A 120-page book of exceptional quality which captures life in Conway drawn from tens of thousands of photographs – along with careful and thorough research into the issues and events that are part of the city’s history – will be presented for the first time in a signing ceremony at Pictures Et Cetera in Downtown Conway. A 120-page book of exceptional quality which captures life in Conway drawn from tens of thousands of photographs – along with careful and thorough research into the issues and events that are part of the city’s history – will be presented for the first time in a signing ceremony at Pictures Et Cetera in Downtown Conway.
The event, which is open to the public, will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18. The gallery is located at 572 Chestnut St.
Bill Ward, author of Conway As it was . . . As it is, will headline the event. His team, who worked with him to produce this book, will join him for the ceremony. They include nationally known art director Emelene Russell of Castle Rock, Colo.; John L. Ward, former managing editor of the Log Cabin Democrat; Judy Roach and Renee Hale of Conway and Jo Ann Huselton, owner of Pictures Et Cetera Fine Art Gallery.
“I am so proud of my team,” Ward said, noting that John and Judy are his brother and sister, and Renee is his niece.
“One of the most challenging aspects of the process leading up to creation of this book,” Ward remarked, “was trying to make choices among the multitude of photographs offered by citizens of Conway and others.” These were added to the images Bill Ward himself had to consider as the process moved along.
Ward expressed great gratitude for the support of Mayor Tab Townsell, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Brad Lacy, Conway Corp. CEO Richie Arnold, former Conway Corp. general manager Jim Brewer; Jimmy Bryant, archivist at the University of Central Arkansas (and also chairman of the Faulkner County Historical Society); Frank E. Robins III, former publisher of the Log Cabin Democrat; architect and interior designer Georg Andersen; and former state Sen. Stanley Russ.
The first 500 books will be numbered and signed by Bill Ward. Persons wishing to ensure having one of those should arrange for that in advance by contacting Pictures Et Cetera, or by just coming to the event on Nov. 18.
Highest quality standards have been met in the 120-page book, which tracks the history of the city from its founding in the 1800s to the present expansion. Features include milestones in the city’s development, from the attraction of three colleges and other institutions to the development of city-owned utilities, the birth of major business and manufacturing entities, the creation of public lakes and recreation facilities and the present development of the Fayetteville Shale Play and its economic impact on the entire area.
Bill Ward considers the book a keepsake for generations to come.