William J. Clinton Presidential Center News

"Jazz: Through the Eyes of Herman Leonard" features iconic photographs of Jazz Greats

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Feb. 27, 2013) -- The William J. Clinton Presidential Center will open its new temporary exhibit, "Jazz: Through the Eyes of Herman Leonard," on March 2, 2013. The new exhibit features more than 40 original black and white images from the collection of Herman Leonard, an American photographer who documented the evolution of the art form from the 1940s through post Hurricane Katrina. By capturing the artists in their element - and in the moment - Leonard tells the story of jazz artist by artist.

The exhibit features America's greatest jazz artists including Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ella Fitzgerald through iconic photographs from The Herman Leonard collection and memorabilia on loan from museums and private collectors nationwide, including The Freeman Institute® Black History Collection, Miles Davis Properties, LLC, Louis Armstrong House Museum, Mrs. Linda Moody, Rock and Roll...

The William J. Clinton Foundation Awards $2,500 College Scholarship to Beebe High School Junior

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Feb. 12, 2013) -- The William J. Clinton Foundation is pleased to announce the winner and runners-up of the "Ideas Matter" annual essay contest. Madison Kate McGraw, a junior at Beebe High School, won the top prize and $2,500 scholarship. Runners-up are Stephen Sigman of Waldron High School, and Troi Wilcox, a senior at Robinson High School in Little Rock.

"As our world continues to get smaller, global issues will require local attention and action, and the essay contest is a way for Arkansas students to be a part of this increasingly important conversation," said Stephanie S. Streett, executive director of the William J. Clinton Foundation.

The scholarship contest encourages Arkansas students to put their good ideas into action to confront some of the world's most urgent challenges. The essay contest was open to any Arkansas student in 11th and 12th grades who submit a 500-word...

The Clinton Center Debuts Brand New Exhibit from the "Picasso of LEGO® Bricks"

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600

Brick Artist Nathan Sawaya and Photographer Dean West
Bring New Collection "In Pieces" to Little Rock

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Dec. 12, 2012) -- The William J. Clinton Presidential Center opens its newest exhibit, "In Pieces," a mixed medium collaboration with New York artist Nathan Sawaya and Australian photographer Dean West on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012.

"‘Nathan Sawaya's The Art of the Brick®' was one of the Center's most popular temporary exhibits ever because it celebrated the unlimited creative potential of LEGO® bricks," said Stephanie S. Streett, executive director of the William J. Clinton Foundation. "We are ecstatic to bring Nathan's sculptures back to the Center in this new exhibit that combines his unique aesthetic with a new modern twist on traditional photography."

"In Pieces" partners seven...

"Dorothy Howell Rodham & Virginia Clinton Kelley" Explores the Life Stories of Two Remarkable Women

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

William J. Clinton Presidential Center Debuts Newest Exhibit

Riverfest Announces Expansion of 2012 International Village and Cultural Fair

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

The International Village at Riverfest is expanding to become part of a free Family Zone, organizers announced today. The International Village is an ongoing partnership between Riverfest and two global non-profit organizations: the William J. Clinton Foundation and Heifer International.

Created in 2005 to educate festival-goers about different cultures and ethnicities through arts and music, the theme of International Village is "Festivals of the World," highlighting Brazil, Germany, the United States, Japan, Spain and Mexico.

"The mission of Riverfest is to produce a quality, recreational, cultural, educational, family-oriented celebration of the visual and performing arts for the benefit of the community," said Riverfest Executive Director DeAnna Korte. "Expansion of the International Village and the addition of the Family Zone is a reflection of this emphasis, as well as Riverfest's continued...

Clinton Center Announces Winner of "Ideas Matter" Essay Contest

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

The William J. Clinton Foundation is proud to announce the 2011 winner of its annual “Ideas Matter” essay contest. Berryville High School’s Ben Harris submitted the winning essay and will receive a $2,500 scholarship.

Each year, the Foundation awards the scholarship to the Arkansas high school student who best answers a specific writing prompt. This year, students were asked to respond (in 500 words or less) to this prompt: “There are many domestic issues (i.e., health care, debt, etc.) that our country faces. Choose and...

Statement from the Clinton Family on the Passing of Dorothy Rodham

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Dorothy Howell Rodham was born in Chicago on June 4, 1919 and died shortly after midnight on November 1, 2011 in Washington, D.C., surrounded by her family. Her story was a quintessentially American one, largely because she wrote it herself. She overcame abandonment and hardship as a young girl to become the remarkable woman she was – a warm, generous and strong woman; an intellectual; a woman who told a great joke and always got the joke; an extraordinary friend and, most of all, a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Dorothy is and always will be lovingly remembered by her daughter and son-in-law, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bill Clinton; her sons and daughters-in-law, Hugh Rodham and Maria Rodham and Tony Rodham and Megan Rodham; her grandchildren, Chelsea Clinton and her husband Marc Mezvinsky, Zachary Rodham, Fiona Rodham and Simon Rodham. She leaves behind many friends from all stages and places...

Clinton Foundation Partners with St. Louis Cardinals for Baseball Exhibit in Spring 2012

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Oct. 27, 2011) -- The William J. Clinton Presidential Center announces its upcoming temporary exhibit, "Play Ball! The St. Louis Cardinals," a celebration of America's pastime. Especially timely, the exhibit features baseball memorabilia from the St. Louis Cardinals - who will play the Texas Rangers in game six of the 2011 World Series tonight - and the Arkansas Travelers, the AA Affiliate for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1966 to 2000.

"The timing is impeccable," said Stephanie S. Streett, executive director of the William J. Clinton Foundation. "Arkansans are paying special attention to this year's World Series, and we are thrilled to partner with the Cardinals' Organization to bring this exhibit to Little Rock on the heels of their National League (and possible World Series) championship!"

Opening on March 3, 2012, "Play Ball" is a partnership with the St. Louis...

Statement by President and Secretary Clinton on the Passing of First Lady Betty Ford

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of First Lady Betty Ford. As a staunch advocate for women's and equal rights, Betty paved the way for generations of women to follow. Her courage, compassion, and commitment to helping our nation deal with drug and alcohol abuse and addiction helped thousands of people to a successful recovery and in the process she helped to save countless families. We were honored to host President and Mrs. Ford at the White House in 1998 when they received the Congressional Gold Medal for their dedication and service to our nation.

Betty was a remarkable woman whose legacy will live on in people around the country whose lives are longer and better because of her work. Our thoughts and prayers are with her children and grandchildren. We are grateful for her contributions, and for her kindness to us. We will miss her."

The Center hosts Hoop Jams

Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Arkansas Baptist College (ABC) have joined together to bring Hoop Jams, a two-day, three-on-three basketball tournament, to central Arkansas. Arkansas native and Atlanta Hawk Joe Johnson will serve as honorary chairman.

"The Clinton Center and ABC share a common commitment to the community," said Stephanie S. Streett, executive director of the Clinton Foundation. "ABC and the Clinton Center created Hoop Jams to help fund their missions, including inspiring Arkansans to achieve their hopes - and hoops - and dreams."

Net proceeds from Hoop Jams will benefit educational outreach and community development programs of both entities.

Team registration begins today. Registration fee is $80 - $100 per team (based on division) and can be submitted via mail, fax or online at www.hoopjamslr.com. Deadline is May 27, 2011, or until all spots are...