11th Annual Arkansas Cultural Enrichment Banquet Dinner
April 3rd, 2009 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock
Reception at 6:00 p.m. Dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Check back soon for sponsorship and ticket information
For more information call (501) 321-4747

We are pleased and excited to have P. Allen Smith as this year's Arkansas Cultural Enrichment Award recipient

click here to download P. Allen Smith press and media materials

Hot Springs, AR. March 4, 2009.  The Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute (www.hsdfi.com) has selected P. Allen Smith as the recipient of the 2009 Arkansas Cultural Enrichment Award. This prestigious honor is given to outstanding Arkansans who make significant contributions to the state through education, artistic expression, leadership, commitment to their community and civic involvement. P. Allen Smith is America's most recognized and respected garden design expert, best selling author, host of two nationally broadcast television shows, supporter of educational programs and tireless ambassador for the state. He reaches out to his vast audience through various media platforms to teach the values of caring for the earth in a responsible manner and inspires Americans to reconnect to the natural world through the joy of creating beautiful gardens.

A special event honoring Smith will be held Friday evening, April 3rd at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas with a reception at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m.  A preview of the documentary, Out On a Limb, featuring P. Allen Smith and produced by HSDFI Board Chairman Dr. Ben Meade will be shown at the dinner. The world premier of the film will be October 16, 2009, opening night of the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival.

According to Dr. Meade, “I have been very lucky to have spent the time with Allen in deep discussions about the future of Arkansas regarding agriculture, the environment, animal husbandry, and how to deal with the current problems facing our country, especially in the area of education. The film is a wonderful piece that addresses these issues. Please join me in honoring Allen for his work and this event which supports the Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute’s educational and cultural programs and its Festival presentations.”

We are also pleased to announce that Warren Stephens
will be the Chair of this important banquet.

Dear Guests,

            It gives me great pleasure to invite you to a dinner on April 3, 2009 honoring America’s most-recognized garden designer, P. Allen Smith.  As one of the most celebrated gardening personalities in America, the P. Allen Smith Garden Home reaches televisions in 75% of U.S. homes.  Allen is host of P. Allen Smith Gardens on PBS, a guest contributor on NBC’s Today Show and serves as the exclusive gardener on the Weather Channel.  He has authored best-selling garden home books and is featured in several national publications.

            Our Arkansas Cultural Enrichment Award will be presented to Allen on Friday evening, April 3rd at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.  There will be a reception at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m.  We look forward to this memorable evening and ask that you consider a sponsorship.

            Proceeds from the event will support the educational and cultural programs and festival film presentations of the Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute.  Founded in 1992, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute remains the only film institute in the United States dedicated solely to the documentary film genre.  Each year the institute presents the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, a multicultural and intergenerational event.  The festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors making it one of the largest tourist attractions in our state.  The Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and your gift is tax deductible.  Your check may be made payable to “Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute” and forwarded to:  Arkansas Cultural Enrichment Award Dinner, P. O. Box 6450, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas 71902.

            I look forward to having you join me for this special evening honoring P. Allen Smith.  This event is an opportunity to highlight his significant achievements in gardening throughout America, as well as to benefit the Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute, which has given our state a world-renowned venue for the presentation of documentary films. 

Short Interviews with P. Allen Smith

P Allen Smith on Community from HSDFI on Vimeo. 

P Allen Smith on Preservation from HSDFI on Vimeo.

P Allen Smith on Food Products from HSDFI on Vimeo.