Arkansas musicians, the atg Pavilion fosters a sense of place rooted in creative heritage, connecting people through the shared power of music and art. The Pavilion will serve not only as a cultural landmark, but also as a tourism catalyst—supporting arts-driven economic development by drawing regional, national, and international visitors to Arkansas. Interpretive elements and interactive features will further connect audiences with the musicians’ legacies and communities of origin.
The project includes the installation of original sculptures in the hometowns of each artist featured at the Pavilion, creating a network of cultural destinations and enriching the broader Arkansas music tourism experience. Through maps, signage, and promotional collateral, visitors will be encouraged to explore these communities, deepening statewide engagement and fostering regional pride.
This effort is being developed by North Little Rock Tourism. Naming rights to the Pavilion were awarded to Ruth and Scott Landers through their atg company. This project is a true public/private partnership. Led by John Gaudin, a dedicated capital campaign group, and the Argenta Arts Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), the Pavilion’s public art will be sponsored by private companies and individuals with a passion for North Little Rock and the entire state of Arkansas. By investing in public art and cultural storytelling, the project focuses on creating an inclusive, high-quality public space that supports community vibrancy, economic opportunity, and a lasting connection to place.
- The $1,000,000 funds for the Pavilion are being provided by North Little Rock Tourism and atg, while a capital campaign is raising $2,000,000 for the design, construction, and population of the bronze sculptures by Arkansas artist Kevin Kresse for the Pavilion and 21 communities, which will be presented with replica bronze sculptures. These companion sculptures will be in the hometowns of featured artists, fostering community pride and regional participation
The list of the 21 artists:
- Ronnie Hawkins, Fayetteville
- Jimmy Driftwood, Mountain View
- Charlie Rich, Colt
- Albert King, Osceola
- Johnny Cash, Dyess
- Granny Almedia Riddle, Heber Springs
- Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Cotton Plant
- Howling Wolf, West Memphis
- Al Green, Forrest City
- Pharoah Sanders, North Little Rock
- Al Bell, North Little Rock
- Louis Jordan, Brinkley
- William Grant Still, Little Rock
- Florence Price, Little Rock
- Levon Helm, Marvell
- Sonny Boy Williamson, Helena
- Conway Twitty, Helena
- Glen Campbell, Delight
- Big Bill Broonzy, Pine Bluff
- Scott Joplin, Texarkana
- Lefty Frizzell, El Dorado
