Family Fest: Young Arkansas Artists
2026-05-23 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Celebrate the creativity and achievement of student artists from across Arkansas. As the state’s longest-running art competition for grades K–12, Young Arkansas Artists spotlights imagination, skill, and self-expression each year. The exhibition offers these students the special opportunity to see their work showcased in the Museum.
To help celebrate their achievement, AMFA invites guests of all ages to view the exhibition, explore the Windgate Art School, learn about summer art camps, and create your own artworks through free, drop-in activities inspired by the art on view:

Atrium / collaborative doodling and photo booth
Windgate Art School / foam printmaking, portrait drawing, clay stamping, wheel throwing, and metal headpiece making
Art Lawn / bubbles and lawn games

This event is recommended for ages 4 and up.

The 65th Young Arkansas Artists exhibition and awards are supported in part by Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Delaware North and the Jacobs Family, Simmons First Foundation, Mid-Southern Watercolorists, and Blick Art Materials.
The Windgate Art School is generously supported in part by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
The Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported in part by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied on all classes through 2026.
Summer Art Camps are supported in part by the Roy & Christine Sturgis Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee and the Schmieding Foundation.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Young Arkansas Artists Awards Ceremony
2026-05-23 11:00 - 12:00
Educators, students, and their families are invited to attend this celebration of student artist and art educator honorees for the 65th Young Arkansas Artists exhibition.
As the oldest and only statewide art competition for young artists in grades K-12, Young Arkansas Artists is an essential program that emphasizes the importance of art in education and represents a wide range of media and techniques.
During the awards ceremony, Grand Juror Dr. Celeste Alexander – Executive Director of the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas – will highlight each student’s work selected for this year’s exhibition and present awards.

The 65th Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition and awards are supported in part by Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Delaware North and the Jacobs Family, Simmons First Foundation, Mid-Southern Watercolorists, and Blick Art Materials.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Art Start
2026-05-27 10:30 - 11:30
Nurture your early learner’s creativity through art, music, movement, and play! Art Start invites toddlers and preschoolers to explore in a welcoming environment that encourages curiosity, imagination, and growth. Each session features a story, song, and art-making activity, plus a special letter or instrument of the day to spark hands-on discovery for families and caregivers to enjoy together.
Drop by on this day to experience the story Monsters Love Colors by Mike Austin, a playful stories about colorful monsters and creativity. Then, create a squish sensory painting influenced by the art on view in the 65th Young Arkansas Artists exhibition.

The 65th Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition and awards are supported in part by Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Delaware North and the Jacobs Family, Simmons First Foundation, Mid-Southern Watercolorists, and Blick Art Materials.
This exhibition is organized by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Fridays on the Lawn
2026-05-29 17:00 - 20:00
UPDATE: Due to inclement weather, this event will be held inside AMFA’s Windgate Art School.
Kick off your weekend with sunshine, lawn games, cold drinks, and endless fun for everyone.
Get competitive over games like baggo or bocce ball, sketch your surroundings at a drawing easel, and pick up a refreshing snow cone. As a special surprise for our youngest adventurers, AMFA’s pink puppet dog Flurffy is stopping by to play ahead of his tenth birthday!
For an extra special experience, make a reservation at Park Grill to enjoy dinner and drinks outdoors with a beautiful view.
Coolers, outside food or drinks, pets, and large bags are not permitted. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome.

Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Windgate Art School Open House
2026-05-29 17:30 - 19:00
Ahead of AMFA’s Summer Art Camps kicking off on June 8, parents and families are invited to explore the Windgate Art School and meet its engaging instructors.
This is a great opportunity to interact your child’s teacher, learn more about the school, and prepare for camp to begin. If you have any questions, this is the perfect time to ask them!
While you are here, stop by Fridays on the Lawn to enjoy lawn games, art activities, and more with your family.

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
The Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2026.
Summer Art Camps are supported in part by the Roy & Christine Sturgis Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee and the Schmieding Foundation.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Creative Saturdays: All Day! with Laura Tanner
2026-05-30 10:00 - 17:00
Contribute to a large-scale collaborative drawing by adding your favorite dish to a shared, table-themed artwork. Inspired by Laura Tanner, AMFA’s visiting artist-in-residence, this project celebrates community and creativity through food-centered art. Tanner will work on her own artwork in the space, inviting families to stop by and see the creative process in action.
At Creative Saturdays, guests of all ages and abilities are welcome. Just drop in and enjoy a free, family-friendly art-making activity in AMFA’s Windgate Art School—no registration required!

Creative Saturdays: All Day! with Laura Tanner is supported in part by the John and Robyn Horn Foundation and Art Bridges.

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
The Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported in part by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied on all classes through 2026.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Art Start
2026-06-03 10:30 - 11:30
Nurture your early learner’s creativity through art, music, movement, and play! Art Start invites toddlers and preschoolers to explore in a welcoming environment that encourages curiosity, imagination, and growth. Each session features a story, song, and art-making activity, plus a special letter or instrument of the day to spark hands-on discovery for families and caregivers to enjoy together.
Drop by on this day to experience the story Monsters Love Colors by Mike Austin, a playful story about colorful monsters and creativity. Then, create a squish sensory painting influenced by the art on view in the 65th Young Arkansas Artists exhibition.

The 65th Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition and awards are supported in part by Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Delaware North and the Jacobs Family, Simmons First Foundation, Mid-Southern Watercolorists, and Blick Art Materials.
This exhibition is organized by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters

Creative Saturdays
2026-06-06 10:00 - 13:00
Design and create a custom button to wear proudly. In partnership with SoMa’s Pride celebration and parade, this hands-on project invites guests to express identity, creativity, and community through bold color, imagery, and personal design.
At Creative Saturdays, guests of all ages and abilities are welcome. Just drop in and enjoy a free, family-friendly art-making activity in AMFA’s Windgate Art School – no registration required!

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
The Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported in part by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied on all classes through 2026.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Flurffy in the Land of Almost Awake (SOLD OUT)
2026-06-06 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-06-06 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-06-07 14:00 - 14:30
Join Flurffy, AMFA’s canine puppet-in-residence, on a whimsical, dreamlike adventure as he prepares for his 10th birthday celebration with his best friend, Emily! After a long day of planning, they finally drift off to sleep, and their imaginations carry them to the magical Land of Almost Awake—a place where clouds become stages, pajamas become costumes, and everyday moments transform into something extraordinary.
Designed for early learners (ages 5 and under) and their caregivers, this original, immersive experience features imaginative lighting, painterly visuals, and a sensory-rich environment that invites children to explore art and imagination together.
After the performance, receive a special birthday invitation that guides you into the Galleries, where the theatrical experience continues through playful engagement with select works on view.

Flurffy in the Land of Almost Awake is supported in part by Art Bridges.

Flurffy in the Land of Almost Awake
2026-06-09 10:30 - 11:00
Join Flurffy, AMFA’s canine puppet-in-residence, on a whimsical, dreamlike adventure as he prepares for his 10th birthday celebration with his best friend, Emily! After a long day of planning, they finally drift off to sleep, and their imaginations carry them to the magical Land of Almost Awake—a place where clouds become stages, pajamas become costumes, and everyday moments transform into something extraordinary.
Designed for early learners (ages 5 and under) and their caregivers, this original, immersive experience features imaginative lighting, painterly visuals, and a sensory-rich environment that invites children to explore art and imagination together.
After the performance, receive a special birthday invitation that guides you into the Galleries, where the theatrical experience continues through playful engagement with select works on view.

Flurffy in the Land of Almost Awake is supported in part by Art Bridges.

The Wonder Space is supported in part by the Judith Faust Estate.

Flurffy in The Land of Almost Awake (SOLD OUT)
2026-06-10 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-06-11 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-06-12 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-06-13 10:30 - 11:00, 2026-06-13 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-06-14 14:00 - 14:30

Art Start
2026-06-10 10:30 - 11:30
Nurture your early learner’s creativity through art, music, movement, and play! Art Start invites toddlers and preschoolers to explore in a welcoming environment that encourages curiosity, imagination, and growth. Each session features a story, song, and art-making activity, plus a special letter or instrument of the day to spark hands-on discovery for families and caregivers to enjoy together.
Drop by on this day to experience the story Yes & No by Elisha Cooper, a story about teamwork and the clever ways birds navigate their world. Then, create a college dog inspired by the story and AMFA’s pink puppet, Flurffy.

Flurffy in the Land of Almost Awake is supported in part by Art Bridges.

Image courtesy of Jason Masters

Flurffy's 10th Birthday Party
2026-06-12 11:00 - 12:00
Circle Society Donors and their families are invited to an extra special birthday party filled with playful puppet meet-and-greets, cheerful photo moments, and festive birthday treats.
Following the 10:30 a.m. performance of Flurffy in the Land of Almost Awake, celebrate a decade of tail-wagging theatre magic with AMFA’s very special birthday pup, Flurffy.
Do not miss this joy-filled event!
Not in Circle Society? Join today or upgrade your membership to access tickets for this event, or call 501.372.4000 for more information.

Flurffy in the Land of Almost Awake is supported in part by Art Bridges.

Photo by Sara Reeves.

Creative Saturdays
2026-06-13 10:00 - 13:00
Create a collaged frame designed to display meaningful memories. Inspired by A Month of Sundays: Art and the Persistence of Time, this project invites guests to reflect on time, moments, and personal stories while layering materials, images, and textures into one-of-a-kind keepsakes.
At Creative Saturdays, guests of all ages and abilities are welcome. Just drop in and enjoy a free, family-friendly art-making activity in AMFA’s Windgate Art School – no registration required!

The Mid-South Cohort, a multi-year, multi-institutional exhibition partnership formed by the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, in collaboration with the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, the Birmingham Museum of Art, Fisk University Art Gallery, and the Mississippi Museum of Art, is made possible by the Art Bridges Cohort Program.

This exhibition is organized by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
The Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported in part by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied on all classes through 2026.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Art Start
2026-06-17 10:30 - 11:30
Nurture your early learner’s creativity through art, music, movement, and play! Art Start invites toddlers and preschoolers to explore in a welcoming environment that encourages curiosity, imagination, and growth. Each session features a story, song, and art-making activity, plus a special letter or instrument of the day to spark hands-on discovery for families and caregivers to enjoy together.
Drop by on this day to experience the story, The Napping House by Audrey Wood, a story about a growing group of family and animals trying to take a nap. Then create an air-dry clay animal inspired by themes from the exhibition A Month of Sundays: Art and the Persistence of Time.

The Mid-South Cohort, a multi-year, multi-institutional exhibition partnership formed by the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, in collaboration with the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, the Birmingham Museum of Art, Fisk University Art Gallery, and the Mississippi Museum of Art, is made possible by the Art Bridges Cohort Program.

This exhibition is organized by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters

Juneteenth Creative Morning
2026-06-19 10:00 - 13:00
Celebrate Juneteenth with a drop-in art-making experience that invites families to reflect on history, community, and the evolving promise of America.
Take inspiration from LaToya M. Hobbs’s Dahlias for Naima – a work highlighted in the Museum’s America 250 selection – to create bold portraits using layered shapes, patterns, and colors that express your identity and honor the people who inspire you.
Presented in collaboration with the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center’s Juneteenth in the Rock celebration, this free program offers a chance to begin your holiday festivities with a morning spent creating, connecting, and reflecting through art at AMFA.

This is an official Juneteenth in Da Rock affiliate event.

Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Creative Saturdays
2026-06-20 10:00 - 13:00
Create a bold paper portrait using vibrant construction paper to cut, layer, and assemble a self-portrait or a portrait of someone meaningful. In celebration of Juneteenth, this project invites guests to reflect on identity, community, and personal stories while exploring color, shape, and expression through collage.
At Creative Saturdays, guests of all ages and abilities are welcome. Just drop in and enjoy a free, family-friendly art-making activity in AMFA’s Windgate Art School – no registration required!

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
The Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported in part by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied on all classes through 2026.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Making Together: Clay Game Sets
2026-06-21 13:00 - 16:00
Explore ceramics by creating a custom game set alongside your child. Participants will hand-build a game board and sculpt coordinating pieces inspired by games such as Tick Tack Toe, Checkers, or a unique brand-new game.
Making Together offers families an opportunity to come together and create. Register now to enjoy a day full of artmaking fun with your child!

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
The Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2026.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Art Start
2026-06-24 10:30 - 11:30
Nurture your early learner’s creativity through art, music, movement, and play! Art Start invites toddlers and preschoolers to explore in a welcoming environment that encourages curiosity, imagination, and growth. Each session features a story, song, and art-making activity, plus a special letter or instrument of the day to spark hands-on discovery for families and caregivers to enjoy together.
Drop by on this day to experience the story, Windows by Julia Denos, a story about teamwork and the clever ways birds navigate their world. Then, create a colorful window view inspired by the many perspectives and shared stories celebrated through America 250.

Image courtesy of Jason Masters

Family Fest: American Summer
2026-06-27 10:00 - 13:00
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 games, live music, tasty concessions, and even a car show – and look out for laughs with our beloved pink puppet dog, Flurffy.
Step inside the Museum to experience an art installation, enjoy free art-making activities, and more:

Art Activities / Try your hand at flag making, clay stamping, calligraphy, and more in the Windgate Art School.
Community Created / Explore an art installation in the Atrium featuring thousands of postcards collected from Arkansans across the state.
Drinks & Snacks / Purchase treats like snow cones, hot dogs, fruit, and lemonade on the Event Lawn.
Lawn Games / Play Baggo, Giant Connect Four, and other fun games on the Event Lawn.
Letters to America / Put your American story into words with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Clinton Presidential Center, and Made By Us in the Cultural Living Room.
Live Entertainment / Play with Big Poppa Bubble or relax and unwind to live music performed by Hickory and Honey on the Event Lawn.
Car Show / Check out classic American cars, vintage trucks, and more vehicles from the Museum of Automobiles parked outside the Courtyard Entrance.

This event is recommended for ages 4 and up.

Family Fest: American Summer and Community Created are made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
The Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2026.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Art Start
2026-07-01 10:30 - 11:30
Nurture your early learner’s creativity through art, music, movement, and play! Art Start invites toddlers and preschoolers to explore in a welcoming environment that encourages curiosity, imagination, and growth. Each session features a story, song, and art-making activity, plus a special letter or instrument of the day to spark hands-on discovery for families and caregivers to enjoy together.
Drop by on this day to experience the story, Windows by Julia Denos, a poetic look at different views and moments in everyday life. Then, create a colorful window view inspired by the many perspectives and shared stories celebrated through America 250.

Image courtesy of Jason Masters

Creative Saturdays
2026-07-04 10:00 - 13:00
Create a dynamic college firework using bold shapes, layer materials, and vibrant color. Inspired by our nation’s Independence Day and this year’s America 250 celebration, this project invites guests to celebrate creativity, history, and moments of joy through artmaking.
At Creative Saturdays, guests of all ages and abilities are welcome. Just drop in and enjoy a free, family-friendly art-making activity in AMFA’s Windgate Art School – no registration required!

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
The Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported in part by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied on all classes through 2026.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Art Start
2026-07-08 10:30 - 11:30
Nurture your early learner’s creativity through art, music, movement, and play! Art Start invites toddlers and preschoolers to explore in a welcoming environment that encourages curiosity, imagination, and growth. Each session features a story, song, and art-making activity, plus a special letter or instrument of the day to spark hands-on discovery for families and caregivers to enjoy together.
Drop by on this day to experience the story, Maybe Something Beautiful by Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell, a story about how art and kindness can transform a community. Then, create watercolor flowers inspired by the creativity and joyful expressions found in the 65th Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition.

The 65th Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition and awards are supported in part by Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Delaware North and the Jacobs Family, Simmons First Foundation, Mid-Southern Watercolorists, and Blick Art Materials.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters
