Wildlife-inspired murals draw attention to Little Rock Nature Center

By JEFF WILLIAMS

LITTLE ROCK — The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center in Little Rock provided ample canvas space for a recently unveiled collection of murals.
The work by Fayetteville artist Jason Jones was unveiled to the public June 24 on four exterior walls of the center located at 602 President Clinton Ave. in the River Market neighborhood. The images feature native Arkansas wildlife, including mockingbirds, crayfish, opossums, catfish, eastern wild turkeys, bobcats and other species, all set against a backdrop of natural habitats drawn by Jones.
The creations cover approximately 200 linear feet of wall space and are among many enhancements to the center designed to revitalize exhibits and attract new audiences to nature in downtown Little Rock.
The Downtown Little Rock Partnership and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission collaborated on the project. Jones, who is also a sculptor and painter, has created murals in Fayetteville and other cities.
The Nature Center, at 501-253-1083, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit www.agfc.com/things-to-do/nature-centers/little-rock for more information about the center, or like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/centralarkansasnaturecenter.