The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Unveils an Exciting Fall Season of Programs & Classes

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) continues its inaugural year of programming by announcing a fall calendar of programs and events for all ages and audiences. Chakaia Booker and Raven Halfmoon, both nationally celebrated artists, will headline Artist Talks, workshops, and additional events in conjunction with the launch of AMFA’s artists-in-residence program.

In addition, AMFA’s Windgate Art School is offering an array of new workshops and classes for all skill levels. Registration for Windgate Art School classes and workshops opens on AMFA’s website beginning August 4, 2023. Members receive a 20% discount on art classes and workshops. AMFA Circle Society donors and corporate partners receive early access with member pricing on August 3, 2023.

AMFA continuously strives to be accessible for all by offering free admission and a multitude of free programming options. All programs, performances, and events will open for purchase or registration on August 4, 2023. Individuals can still join as an AMFA member to receive membership discounts and benefits.

Artist-in-Residence Programming & Artist Talks

Artist Talk: Chakaia Booker and Justin Sanz
September 22, 6:00 p.m.
Free admission, registration required

AMFA’s artist-in-residence program opens with Chakaia Booker, whose work is currently on view in Intentional Risks, the inaugural exhibition in the Museum’s Windgate Art School. Booker, who is internationally recognized for her monumental, abstract sculptures, has also been creating abstract chine collé prints for over a decade at the EFA Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop in New York City, the longest-running community print shop in the United States. Since 2015, Booker has collaborated with Master Printer Justin Sanz; at this free event, they will discuss how Booker's body of work has evolved throughout their ongoing collaboration.

Workshops with Chakaia Booker and Justin Sanz
September 23 – 24, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. – 5:00
$100 for members or $125 for non-members

For new and established artists, the is an incredible opportunity to work one-on-one with AMFA artist-in-residence Chakaia Booker and Justin Sanz, Master Printer at the EFA Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop, as they lead workshops on the printmaking collage technique chine collé. Students will learn how to use multicolored papers to draw or paint imagery that will be cut out and collaged through the printing press.

Meet the Artist: Raven Halfmoon
October 4, 5:00 p.m.
Free admission, registration required

AMFA will kick off Raven Halfmoon’s artist residency at AMFA with a free reception featuring a playlist curated by the artist and a specialty cocktail inspired by her favorite drink. Halfmoon is celebrated for her colossal sculptures that speak to her Caddo lineage and identity. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions about Halfmoon’s artistic practice and learn more about the work she plans to create during her time at AMFA.

Artist Talk: Raven Halfmoon
October 18, 6:00 p.m.
Free admission, registration required

During this engaging on-stage conversation, Raven Halfmoon will share insights into her creative process and how she merges her Caddo identity with contemporary culture and influences. Halfmoon is an artist-in-residence at AMFA from October 1 through November 12, 2023. Her work Do You Practice Your Culture? was recently acquired for the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation Collection and is currently on view in the Harriet and Warren Stephens Galleries.

Undivided: Wangechi Mutu + Firelei Báez
November 2, 6:00 p.m.
Free admission, registration required

Wangechi Mutu and Firelei Báez, two internally recognized artists, will sit down for a once-in-a-lifetime conversation as they delve deep into unexplored territories within their artistic practices. AMFA’s Undivided series redefines the traditional conventions of an Artist Talk by pairing contemporary artists together to interview each other, creating nothing less than an unforgettable dialogue. Mutu and Baez are both world-builders, creating hybrid art forms that balance relevant topics with fictional universes and fantastical landscapes.

Events for Everyone

Tours & Trivia
Wednesdays in September, 6:00 p.m.
Free admission, no registration required

AMFA guests can challenge their knowledge of movies, sports, pop culture, and, of course, all things art, with a fun night of free live trivia at AMFA. Participants are invited to take a guided tour of the galleries at 5:15 p.m. to gain an advantage on a few trivia questions before the games start.

Curator Conversations
September 8, October 6, November 10, December 19, 12:00 p.m.
September 19, November 21, 6:00 p.m.
Free admission, registration required

Join an AMFA curator for an in-depth look at a variety of topics, such as Modernism, American ceramics, and site-specific installations. These free 45-minute conversations include an engaging tour focused on the session’s topic followed by time to delve into deeper discussions.

Art for Two
September 29 and October 27, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
$120 for members or $144 for non-members.

The perfect one-night class experience for two adults where you each take home a finished piece. Class materials and refreshments included, no skills required – just come ready to create, unwind, and add some artistic spark to your evening. The cost of registration covers two adults.

Fridays on the Lawn: Live Music Edition
October 13, 20, and 27, 5:00 p.m.
Free admission, no registration required

This fall, AMFA will launch a live music series featuring local artist performances on the Event Lawn. Bring a blanket to relax on the lawn and enjoy this free night of music, drinks, and food. Music starts at 5:00 p.m. Featured artists are: The Funkanites on October 13; The Rodney Block Collective on October 20; and Bonnie Montgomery on October 27.

Youth & Family Programming

Sparking Dialogue Through Drama
September 9, 2:00 p.m.
Free admission, registration required

Sparking Dialogue Through Drama uses the performing arts to start family conversations about socially relevant topics. Designed for adults and children to attend together, this program begins with a reading of Candrice Jones’ play Cynthia’s Place followed by a discussion with a panel of artists and experts.

Ideal for children in third through eighth grades, Cynthia’s Place is a 10-minute play commissioned by AMFA that follows two kids on a grand time-traveling adventure to meet Althea Gibson. Althea Gibson was a multi-talented American tennis player and professional golfer best known for being the first Black person to win a Grand Slam tennis title. Candrice Jones is an award-winning playwright first foray into writing theatre for young audiences, and AMFA is thrilled for new audiences to experience the work of a rising star playwright.

Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster
September 30 and October 1, multiple showtimes
$20 for members or $25 for non-members

For young audiences and families, the lively Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster will be presented in AMFA’s Performing Arts Theatre and is a performance ideal for children ages three and up. The Emmy Award-winning production company Manual Cinema uses hundreds of illustrated paper puppets, two-dimensional props, furry monster puppets, live actors, and songs to bring Mo Willems' books to life in this unique theatre experience. As with all Manual Cinema productions, viewers are invited to watch the big screen like a traditional movie, or to watch the artists below as they create the story in real time.

The Fourth Wall Ensemble: Without A Net
November 3, 7:30 p.m. and November 4, 10:30 a.m.
Tickets are $20 for members or $25 for non-members

The musicians of The Fourth Wall Ensemble are bringing their high-flying shenanigans to AMFA. Part chamber music group, part theatre company, part modern dance troupe, and part circus act, The Fourth Wall blends music, theatre, dance, and acrobatics into a new hybrid art form. This family-friendly performance will be full of music and aerial acrobatics, experiencing the fun of the twirling topsy-turvy trombonist, the fabulous flipping flutist, and the death-defying drummer! Without a Net will be presented with a full 90-minute run time on November 3 and a family-friendly run time of 60 minutes on November 4.

Corduroy
November 25 – December 23, multiple showtimes
$15 for members or $20 for non-members

The heartwarming play Corduroy—produced by AMFA’s Children’s Theatre—will run with special school performances and weekend shows, as well as daily matinees presented during its final week. Don Freeman’s beloved picture book vibrantly comes to life in this fun and highly physical adaptation, which is sure to delight audiences ages five and up. Corduroy's enduring narrative encompasses universal themes of friendship, belonging, and acceptance, touching the hearts of all readers.

ArtStart
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.
Free admission, no registration required

ArtStart is an early reader program that pairs children’s books with art activities, inviting toddlers and preschool students to learn through reading, imaginative play, and artmaking. This program welcomes parents, grandparents, caregivers, and our youngest patrons to drop in and explore art.

Creative Saturdays
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Free admission, no registration required

Be creative with the weekends and stop by AMFA for free, hands-on art making activities perfect for both kids and adults. Each week, the art making activity is different, so new inspiration can always be found. Enjoy Park Grill’s newly launched brunch menu, relax with a coffee in the Cultural Living Room, take a tour of Harriet and Warren Stephens Galleries, or have fun playing with Flurffy, AMFA’s puppet-in-residence.

Press images can be found here.

Sponsors

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.

The Artist-in-Residence program is supported by the John and Robyn Horn Foundation.

Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported by The Shubert Foundation.

Sparking Dialogue Through Drama is supported by Rebsamen Fund and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.

Without a Net is presented in partnership with the Chamber Music Society of Little Rock.

Corduroy is supported by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield with additional support from Dr. Loren Bartole ‘Family Foot Care.’

ArtStart is supported by Junior League of Little Rock Centennial Celebration Committee and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.

Flurffy + Friends is supported by the Alice L. Walton Foundation.