Our Town

Little Rock notebook

City now accepting grant applications

The city is taking applications for $28,000 worth of Love Your Block grants for neighborhood groups.

A neighborhood organization can receive up to $1,000 to complete a proposed project, such as upgrading playground equipment or installing a park bench or grill.

Four groups from each of the city's seven wards -- 28 groups -- will be selected.

"Residents really are the best caretakers of their neighborhoods because they already have so much invested in where they live," said Victor Turner, director of the Housing and Neighborhood Programs Department. "This grant program is meant to bring neighbors together and foster a sense of community while creating a point of pride."

Organizations have to submit a proposal for an event or activity that would be hosted or completed between April and November. If chosen, the organization must send monthly status reports and before and after photos of the project.

Previous projects include a footbridge across a park pond, equipment for crime-watch programs, youth tutoring programs and construction of basketball courts.

Priority will be given to projects intended to be carried out within 500 feet of a school, projects that address vacant lots, those that improve overall neighborhood aesthetics or eliminate blight, and those that benefit a business district.

Applications are due by March 17 and are available at bit.ly/LRloveyourblock or by contacting Turner by email at vturner@littlerock.gov.

Arts Center to host architect's lecture

A Massachusetts architect known for her internationally recognized design practice will give a lecture Tuesday on architecture, digital technology and emerging public needs.

Sheila Kennedy has been a principal of Kennedy & Violich Architecture for more than 15 years.

She will speak at 6 p.m. at the Arkansas Arts Center lecture hall. A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m.

"Designated as one of Fast Company's Masters of Design, Kennedy is described as an 'insightful and original thinker who is designing new ways of working, learning, leading and innovating,'" a news release said.

More information is available at jonathan@amr-architects.com.

Journalist to give speech, sign books

A Wall Street Journal reporter who broke news on the Iran nuclear deal will speak in Little Rock on Tuesday.

Jay Solomon will talk about his book, The Iran Wars: Spy Games, Bank Battles, Secret Deals and What Comes Now. He interviewed high-ranking Iranian officials, former Secretary of State John Kerry and Kerry's negotiating team, according to a news release.

Solomon will speak at 6 p.m. at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service's Sturgis Hall, which is on the Clinton Presidential Center complex at 1200 President Clinton Ave. in Little Rock. A book signing will follow.

Admission is free and open to the public. Reservations are available by emailing publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu or calling (501) 683-5239.

Application process opens for drain art

The Drain Smart public art program, aimed at reducing the degradation of local water resources, is accepting artist applications.

To apply, local artists can submit their ideas for murals to be painted on one of 18 storm drains in Little Rock. The art will last for five to seven years and is meant to raise public awareness of the need for watershed and stream protection.

"Like most cities, Little Rock's storm drains flow directly into our streams. When it rains, water picks up everything in its path and carries it through storm drains into our streams and creeks. Drain Smart is an engaging public-education/environmental program that uses art to communicate the importance of reducing the litter that flows into our storm drains," a news release said.

Selected artists will receive a $150 stipend, and supplies will be provided. Artists must submit their applications along with a sketch of their idea by March 15 at drain-smart.org. Selected applicants will be notified by April 1, and artwork will be completed by June 5.

There will be a final prize given to winners chosen by the public.

Metro on 02/19/2017

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