Wildwood Park for the Arts is able to sustain our diverse artistic and cultural programming, as well as our park grounds and gardens through the support of individual and corporate donors.

Every donation makes a difference, and we need your help to continue Wildwood's success and longevity. Your donations protect our natural resources and create a bright future for the arts in our state. With your support, Wildwood can continue to evolve into west Little Rock's cultural center for nature and the arts.

How Does Your Donation Help?

$1000: Improved Parking
Help us improve the outdoor lighting for our front gate and parking lot areas. More lights will increase the safety of our patrons and visitors when attending evening performances and festivals.

$500: Garden Improvements
In 2024, we’re excited that we will both improve our current gardens and also debut our brand new Daffodil Plaza! Help us fund irrigation, beautiful trees, and a new seating area for reflection.

$300: Nature & Arts Scholarships
Provide one student with a full scholarship to a variety of educational programming, including our spring Junior Naturalist Camps, the Wildwood Academy of Music and the Arts, Una Voce, private voice and piano lessons, and more.

$100: Spring Planting Supplies
The end of the year doesn’t mean the end of gardening projects—it means we need to prepare for spring! Help provide us with 500 new bulbs, mulch for our gardens, and new hand tools for our volunteer Gardeners.

Established in memory of former Wildwood Director Ann Chotard, donations to this fund provides needs-based and merit-based scholarships to students participating in Wildwood's summer educational programming and support the work of the singing artists that teach, mentor, and perform at Wildwood Park for the Arts.

Dr. Carol Ann Priest Chotard, age 82, was born in 1942, and passed away January 4, 2025. Ann received her Bachelor of Music degree from Henderson State University. Her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts Degrees were earned from The University of Colorado with emphasis on directing, coaching, vocal pedagogy, and opera production.

Ann's contributions to the world of classical music are immeasurable. She founded The Arkansas Opera Theater in 1973 while teaching at Henderson. AOT was the only professional opera company in Arkansas at the time, and all operas were performed in English, which made them accessible to those not familiar with operatic music.

After the founding of Wildwood, AOT became The Opera Company at Wildwood. Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts was conceived by Ann and opened in 1991. She acted as both executive and artistic director at Wildwood until her retirement in 2007. She then founded The Chotard Institute of Music, which specialized in college preparatory training for aspiring young classical singers.

Ann was brilliant, dedicated, determined, and focused. Her vision was ahead of the times in Arkansas. Her awards were numerous, including Distinguished Alumnus at both Henderson and University of Colorado, Top 100 Women in Arkansas, National Governor's Award for the Arts, and Arkansas Business Nonprofit Executive of the Year.

Ann's incredible determination and commitment to fostering the arts and young artists in Arkansas changed lives, and remains foundational to Wildwood's mission. The Ann Chotard Memorial Scholarship is dedicated to her memory, and funds donated to this scholarship serve to continue her legacy in our community.

Established in memory of beloved Wildwood Board Member Lee Lee Doyle, donations to this fund provides support to Wildwood's artistic and educational programming as well as support for the young and early career artists that teach, mentor, and perform at Wildwood Park for the Arts.

Katherine Lee "Lee Lee" Doyle (1932-2025)

Katherine Lee Doyle, known to all as "Lee Lee," died on May 5, 2025 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was 92.

Born September 22, 1932 in Davis, California, Lee Lee lived a life of purpose, joy, and unwavering dedication to justice, education, and human dignity. A lifelong learner and educator, LeeLee held a master's degree from Stanford and a Ph.D. in Reproductive Physiology from Tulane. She came to Arkansas in 1971 to join the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She conducted groundbreaking research, taught generations of students, and served as Associate Dean at UAMS. Her scientific Work included early research on the Lippes Loop IUD, and her enduring passion was mentoring medical students and advocating for women's reproductive health and autonomy. She was the first president of Planned Parenthood in Arkansas and served on the national board. She was a founding member of the Stonewall Democrats of Arkansas and devoted herself to youth leadership and diversity education through Anytown, sponsored by the National Conference for Community and Justice. Her life was one of action and courage, always guided by a fierce intellect and a heart for change.

She seemed to know everyone - and they knew her. Whether at a political gathering, a concert, or simply walking into a favorite restaurant, Lee Lee's presence was magnetic. She loved good food and ate with gusto, savoring every bit and every conversation. She was always ready for the next adventure; ask "Lee Lee, do you want to..." and the answer was an immediate and enthusiastic, "YES."

Lee Lee's legacy is vast and lasting. She made this world better - brighter, bolder, and more just. The Lee Lee Doyle Memorial Fund is dedicated to her memory, and funds donated will serve to continue her legacy at Wildwood Park for the Arts and in our wider community.