Councilman Don Marr And Artist James Kunzelmann Donate Sculpture To The Campaign For The Twenty-First Century

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - A commitment to art, diversity and Native American history is evident in the gift Don Marr and James Kunzelmann have made to the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas.

Marr, CEO of HR Factor, a Human Resources Consulting Firm, and Kunzelmann, a Fayetteville artist and teacher, donated "Courage to Lead," a bronze sculpture by Native American artist Denny Haskew, to the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century at the university. Marr, a graduate of Radford University who was raised in Virginia, said the sculpture is a gift not only to students and the campus, but also to the entire community.

"The Trail of Tears is a part of this area’s history, and many Native Americans live in the community and the region," said Marr. "I also wanted to see more public art in our community. My hope is that this piece leads others to respect diversity and opens the door for a dialogue about art, about history, and about leadership, the many questions that art confronts us with as we think about the human condition," said Marr.

Currently valued at $54,000, the sculpture has been installed in the grassy area between Old Main and Vol Walker Hall. The sculpture depicts three braves preparing to enter battle. In a traditional ceremony, the brave shoots an arrow straight up into the sky to signify his readiness to move forward with courage into the unknown.

Don Marr, right front, discusses installation plans with John Kincaid. Joining them are James Kunzelmann, left rear, and Robert James.

In the sculpture, which is six feet, four inches tall and eight feet wide, three braves are crouched on the ground looking toward the heavens, bow strings drawn taut with arrows. Marr and Kunzelmann met Denny Haskew, the Potawatomi artist who created the sculpture, at the Colorado Sculpture in the Park Show in Loveland, Colorado, and admired his work at the Santa Fe Indian Market as well. Named Artist of the Year by the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, Haskew recently sold another of his sculptures to the Smithsonian, which plans to install it at the entrance to the Native American Museum at the Institute. "Courage to Lead" has also been seen in an exhibit at the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa.

Marr, who has made Fayetteville his home since 1987, feels that such art can help a community better appreciate diversity. "One of the changes I have seen since coming to Fayetteville has been an increase in ethnic diversity. Our communities are made richer by people from other backgrounds and cultures. But art speaks often to what we all share in common, whether Native American, Mexican, African-American, or Latino. All have experienced personal struggle and bravery."

Donald Bobbitt, Dean of Fulbright College, said "We greatly appreciate this remarkable gift, one that will be available for all to enjoy year round. While such art makes our campus more beautiful, it also has the power to delight, to teach, and to challenge viewers."

One important facet of the $300 million Walton Challenge Gift is to promote the support of economic development opportunities for the state. A piece of art does exactly that.

"When you strive to increase the number of industries and businesses moving into a community, one of the best ways to succeed is to enhance the quality of life and culture for those who might choose to work and live there. The sculpture is a compelling example of how a philanthropist makes a unique and significant contribution to a community he cares deeply about," said Dina Wood, director of development in Fulbright College.

After college, Marr traveled extensively, in the process learning to appreciate communities that promoted the arts.

"Everything was new," Marr recalled. "I was drawn to places that valued public art and culture. Those communities made a lasting impression. So what better spot to make this gift than to this community I care about and to a place devoted to learning and to diversity, the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences?"

The installation took place on May 5. John Kincaid, a representative of the Artists Guild, directed the work, setting the sculpture atop the 9,000-pound sandstone base. A formal dedication ceremony that will include the Native American Student Association, the community, and the U of A is planned for fall.