America 250

Back to Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Community Created

Photo of a drawing of a person sitting at the base of a waterfall next to a blank postcard that reads Make Art With AMFA!

 

In celebration of America 250, AMFA invites all Arkansans to participate in a collaborative art project.

Take inspiration from AMFA’s painting Clay County Farm by Thomas Hart Benton (shown above) to design a postcard that illustrates everyday life in Arkansas. Use the postcard like a canvas to highlight what makes our state great: the diversity of its people, landscapes, and communities. What is your Arkansas story? We want to see it!

All contributions will be collected and added to an art installation on view at the Museum during Family Fest: American Summer. Join the fun and start creating your postcard today!

Community Created is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

In the Galleries

America 250 logoThe AMFA Foundation Collection reflects the breadth of the American story, from traditions to landscapes, innovation to resilience.

In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, AMFA has selected over 20 artworks on view that explore themes of independence, creativity, and self-reflection. These works are identified throughout the Harriet and Warren Stephens Galleries with the America 250 logo.

  • Thomas Hart Benton (Neosho, Missouri, 1889 – 1975, Kansas City, Missouri), Clay County Farm, 1971, oil on canvas, 32 x 22 in., Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation Collection: Bequest from the Estates of Louise and Fred Dierks. 2012.008.001.

  • Perle Fine (Boston, Massachusetts, 1905 – 1988, East Hampton, New York), Grand March Opening Theme, 1945, oil on canvas, 42 x 59 1/2 in., Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation Collection: Purchase. 2024.009.

  • Henri Linton (Lewiston, Alabama, 1944 – ), Arkansas Impression 978, 1994, acrylic on paper, 12 1/2 x 12 1/2 in., Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation collection: Gift of the artist. 1995.063.002.

  • James Nakagawa (New York, New York, 1962 – ), Rohwer 01, McGehee, Arkansas from the series Witness Trees, 2022 – 2023, archival inkjet print, 36 x 36 in., Courtesy of PGI, Tokyo, and the artist.

Photo of a boy looking at an abstract painting on a wall in an art gallery. A man in the background is holding hands and walking with a young girl.

Audio Tours

Expand your experience in the galleries with our Audio Tours!

The AMFA Mobile Guide gives you the opportunity to learn more about each artist and why their work is so important to the American story.

Listen Now

Field Trips

Explore how American artists capture our nation’s people, places, and stories!

School tours are designed based on grade level, focusing on curriculum connections that align with state academic standards.

Learn More

Upcoming Events

EVENTS

Family Fest: American Summer

Kick off the Fourth of July holiday with a day of art, music, food, and fun at AMFA! Around the Museum grounds, find exciting festivities like lawn…

DATE
Sat, Jun 27, 2026
10:00AM - 1:00PM
PRICE

Free

Food and drinks are available for purchase.

More Info
Family Fest: American Summer
EVENTS

Spotlight Tour: America 250

Take a docent-led tour to discover the diverse contributions of American artists throughout the AMFA Galleries. Enjoy a guided look at several carefully selected works…

DATE
Sat, Jun 27, 2026
10:30AM - 11:30AM
PRICE

Free

More Info
Spotlight Tour: America 250
EVENTS

Spotlight Tour: America 250

Take a docent-led tour to discover the diverse contributions of American artists throughout the AMFA Galleries. Enjoy a guided look at several carefully selected works…

DATE
Sat, Jul 4, 2026
10:30AM - 11:30AM
PRICE

Free

More Info
Spotlight Tour: America 250

Treasure Map

Pick up a Treasure Map on your next visit to the Museum!

This family-friendly gallery exploration tool highlights selected artworks on view that reflect our nation’s people, places, and stories, encouraging close looking, conversation, and creative responses through drawing, writing, or imagining.

Once your Treasure Map is completed, bring it to the AMFA Museum Store to receive a passport stamp and prize.