Museum of Contemporary Art of Hot Springs Approved By the United States Department of the Interior to Lease the Ozark Bathhouse

The Ozark Bathhouse is a historic structure on Historic Bathhouse Row in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas. The structure is a National Monument and has undergone extensive refurbishment including the installation of heat and air and an elevator.

Richard Gipe, President of MOCA, states, “The building is in move in condition. Literally all we will have to do is install lighting and hanging system and we could open our doors to the public. We have two significant challenges, first we must demonstrate our financial capability in order to complete the lease negotiation process and second we must arrange a series of shows while we build our permanent collection.”

The Selections Committee for MOCA is seeking significant works by primarily living artists who have worked since 1900. The ideal artist for our collection will have: I. works in other museums; ii. works in important private collections; iii. Strong gallery support; IV. An educational background in art, and v. positive critical reviews.

Mr. Gipe adds, “We are looking for works that have ‘curb appeal’, by this I mean we want significant works by qualified artists, works having that ‘wow factor’ for the many visitors we expect. We want our visitors to go away telling everyone how great the experience was. By way of example, leading patrons Robert and Tia Cadow have loaned with the intent to donate to MOCA the Boban sculpture “Icarus,” which is constructed our of stainless steel spoons. This stunning work stands over 5 feet tall, weighs over 450 pounds, and stands out anywhere it is placed. This piece is representative of the kind of works we are seeking. While MOCA doesn’t yet have funding for its permanent collection, recent tax changes have made donations by artists more attractive financially, as they have always been for patrons. And the artist will also benefit from the exposure and prestige of having a work in MOCA’s collection.”

About The Museum of Contemporary Art Hot Springs-MOCA is a 501(c)(3) corporation intending to operate a museum in the Ozark Bath House. MOCA has received pledges from four individuals in the amount of $130,000 contingent on successful lease negotiations for the Ozark Bathhouse.