Photo Album Fun Times Evan Lindquist Emeritus Professor of Art Arkansas State University, Jonesboro

I never thought I would be standing behind the Presidential podium addressing the President of the United States. But here I am, making a presentation to President Bill Clinton at the dedication ceremony of the new library, museum, and bell tower. April 3, 1995. Attendance was estimated at 10,000. (Thanks to an anonymous photographer who sent the photo.)

This looks like I have a mouthful of prunes, but actually, I'm speaking from the Well of the Arkansas House of Representatives at the Joint Session of the House and Senate. April 1, 1997. Honest, it wasn't an April Fool's joke. It was a very serious and high-stress time during the last days of the most difficult and controversial legislative session in memory. Debates were heated, and tempers were flaring. Time was running out on the legislative calendar. Representatives and senators were buzzing like hornets at each other. The reason for the Joint Session was not announced. This unprecedented event, planned in secrecy, had every possibility of backfiring, plunging the legislature into greater chaos. As Senators came into the House, everyone on the floor was puzzled. Some seemed angry. I had been told only an hour earlier that I would address the legislators! The introduction was made by Sen. Wayne Dowd. Other speakers were Sen. Mike Beebe, Speaker of the House Bobby Hogue, and Secretary of State Sharon Priest. The anger that had been so apparent earlier turned to smiles, laughter, and nostalgia. It was an hour during which the stress of politics seemed to be forgotten, and good-natured cameraderie took over. The standing ovation which I received was an honor I will never forget. As I was leaving, one legislator came forward to say, "This is the only good thing that has happened all week." I had made a presentation to honor the service of 51 members of the House of Representatives whose terms in office were limited by the new Term Limits Amendment. More than half of the state's elected Representatives were serving their final days. Their combined years of service to Arkansas amounted to 785 years! Sen. Morril Harriman and Rep. Roger Rorie distributed 51 framed burin engravings which I had designed, engraved, printed, signed, and inscribed with a personal note thanking each for dedicated service to the state of Arkansas. (Photograph courtesy of Sharon Priest, Arkansas Secretary of State)

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Evan Lindquist Emeritus Professor of Art Arkansas State University, Jonesboro Click here for contact information