The renovation is made possible through a $1.2 million gift from Leslye and Ray Shellam honoring Leslye’s late father, Arkansas business leader L. Dickson Flake, and her late mother, Linda Blaine Flake. The Shellam Flake Planetarium will soon reopen after nearly two decades. But for faculty and students, the reopening is about far more than renovation and technology upgrades. It signals a new era of immersive, interdisciplinary learning.

For Dr. Gregory Guisbiers, associate professor of physics and astronomy, the planetarium represents a fundamental shift in how students experience complex scientific ideas.

鈥淲hat excites me most is the opportunity to transform how students experience physics,鈥� Guisbiers said. 鈥淭he planetarium allows abstract ideas 鈥� whether dynamical systems in classical mechanics or quantum state evolution in quantum computing 鈥� to become immersive and intuitive.鈥�

In fields such as quantum computing, many ideas are highly abstract. Guisbiers envisions the planetarium as a way to transform his teaching by making difficult core concepts and invisible phenomena more accessible. The dome鈥檚 immersive capabilities allow students to visualize challenging processes such as wavefunctions, carrier dynamics, and structure-property relationships.

鈥淚 would also integrate research data into the learning experience, allowing students to explore simulations and experimental results interactively,鈥� Guisbiers said. 鈥淭his connects coursework with research, strengthens undergraduate research opportunities, and helps students develop both scientific intuition and communication skills.鈥�

The planetarium will also elevate 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 role as a public-facing science institution. Rather than science existing primarily in classrooms and labs, the dome creates a shared space for research visualization, interdisciplinary programming, and community engagement.

Guisbiers notes that the planetarium is not just a site of education but a hub for the community.

鈥淭he 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock planetarium can become a bridge between the university and the broader Little Rock community by serving as a hub for STEM education, public science literacy, and interdisciplinary engagement,鈥� he said. 鈥淏eyond astronomy, it can function as a cultural and creative space where science, art, and storytelling intersect, strengthening the university鈥檚 role as a regional center for education and community connection.鈥�

Guisbiers sees the planetarium reopening as representative of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 broader investment in science infrastructure and education. Alongside the observatory reopening in March 2025, the planetarium showcases the university鈥檚 commitment to hands-on learning and expanding access to STEM education.

Dr. Michael DeAngelis, associate professor of geology, sees equally transformative potential in the planetarium鈥檚 reopening.

Currently, the geology department offers field experiences to locations such as the Bahamas for the Geology and Ecology of the Bahamas course, excursions to Colorado and New Mexico for Field Geology II, and local trips across Arkansas to the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains. The planetarium’s immersive capabilities unlock new opportunities for students to explore different regions of the world.

鈥淎s a geology professor, I consistently seek opportunities to expose our students to diverse global environments,鈥� DeAngelis said. 鈥淲ith the planetarium鈥檚 digital projection system, I can now envision taking our students on virtual expeditions: to the peaks of the Himalayas, the frozen depths of Antarctica, inside the giant crystal caves of Mexico, or even to never-before-visited locations like the Moon or Mars to explore their geology.鈥�

The planetarium鈥檚 versatility creates an interdisciplinary space for learning that extends beyond the sciences. DeAngelis sees potential for immersive experiences such as virtual art shows for art and design students, concert performances for music students, and visualized global supply chains for economics students.

For DeAngelis, the reopening is especially significant for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 science programs.

鈥淔or science programs, the planetarium will allow for the visualization of phenomena at scales beyond human perception,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his includes viewing microscopic interactions, such as microbial life, mineral structures, and simulated chemical reactions. It also encompasses the immense, like solar system formation, supernovae, and the expansion of the universe.鈥�

Concepts that once existed only in textbooks or on flat screens can now unfold across the dome in full scale, placing students inside the systems they study.

When asked what he hopes visitors will take away from their experience, DeAngelis answered with a single word:

鈥淎we,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd all of its synonyms 鈥� wonder, astonishment, reverence, and amazement.鈥�

As the university approaches its centennial, the reopening of the Shellam Flake Planetarium signals forward momentum in science education and interdisciplinary collaboration.

In reopening the planetarium, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is not just restoring a beloved space 鈥� it is strengthening its role as a regional hub for education, innovation, and opportunity.

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The gift from Leslye and Ray Shellam honors the legacy of Leslye’s late father, Arkansas business leader L. Dickson Flake, and her late mother, Linda Blaine Flake, and will name the facility the Shellam Flake Planetarium.

Shellam said the naming honors her parents, her father鈥檚 deep commitment to civic life in Arkansas, and her own belief in education as a bridge between the university and the community it serves.

Closed for nearly 20 years, the planetarium will undergo a full renovation, including major technology upgrades, improvements to the roof and flooring, and the installation of a state-of-the-art projection system that eliminates the traditional central projector, creating unobstructed views of the dome. The renovated space will feature modern, home theater-style seating for up to 89 visitors.

Shellam said she hopes the restored planetarium will serve as a point of connection between 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and the broader community, creating opportunities for people to learn more about one another through shared experiences. She also emphasized the importance of student involvement, envisioning the planetarium as a space where students gain hands-on, real-world experience while helping bring science, art, and storytelling to life for audiences beyond campus.

Once reopened, the planetarium will serve 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students, faculty, and staff, as well as K鈥�12 school groups and members of the general public. 

Shellam also envisions the planetarium as a multidisciplinary learning space that extends beyond astronomy to provide hands-on experiences for students across multiple majors. For example, the space will feature student artwork in adjacent outdoor areas, support student involvement in developing the planetarium鈥檚 visual identity, and offer business students opportunities to create and implement marketing plans.

鈥淭he planetarium has long been a special place on campus, and I wanted to help bring it back for today鈥檚 students and families,鈥� Shellam said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 meaningful to be able to restore a space that encourages curiosity and a love of science and learning.鈥�

The vision for the restored planetarium aligns closely with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 mission and its emphasis on applied learning and community engagement.

鈥淭his investment allows us to reimagine the planetarium as an active learning environment that supports teaching and discovery across disciplines,鈥� said Ann Bain, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. 鈥淚t will provide 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock with increased engagement with our community. It is exciting to bring life back to a space that means so much to Little Rock, the University, and future generations of planetarium visitors.鈥� 

The restoration also supports the university鈥檚 broader investments in science education, which include the campus observatory and other spaces along the Trojan Way. 

鈥淲e are incredibly grateful to Leslye Shellam for believing in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and in the vision we share for the future of the planetarium,鈥� said Christian O鈥橬eal, vice chancellor for university advancement. 鈥淭his gift reflects a close partnership with Provost Bain and our academic leaders to reimagine the planetarium as a vibrant, interdisciplinary learning space. As we approach our centennial, the Shellam Flake Planetarium honors our past while opening new doors for student learning and community engagement.鈥�  

The planetarium is on target to open in Fall of 2026 and is a part of the university鈥檚 broader science-based investments which includes the campus observatory, the future 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Museum of Natural History, and outdoor educational features such as the Solar System Walk along Trojan Way. Additional details about programming and public access will be announced as renovations continue and the planetarium is reimagined to support both student experiences and community engagement. To learn more about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Centennial Campaign and how supporters are making a lasting commitment to student experiences, visit .

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鈥淚 feel like many students, especially in the arts, haven鈥檛 had a lot of exposure to different places,鈥� Shellam said. 鈥淕etting outside of your comfort zone is so important for artists. Exposure to new environments and ideas fuels creativity. These travel opportunities provide new stimuli that can transform a student鈥檚 work.鈥�

These gifts continue a legacy of generosity that spans three generations of Shellam鈥檚 family and reflect her deep commitment to advancing education and the arts in Arkansas.

鈥淲hat inspired me originally was to honor my mom and dad, Linda and Dickson Flake,鈥� Shellam said. 鈥淢y mom was a nationally recognized artist, and even though she didn鈥檛 pursue a degree at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, she would take community art classes here to get reenergized. This was her home. My dad had a long legacy of leadership at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and I wanted to keep both of their names and passions alive in this community.鈥�

The Art Student Domestic Travel Fund will support travel for students to attend professional conferences, visit major U.S. cities known for cultural and artistic institutions, and engage in opportunities that expand their exposure to the broader art world. The Artist-in-Residence Housing Fund will support visiting artists who mentor and engage with students and in the Windgate Center of Art and Design.

鈥淟eslye Shellam鈥檚 generosity has a real and lasting impact on our students,鈥� said Joli Livaudais, director of the School of Art and Design at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淏ecause of her continued support, they鈥檙e able to experience art and culture in ways that go far beyond the classroom. I鈥檓 truly grateful for her belief in what we do and for the opportunities she helps create for our students.鈥�

Shellam hopes the support helps students grow beyond their perceived limitations.

鈥淚 want students to feel free to explore new media or creative paths that may not have been financially feasible otherwise,鈥� she said. 鈥淭alent isn鈥檛 static. It should always be evolving. That evolution needs inspiration, and I hope this gift helps spark it.鈥�

Her gift also reflects confidence in 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 direction and its role in shaping the future of Arkansas.

鈥淲hat keeps me coming back is that 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is not stagnant,鈥� Shellam said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 constantly evolving and deeply rooted in the community. When I see projects like the Windgate Center and major supporters investing here, it reaffirms my belief that this is a good bet. We鈥檙e investing in our future.鈥�

Shellam鈥檚 family has long supported 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock across disciplines. She is a major contributor to the L. Dickson Flake Scholarship in honor of her father, one of the original partners of the firm that would become Colliers International (now Colliers Arkansas). He served on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Board of Visitors for 12 years, including a term as chairman. Shellam鈥檚 father was a No. 1 Trojans fan who rarely missed a game.

鈥淗e bought his granddaughter, Sarah Shellam, a Trojan cheerleader uniform when she was about five, and the kind cheerleaders would welcome her to accompany them on court,鈥� Shellam added. 

Shellam also established the Linda Blaine Flake Scholarship in memory of her mother, a respected Arkansas watercolorist and former president of Mid-Southern Watercolorists, who studied and created art around the world, including in China, Guatemala, and Switzerland.

Even earlier, Shellam鈥檚 grandmother established a scholarship in the education department, inspired by a desire to advance training for special education teachers following her experiences raising a son with Down syndrome.

For Shellam, giving is not about recognition. It鈥檚 about impact.

鈥淧hilanthropy is most meaningful when you expect nothing in return,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd yet, when you give to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, you do get something back. You get the joy of helping students achieve something bigger. I hope my support inspires students to push beyond their limits and maybe even pay it forward one day. That鈥檚 what philanthropy should be鈥攈elping someone move forward, with heart and purpose.鈥�

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Leslye Shellam, the daughter of Linda Blaine Flake and L. Dickson Flake, created the scholarship in 2021 to honor her mother, who was an artist. The scholarship recipient also has the opportunity to feature their work in a solo exhibit at the Windgate Center of Art and Design.

鈥淭hough recognized as 鈥榞ifted鈥� from an early age, Linda knew that knowledge and experimentation to new, unfamiliar ideas kept her work fresh and inspired,鈥� Shellam said. 鈥淭he endowment in her name is intended to allow an art student more time for curiosity and self-exploration to channel their talent into a lifelong contribution to the rest of us who may need to be reminded of the 鈥榰ndefined鈥� that encourages personal creativity of all forms in each of us.鈥�

The exhibition, 鈥淎shi Franke: Linda Blaine Flake Endowment Art Scholarship Exhibition,鈥� will be on display in the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery in the Windgate Center of Art and Design. A reception will be held for the exhibition from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 6, in the Windgate Center.

The exhibition is a retrospective of Franke鈥檚 journey as an artist over the past decade. It covers work from when she started as a student at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2014 to her graduation this spring, when she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design, three minors in art history, digital graphics, and studio arts, as well as a technical certificate in graphic design.

鈥淭he exhibition covers 10 years of my time as a student at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� Franke said. 鈥淚 will have many individual pieces that include graphic design, photography, ceramics, painting, and illustration. The pieces will be organized chronologically so visitors can go on a journey of my art over time.鈥�

For many years, Franke never thought she would pursue art other than graphic design, but her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock inspired her to grow as an artist.

鈥淚鈥檝e grown a lot in the past 10 years, and it will be very exciting to show my artistic journey as an interdisciplinary artist,鈥� Franke said. 鈥淚鈥檝e allowed myself to grow in places that I didn鈥檛 expect, and this exhibition is my way to share that with the campus. I had my entire life mapped out, and it was all framed around me being a graphic designer. I didn鈥檛 turn out to be the person I thought I would be, but I鈥檓 much happier with the person I turned out to be.鈥�

All 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock galleries are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2-5 p.m. on Sundays. The galleries are closed on university holidays.

For more information, contact Nathan Larson, assistant art gallery director and curator, at 501-916-5104 or nglarson@ualr.edu.

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Leslye Shellam, the daughter of Linda Blaine Flake and L. Dickson Flake, created the scholarship in 2021 to honor her mother, who was an artist. The scholarship recipient also has the opportunity to feature their work in a solo exhibit at the Windgate Center of Art and Design.

The exhibit, 鈥淎nnika Wade: Linda Blaine Flake Endowed Art Student Scholarship Exhibition,鈥� will be on display from May 22 to June 14 in the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery in the Windgate Center of Art and Design.

A reception will be held for the exhibit from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 25, in the Taylor/Mourning Lobby in the Windgate Center.

The exhibit will include paintings that are a continuation of Wade鈥檚 Bachelor of Fine Arts painting project.

鈥淢y work is an unraveling of historical and cultural aspects of previous generations and how they influence today,鈥� Wade said. 鈥淲hile exploring the societal restrictions that have impacted my family, I gained a better understanding of the patterns I inherited.鈥�

The exhibit is an exploration of Wade鈥檚 family and the inherited patterns that are shared through different generations.

鈥淏ecause it is a personal journey, telling individual stories became important to me,鈥� Wade said. 鈥淭aking a nostalgic approach in some of my pieces, I have manipulated pictures of the same person, at different ages, to create double exposures that compress time. This highlights the pathways and patterns of each person throughout their life and gives insight into how they passed these patterns down.鈥�

The exhibit is free and open to the public. The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, and 2-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, contact Nathan Larson, interim art gallery director and curator, at 501-916-5104 or nglarson@ualr.edu.

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