Creative Saturdays
2026-03-28 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Create a stamped artwork using letters to form a unique design, incorporating book pages or your favorite quotes. This activity is inspired by performance artist Tim Youd, who transforms texts with a typewriter to create striking visual art.
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.

Elephant and Piggie's "We Are in a Play!"
2026-03-28 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-03-28 14:00 - 15:00
Jump into the joy of Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!—a rollicking musical adventure straight from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved, award-winning children’s books. This high-energy show features best friends Gerald the Elephant and Piggie the Pig as they navigate the ups and downs of friendship, big feelings, and unexpected surprises.
When Gerald, the thoughtful elephant who tends to worry, and Piggie, his endlessly upbeat best friend, are invited to a party by the Squirrelles—a trio of singing, dancing squirrels—their day takes a delightful and unexpected turn. Gerald’s doubts and anxiety bubble up, while Piggie throws herself into the fun with fearless enthusiasm. As surprises unfold, the two navigate soaring highs, sudden hiccups, and joyful discoveries—realizing that true friendship means sticking together, even when things feel uncertain.
Brimming with toe-tapping tunes, unforgettable characters, and big belly laughs, this delightful musical invites audiences to join in the magic of live performance—with plenty of playful, interactive moments along the way. With clever storytelling and joyful energy, it’s full of heart, humor, and meaningful moments that linger long after the final bow.
Stay after the show to meet the cast!
March 28 is Dress Up Day! Dress up as your favorite character—or wear anything that sparkles, twirls, or inspires a happy dance—and join a raffle for tickets to future AMFA performances.
Running Time: 50 minutesRecommended Age: 3 and up

Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by The Shubert Foundation and the McMath Family.
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” is supported in part by Caroline and George Makris III.

Art Start
2026-04-01 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-04-08 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 Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle, a cheerful story about friendship, teamwork, and helping others. Then, create a paper animal artwork inspired by the AMFA exhibition Lori Larusso: A Paradox of Plenty.

Lori Larusso: A Paradox of Plenty is supported in part by The Brown Foundation, Inc. of Houston.
This exhibition is organized by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters

Creative Saturdays
2026-04-04 10:00 - 13:00
Create a festive miniature garland by combining paper stars with colorful fabric materials. This hands-on activity is hosted in partnership with the MidSouth Make-A-Wish Foundation.
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!
About the MidSouth Make-a-Wish Foundation
Make-A-Wish Mid-South serves children across West Tennessee, North Mississippi, and Arkansas, granting unique and impactful wishes that bring hope and joy to families facing critical illness. Every 32 hours, a child in our community receives a life-changing wish—yet nearly 400 local kids are still waiting for theirs to be granted.
With more than 7,000 wishes fulfilled to date, Make-A-Wish Mid-South continues to demonstrate the transformative power of a wish. In April 2026, the organization proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary and the thousands of lives forever changed through the generosity of its community.

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.

Youth Theatre Auditions
2026-04-11 10:00 - 12:00
AMFA is casting community youth actors aged 10 and up for our upcoming season of Children’s Theatre productions! Register now and come prepared to sing, dance, read scenes, and play theatre games – all materials will be provided.
Community roles are volunteer positions. Actors must be able to commit to evening and weekend rehearsals.

Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by The Shubert Foundation.
Photo: Iwan Baan.

Creative Saturdays
2026-04-11 10:00 - 13:00
Design and build your own movable figure sculpture using colorful pipe cleaners and beads. Inspired by the expressive movement of Ballet Arkansas dancers, this project invites guests to explore balance, rhythm, and motion as they bring their figures to life through art.
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!
About Ballet Arkansas
Ballet Arkansas — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, one of America’s Top 75 ballet companies, and a Partner Company-in-Residence at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts — brings world-class dance and community connection to life across the state. Founded in 1978, with roots dating back to 1966, Ballet Arkansas has inspired hundreds of thousands through performances, education, and outreach.

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
2026-04-15 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-04-22 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 Clock Struck One by Trudy Harris, a playful retelling of Hickory Dickory Dock that explores time through rhyme and repetition. Then, create a paper watch inspired by the AMFA 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 was organized by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.

Image courtesy of Jason Masters

Creative Saturdays
2026-04-18 10:00 - 13:00
Create a nature-inspired artwork using plants as stencils in celebration of Earth Day.
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.

Creative Saturdays: All Day! with Laura Tanner
2026-04-25 10:00 - 17:00
Draw a food-inspired still life using a variety of drawing materials, inspired by Laura Tanner, AMFA’s visiting artist-in-residence. Tanner will work on her own artwork and encourages guests to bring kitchen items that are meaningful to them to be included in an evolving drawing that celebrates food, recipes, and the experience of shared meals.
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.

Making Together: Clay Birdhouses
2026-04-25 14:00 - 17:00
Inspired by the colors and textures of spring, this clay birdhouse workshop invites families to explore form, pattern, and playful design through clay hand-building.
Participants will experiment with sculpting techniques, impression tools, and surface decoration as they create unique birdhouses together. Along the way, kids and adults will discover how clay can transform simple shapes into imaginative shelters.
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
2026-04-29 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-05-06 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 My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan, a story celebrating our planet and the ways we can care for it. Then, create an earth collage inspired by the AMFA exhibition Lori Larusso: A Paradox of Plenty.

Lori Larusso: A Paradox of Plenty is supported in part by The Brown Foundation, Inc. of Houston.
This exhibition is organized by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters

Creative Saturdays
2026-05-02 10:00 - 13:00
Create a pocket-sized diorama inside a small container inspired by AMFA’s exhibition A Month of Sundays: Art and the Persistence of Time. Guests can design their own miniature world and add details to tell a story, making a unique piece fit for display.
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 was 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.

Fridays on the Lawn
2026-05-08 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-15 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. 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, and large bags are not permitted. Pets, blankets, and lawn chairs are welcome.

Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Creative Saturdays
2026-05-09 10:00 - 13:00
Make sun prints outside using natural materials as stencils inspired by the art on view in AMFA’s exhibition A Month of Sundays: Art and the Persistence of Time. Experiment with light, shadow, and composition to create one-of-a-kind prints.
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 was 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
2026-05-13 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-05-20 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 Shh! We Have a Plan by Chris Haughton, a story about teamwork and the clever ways birds navigate their world. Then, create a collage bird nest inspired by Natalie Miebach: Under A Restless Sky.

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

Creative Saturdays
2026-05-16 10:00 - 13:00
Create a colorful tin relief by embossing sheets of tin with a stylus. Inspired by the geometric patterns and textured surfaces in AMFA’s exhibition A Month of Sundays: Art and the Persistence of Time, this hands-on project invites guests to explore repetition, design, and the passage of time.
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 was 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.

Fridays on the Lawn (CANCELED)
2026-05-22 17:00 - 20:00

Family Fest: Young Arkansas Artists
2026-05-23 10:00 - 13:00
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
