The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received $104,000 from Leslye Shellam to support its arts programs. The donation includes $90,000 to the Art Student Domestic Travel Fund and $14,000 to the Artist-in-Residence Housing Fund.
The Art Student Domestic Travel Fund supports travel for students to attend professional conferences, visit cities known for cultural and artistic institutions, and engage in opportunities that expand their exposure to the art world.
The Artist-in-Residence Housing Fund supports visiting artists who mentor and engage with students in the Windgate Center of Art and Design.
“Many students, especially in the arts, haven’t had a lot of exposure to different places,” Shellam, a long-time supporter of the university and a member of a multi-generational family of donors, said in a press release. “Getting outside of your comfort zone is so important for artists. Exposure to new environments and ideas fuels creativity. These travel opportunities provide new stimuli that can transform a student’s work.”
Shellam is the daughter of L. Dickson Flake, who was one of four original partners of the predecessor to Colliers International of Bentonville. His major projects include the 33-story Regions Center in Little Rock and J.B. Hunt Transport Services headquarters in Lowell.
Shellam was a major contributor to the L. Dickson Flake Scholarship, donating $100,000 in 2020. She also established the Linda Blaine Flake Scholarship in memory of her mother, an Arkansas watercolorist and former president of Mid-Southern Watercolorists, who studied and created art around the world, including in China, Guatemala and Switzerland.
“What inspired me originally was to honor my mom and dad, Linda and Dickson Flake,” Shellam said in the release. “My mom was a nationally recognized artist, and even though she didn’t pursue a degree at UA Little Rock, she would take community art classes here to get reenergized. This was her home. My dad had a long legacy of leadership at UA Little Rock, and I wanted to keep both of their names and passions alive in this community.”
Even earlier, Shellam’s grandmother established a scholarship in the education department, aiming to advance training for special education teachers following her experience raising a son with Down syndrome.
“Leslye Shellam’s generosity has a real and lasting impact on our students,” Joli Livaudais, director of the School of Art and Design at UA Little Rock, said in the press release. “Because of her continued support, they’re able to experience art and culture in ways that go far beyond the classroom. I’m truly grateful for her belief in what we do and for the opportunities she helps create for our students.”
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