Little Rock, Arkansas – A new public art project is set to shine a spotlight on the musical legacy of Arkansas, as city officials unveiled plans for a large outdoor exhibit featuring life-sized bronze sculptures of some of the state’s most influential musicians. The installation will be located at the Argenta Plaza in North Little Rock and promises to become a cultural landmark for residents and visitors alike.
The exhibit, part of the newly announced ATG pavilion project, will feature 21 sculptures, each depicting a musician whose work has left a lasting mark on American music. Among those being honored are Sister Rosetta Tharpe, known as the “Godmother of Rock and Roll,” soul legend Al Green, and country music icon Glen Campbell. At the center of the display will stand a sculpture of Johnny Cash, the Kingsland native whose life and music continue to resonate worldwide. This sculpture is a replica of the one recently installed in the National Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol.
Kevin Kreese, a sculptor who helped bring all 21 pieces to life, highlighted the significance of the project and Arkansas’s outsized contribution to music. “The state of Arkansas I think pound for pound, I don’t know if another state can touch it as far as the breadth of genres that this state has produced world-class musicians that have influenced the world,” Kreese said. “From blues gospel, ragtime, classical music, country, it goes on and on.”
The goal of the exhibit is not only to honor legendary performers but also to celebrate the state’s cultural identity and encourage pride in its musical heritage. Organizers say the public installation will allow visitors to experience Arkansas’s rich history through a medium that blends art and music in a tangible way.
The project is expected to break ground next spring, with planners aiming to make the site an accessible, outdoor attraction for families, music fans, and tourists. Beyond the sculptures, the ATG pavilion will serve as a space for community events, music performances, and educational programs, helping connect Arkansas residents with the stories behind the state’s most famous musical exports.
City officials and project organizers are hopeful the exhibit will put North Little Rock on the map as a hub for arts and culture while inspiring a new generation to explore the state’s musical roots. “It’s a celebration of the past, yes, but also a bridge to the future,” said one organizer.
With its mix of visual art, history, and musical storytelling, the Argenta Plaza exhibit is shaping up to be a must-see attraction, offering a unique opportunity to honor the diverse and enduring impact of Arkansas musicians on the world stage.
