The atg Pavilion is the contemporary sculptural addition to the Argenta Plaza, inspired by renowned architect E. Fay Jones’ iconic Thorncrown Chapel. The 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 project is committed to elevating regional arts and cultural infrastructure, creating vibrant public spaces, and strengthening community identity across Arkansas and the Delta region.

This effort is being developed by North Little Rock Tourism, but the project is a true public/private partnership, led by the Argenta Arts Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The Pavilion reflects its mission to celebrate Arkansas’s cultural contributions and strengthen local communities through art. 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 aligns with Arkansas Tourism’s strategic focus on creating inclusive, high-quality public spaces that support community vibrancy, economic opportunity, and lasting connection to place.

Located outdoors and accessible to the public, the Pavilion will house 21 large-scale bronze sculptures by Kevin Kresse honoring iconic Arkansas musicians whose artistry has shaped genres from gospel to rock, soul, country, and blues. Among the figures featured will be Cotton Plant’s Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Forest City’s Al Green, Delight’s Glen Campbell, Marvell’s Levon Helm and Brinkley’s Louis Jordan. 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.

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.

For more information about the project or sponsorships, please contact: 

John Gaudin | 501-940-7012 | gaudinria@yahoo.com