Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Young Arkansas Artists Awards Ceremony
2026-05-23 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
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.
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 Young Arkansas Artists exhibition.

Nathalie Miebach: Under A Restless Sky is supported in part by The Brown Foundation, Inc. of Houston and Bank of America.
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
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 – both boozy and non-alcoholic versions are available. As a special surprise for our youngest adventurers, AMFA’s pink puppet dog Flurffy is stopping by to play!
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, and large bags are not permitted. Pets, blankets, and lawn chairs are welcome.

Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Creative Saturdays: All Day! with Laura Tanner
2026-05-30 10:00 - 17:00
Design miniature foods using air-dry clay, inspired by the work of Laura Tanner, AMFA’s visiting artist-in-residence. Explore how community and food traditions can spark creative ideas for your own tiny creations.
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!

Artist-in-Residence Laura Tanner is supported in part by the John and Robyn Horn Foundation.
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.
