Longtime Searcy resident and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe has donated a significant work of art by former Arkansas artist V. L. Cox to the Bradbury Art Museum at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
Arkansas State University announced the Mike Beebe art donation Monday, November 9, 2026.
The donated artwork, titled “Beau,” is part of Cox’s important collection, “Images of the American South,” a series developed over more than 30 years and registered with the Library of Congress.
The collection explores the history, culture, memories and social issues of the American South through artwork incorporating historical objects and materials.
According to Dr. Julia Wintner, director of the Bradbury Art Museum, Cox has developed an internationally recognized career through artwork addressing social injustice, discrimination and the lasting effects of Southern history.
Cox’s artistic approach frequently incorporates authentic historical items, including vintage screen doors and other objects, to tell stories about America’s past. The artist’s work seeks to preserve history and encourage audiences to examine important social and cultural issues.
Former Governor Explains Donation
For Beebe, the decision to give the artwork to Arkansas State University was personal.
“This work of art is very special to me, and I want to share it with as many people as possible,” Beebe said in the university’s announcement.
The donation will allow the artwork to become part of the Bradbury Art Museum’s permanent collection, helping preserve it for future generations.
Beebe’s Connection to Searcy and Arkansas State University
Beebe has longstanding connections to Searcy, White County and Arkansas State University.
Born in Amagon in Jackson County, Beebe graduated from Newport High School before attending Arkansas State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in political science in 1968.
He later earned his law degree from the University of Arkansas and began practicing law in Searcy in 1972.
Beebe represented the Searcy area in the Arkansas Senate before becoming Arkansas attorney general and eventually serving as Arkansas’ 45th governor. He served as governor from January 2007 until January 2015.
His donation to the Bradbury Art Museum provides another connection between the former governor and his alma mater.
About Artist V. L. Cox
Artist V. L. Cox was born in Louisiana and raised in Arkansas. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia.
Cox is now based in New York and has received recognition for artwork addressing historical and contemporary social issues.
Her “Images of the American South” series incorporates historical materials to explore the region’s complicated past and the ways history continues to influence society. Cox’s artistic career and accomplishments are also documented in the Encyclopedia of Arkansas.
Bradbury Art Museum Welcomes Donation
Wintner said the donation is particularly meaningful because it adds the work of an internationally recognized artist with Arkansas roots to the museum’s permanent collection.
Wintner said the acquisition also strengthens the museum’s commitment to preserving and presenting artwork that explores the cultural history and contemporary experiences of Arkansas and the American South.
The Bradbury Art Museum is a contemporary art museum on the Arkansas State University campus in Jonesboro. The museum features exhibitions, educational programs and collections designed to promote an understanding and appreciation of art, and it gives students, artists and the public opportunities to experience works by regional, national and international artists.
The museum is located inside the Fowler Center at 201 Olympic Drive in Jonesboro. Admission is free.
Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 12 PM to 5 PM, although the museum closes between exhibitions and during university closures.
The university has not announced when the newly donated artwork “Beau” will be placed on public display.
For more information about the Bradbury Art Museum, visit bradburyartmuseum.org. For more information about Arkansas State University, visit astate.edu.
Source: Arkansas State University official news release, November 9, 2026.
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