Thursday, August 27, 2026, HOPE, AR. — The Southwest Arkansas Arts Council Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Jennifer Gentry as its new Executive Director, effective September 1, 2026.
Gentry brings an impressive combination of creativity, professional experience, leadership and enthusiasm to the position. She is an accomplished children’s author, publisher, speaker and nationally certified occupational therapy assistant who has dedicated much of her career to helping children learn, grow and express themselves.
Gentry is the owner of Chuckleberry Books, a publishing company through which she publishes her own work and helps young aspiring authors bring their book ideas to life. Since the release of her first book in 2023, she has published four children’s books: “Shoes On,” “Car Ride,” “Just Eat” and “Impossumble.” “Shoes On” was recognized as a best new release on Amazon.
As a children’s author and presenter, Gentry has shared her programs with hundreds of children, from preschool through junior high, at schools and libraries in multiple states.
She is also a licensed Arkansas and nationally certified occupational therapy assistant with more than a decade of experience. For the past five years, she has worked with students at Clinton Primary School, assisting children with handwriting, fine motor skills, sensory integration and other abilities essential to learning and everyday life.
The connection between occupational therapy and the arts is a natural one. The profession has long used creative activities and hands-on projects to support physical, mental and emotional well-being, an approach that complements Gentry’s passion for helping people discover their own creativity.
“We are looking forward to working alongside Jennifer,” said SWAAC Board President Wendy Jones. “She brings so many gifts and talents to the table, as we witnessed when she volunteered to assist Chris Espinosa with this year’s STAR Academy. Her creativity, energy and ability to connect with others will be tremendous assets to the Arts Council and our community.”
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Gentry grew up surrounded by the arts. Some of her favorite childhood memories include attending performances at the St. Louis Municipal Opera—better known as The Muny—as well as visiting the Fox Theatre and the St. Louis Art Museum. Her love for classic musicals began early, and she recalls knowing every song from Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals before she learned how to multiply.
Gentry and her husband, William, have lived in Hope for five years and are the parents of two children, Abby and Hudson. She is also a parishioner and catechist at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church.
“The Arts Council has a long history in our community, and I want to thank everyone who has worked to build it,” Gentry said. “I’m honored to continue that tradition and excited about where we can go next.”
The SWAAC Board of Directors will host a welcome reception for Gentry, giving community members an opportunity to meet and visit with her at the Arts Station. The date and time will be announced soon.
Formally founded in 1986, the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council has served Hope, Hempstead County and the surrounding region for more than 30 years as a leading source of arts programming and cultural enrichment. SWAAC remains committed to expanding access to the arts and enhancing the quality and presence of public art throughout Southwest Arkansas.
