During the summer when our stages hosted fewer events and shows, we expanded and renovated the Friends lounge. This change was needed due to the popularity of the Friends program.
Friends help Walton Arts Center share the transformative experience of the arts with our community through free school field trips, educator professional development, subsidized and free ticket programs and community outreach projects. Those who donate $1,000 or more annually receive access to the Friends Lounge all season. The space is open prior to shows in Baum Walker Hall and offers catered hors d’oeuvres, theater snacks and select complimentary drinks as well as exclusive offerings for purchase at the bar.
Because of the popularity of the Friends program and our gratitude to these individual donors, the Sudduth Garden Room and former Joy Pratt Markham Gallery got a makeover in time for the 2025-26 season.
The renovation expanded the lounge into the Joy Pratt Markham Gallery and included new finishes, furniture and lighting, and a dedicated entrance for Friends through the Bradberry Rose Garden and Amphitheater. Melissa Hall Simmons of Studio MH designed the new space.
“I had spent many nights in the previous Friend’s Lounge at Walton Arts Center, and knew there was room for improvement," said Simmons, who is a donor and patron. “When Peter Lane reached out to me, I knew he was committed to elevating the experience for the patrons, and that we could deliver on that!” Studio MH typically focuses on full-scope residential design but were excited to take on this special project.
MIXD Gallery helped curate a selection of regional artwork for the new space. The collection highlights the depth of talent in our region – artists whose practices span painting, photography, mixed media and beyond. By bringing these works into the lounge, the project bridges the performing and visual arts, offering our treasured Friends an immersive experience where creativity converges across disciplines.
“The former gallery was an interior space, without windows so I wanted it to be dark and moody and feel celebratory and special as a night at the theater often is,” said Simmons. “The “lounge” space lacked any architectural features; it was really a white box. We decided to wrap the room in a color wash of a deep Barolo shade. My favorite feature besides the beautiful bar is the way we used fabric panels on the walls to create interest and soften sound. The Garden Room on the other hand has a connection to the outdoors with the patio and lots of glass, so we wanted to keep that feeling and go brighter and lean into the ‘garden’ name.”
Visit the new entry and “look up!” Simmons says. In the dedicated entry vestibule, the best part is the mitered ceiling in Simmon’s opinion. Other standout moments of this new entry point are the dramatically tied-back drapery panels that offer a peak of each space when you walk in the door, the bold but classic stripe on the walls and drapery panels.
Learn more about how you can enjoy this space all season long – and share the transformative experience of the arts with students, educators and community members – at waltonartscenter.org/friends.
