Architects of Being Preview Night
2025-10-02 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Mark the opening of AMFA’s groundbreaking new exhibition – Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina – at this Member-exclusive event that everyone will be talking about for years to come.
For the very first time, Architects of Being presents the work of these two pioneering midcentury female artists in dialogue alongside key pieces from their iconic wardrobes. The exhibition introduces new research about each artist, offering a unique viewpoint into the intersections of two women who lived both remarkably parallel and wholly opposite artistic lives.
Secure your tickets now to see the exhibition before it opens to the public and prepare to enjoy beverages and bites that celebrate the style and star power of Nevelson and Slobodkina. Chic, black attire is encouraged!
Not an AMFA Member? Join today to access tickets for this event, or call 501.396.0322 for more information.

Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina is supported in part by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Alan Dubois Fund for Contemporary Craft, Ellsworth Kelly Foundation, Anita Davis, and the Jewish Federation of Arkansas.
The catalog for Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina is supported in part by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art.

This exhibition is organized by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
In-Kind support provided by Moon Distributors Inc. and O’Connor Distributing.
Photo credit: Cecil Beaton, Vogue, @Condé Nast (left); Archival photo from the Slobodkina Foundation (right).

Toast & Tour for Circle Society and Corporate Partners
2025-10-03 17:00 - 19:00
Toast to the opening of AMFA’s newest exhibition, Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina, with Dr. Catherine Walworth, Jackye and Curtis Finch, Jr. Curator of Drawings, as she leads a lively discussion and gallery tour.
Drawing inspiration from these two boldly unconventional women, Dr. Walworth curated AMFA’s traveling exhibition, accompanied by a catalog featuring original scholarship.
Not in Circle Society? Join today or upgrade your membership to access tickets for this event, or call 501.396.0348 for more information.

Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina is supported in part by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Alan Dubois Fund for Contemporary Craft, Ellsworth Kelly Foundation, Anita Davis, and the Jewish Federation of Arkansas.
The catalog for Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina is supported in part by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art.

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

Art For Two: Glass Hummingbirds (SOLD OUT)
2025-10-03 18:00 - 21:00
Learn how to create a vibrant and colorful glass hummingbird using the technique of flame-working glass over a torch flame.
Under the expert guidance of a skilled glass artist, you will learn the process of sculpting a delicate hummingbird, from shaping the beak and body to crafting the wings. You will work with a variety of colorful glass rods, using the torch to melt and manipulate the material to form the bird’s features.
Art For Two is the perfect one-night class experience for two where you each take home a finished piece. Class materials, a charcuterie board, and refreshments are included, no skills required – just come ready to create, unwind, and add some artistic spark to your evening.

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2025.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Art For Two: Coin Rings (SOLD OUT)
2025-10-03 18:00 - 21:00
Learn how to shape metal as you make a custom-sized ring from a vintage silver coin.
Art For Two is the perfect one-night class experience for two where you each take home a finished piece. Class materials, a charcuterie board, and refreshments are included, no skills required – just come ready to create, unwind, and add some artistic spark to your evening.

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2025.
Rings by Jann Greenland.

Votive Candle Holder Workshop
2025-10-04 09:00 - 12:00
Craft a beautiful and functional votive candle holder from rich, solid dark walnut—an elegant hardwood known for its deep color and fine grain.
In this hands-on woodworking workshop, you will learn how to safely use a drill press to create precise openings for votive candles and explore techniques for sanding and sealing the wood to bring out its natural beauty. The finished piece will serve as a stunning centerpiece or handmade gift, radiating warmth and craftsmanship.
No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided.

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2025.
Woodwork by Liz Koerner.

Creative Saturdays
2025-10-04 10:00 - 13:00
Inspired by Louise Nevelson’s sculptural work in AMFA’s new exhibition Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina, create colorful three-dimensional compositions using found objects. Explore texture, shape, and layering as you build your unique artwork.
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 are supported in part by the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina is supported in part by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Alan Dubois Fund for Contemporary Craft, Ellsworth Kelly Foundation, Anita Davis, and the Jewish Federation of Arkansas.
The catalog for Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina is supported in part by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art.

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.
Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported in part by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied on all classes through 2025.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Bead Setting Workshop (SOLD OUT)
2025-10-04 10:00 - 13:00
Learn the precision and artistry of bead setting in this focused jewelry-making workshop. An expert jeweler will guide you through the process of securely setting small stones using traditional bead setting techniques.
Instruction will cover tool selection, surface preparation, layout, drilling, bur work, and using gravers. With hands-on practice and expert guidance, you will develop the skills needed to create refined and professional-looking settings that add sparkle and dimension to your metalwork.

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2025.
Artwork by Lucas Pointon.

Monumental: Architects of Being Art Talk
2025-10-04 10:30 - 11:30
Explore how self-definition, structure, and materials shaped the lives and legacies of Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina whose works are on view at AMFA in the landmark exhibition Architects of Being.
Featuring the Founder and Director of the Louise Nevelson Foundation, Maria Nevelson; the President of the Slobodkina Foundation, Ann Marie Mulhearn Sayer; and the Jackye and Curtis Finch, Jr. Curator of Drawings at AMFA, Dr. Catherine Walworth, this discussion offers rare personal and historical insights into two groundbreaking artists.
After the conversation, enjoy lunch at AMFA’s Park Grill. Call 501.396.0390 or email parkgrill@arkmfa.org for reservations.

About Maria Nevelson

Non-profit founder, executive director, researcher, designer, and writer, Maria Isak Nevelson has committed her life to working and volunteering in the Arts. She graduated with a BA in art history from George Washington University and an internship at the Museum of Temporary Art.

Maria chaired the board for Nexus Foundation for Today’s Art, then established the Louise Nevelson Foundation in 2005 to educate the public and celebrate the art and life of Maria’s Grandmother. Maria initiated the Oral History program recording first-hand accounts of Louise Nevelson’s associates and donated “The Welders of Lippincott” project to the Archives of American Art. The Catalogue Raisonne Database meticulously records every artwork providing an invaluable resource for collectors, museums, galleries and auction houses.

The Foundation partners with organizations finding innovative ways to tell Louise’s story and inspire new audiences with fresh insights. Maria provides art consulting services drawing on experience as a commercial interior designer, real estate sales, jewelry designer, and sculptor handling every aspect from procuring contracts, designing, marketing, and sales negotiations through her company Nevelson LLC. A Louise Nevelson expert, Maria works with major auction houses, e.g. Christie’s and Sotheby’s, providing provenance research substantiating the artwork’s value.

She has written essays for Fondazione Roma, Amon Carter Museum of Art, and Centre Pompidou-Metz exhibition catalogues and appeared in CNN’s Style with Elsa Klensch for a yacht’s interior design, films by Dale Schierholt and Raymond Telles, and most recently, an interview with Faith Salie for CBS Sunday Morning.

About Ann Marie Mulhearn Sayer

Ann Marie Mulhearn Sayer is an accomplished artist, composer, and arts administrator, serving as President of the Slobodkina Foundation since its establishment in 2000. Under her leadership, the Foundation has preserved, catalogued, and exhibited the extensive body of work by Russian-American artist and author Esphyr Slobodkina, including fine art, children’s literature, textiles, and archival materials.

Sayer began her artistic career as a musician and performer, later earning a B.F.A. in Music Theater with a concentration in Composition from the University of Hartford’s Hartt School. In October 1991, her composition I Am a Good Child was selected as Song of the Year by the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements, leading to a performance of this and other original works at a World Habitat Day concert

In 1995, she began working with Slobodkina, initially as a composer creating musical interpretations of her children’s books. Their close collaboration continued until Slobodkina’s death in 2002, during which time Sayer became both her creative partner and personal assistant.

As president of the Foundation, Sayer has directed multiple large-scale initiatives, including a national three-year museum exhibition (2007–2010) and the creation of Caps for Sale & Other Great Tales, a major traveling retrospective launched in 2016. She has also authored official sequels to Caps for Sale, incorporating Slobodkina’s original illustrations and notes to continue the legacy in both literary and visual form.

Through her stewardship, Sayer has ensured that Slobodkina’s contributions to modern art and children’s literature remain accessible to scholars, educators, and the public. Her work continues to bridge historical preservation with contemporary education and performance.

About Dr. Catherine Walworth

Catherine Walworth is a modern art specialist whose curatorial work fuses political history, fashion, dance, and early film. Since joining the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in 2022, she has organized exhibitions such as Path to Abstraction: Picasso, Braque, and Cubism’s Impact on Modern Art and Kwame Brathwaite: The 1970s, while stewarding acquisitions for the AMFA Foundation Collection. Her upcoming national touring exhibition Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina (2025–2026) will be accompanied by a catalog featuring original scholarship.

Before AMFA, Walworth curated major modern and contemporary shows at Columbia Museum of Art, including Jackson Pollock: Mural and The Ironic Curtain: Art from the Soviet Underground. Her earlier work supported landmark traveling exhibitions at institutions such as Carnegie Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Art.

She holds a PhD in art history from The Ohio State University, and her book Soviet Salvage was short-listed for the Modernist Studies Association’s First Book Prize. Her recent writing explores fashion and visual culture in classic film, including a 2024 chapter on MGM’s Ninotchka.

Monumental: Architects of Being Art Talk is supported in part by the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina is supported in part by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Alan Dubois Fund for Contemporary Craft, Ellsworth Kelly Foundation, Anita Davis, and the Jewish Federation of Arkansas.
The catalog for Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina is supported in part by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art.

This exhibition is organized by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
ARTWORK (left): Esphyr Slobodkina (Chelyabinsk, Russia, 1908 – 2002, Glen Head, New York), Abstraction with Red Circle (detail), 1938, oil on canvas, 29 x 13 x 1 1/4 in., On loan from the New Britain Museum of American Art: Olga H. Knoepke Fund. 1994.02.
ARTWORK (right): Louise Nevelson (Pereiaslav, Ukraine (formerly Russian Empire), 1899 – 1988, New York, New York), Dawn’s Presence, 1972 – 1975, painted wood, 93 x 32 x 32 in., 3 x 32 x 32 in. (base), On loan from the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Virginia: Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 77.1241.

Exhibition Tour: Architects of Being
2025-10-04 12:00 - 13:00
Take a docent-led tour of AMFA’s groundbreaking exhibition, Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina, where the works of these two midcentury American artists are brought together in dialogue for the first time.
Enjoy a guided look at several carefully selected works on view, gain a richer connection to the exhibition, and leave with a new understanding of Nevelson and Slobodkina’s creative lives.

Exhibition Tour: Architects of Being is supported in part by Fleur S. Bresler.
Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina is supported in part by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Alan Dubois Fund for Contemporary Craft, Ellsworth Kelly Foundation, Anita Davis, and the Jewish Federation of Arkansas.
The catalog for Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina is supported in part by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art.

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

Youth Theatre Auditions
2025-10-05 13:00 - 16:00
AMFA is casting community youth actors aged 10 and up for our upcoming holiday show Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! 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 October 20 – November 23, 2025, and weekday and weekend rehearsals and performances November 24 – December 21, 2025.

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! is supported in part by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Cindy and Greg Feltus.
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by the Shubert Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
Photo: Iwan Baan.

Art Start
2025-10-08 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-10-14 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for a reading of Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina, a story of a peddler, mischievous monkeys, and a stack of colorful caps. After story time, decorate your own paper hat using vibrant materials, patterns, and flair to create your own take on the peddler’s famous caps.
Art Start 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 art-making.
This free program welcomes parents, grandparents, caregivers, and our youngest patrons to drop in and explore with us – no reservations required!

Art Start is supported in part by the Alice L. Walton Foundation and Walmart Spark Good.
Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina is supported in part by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Alan DuBois Fund for Contemporary Craft, Ellsworth Kelly Foundation, Anita Davis, and the Jewish Federation of Arkansas.
The catalogue for Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina is supported in part by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art.

This exhibition is organized by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Drop-in Printmaking
2025-10-08 18:00 - 21:00
Experiment with printmaking during this three-hour drop-in experience at AMFA’s Windgate Art School. Open to beginner and experienced artists alike, it’s a great way to learn a new art form or work independently on your own projects.
An instructor will moderate the session and be available for critiques and questions upon request.
Students are encouraged to bring their own materials or purchase materials from the AMFA Museum Store. Recommended materials are a carving block, five-piece cutters and stamp carving tool, and high-quality paper. Basic printmaking materials will also be available.

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2025.
Photo by Rachel Cobler.

Member Appreciation Day
2025-10-09 10:00 - 20:00
AMFA Members are invited to shop at the Museum Store and enjoy double the discounts! Stop by in-store to enjoy 20% off your purchase – double the regular 10% Member discount.
Some exclusions apply. Visit the Museum Store for details.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Woodturned Bottlestopper Workshop
2025-10-09 18:00 - 21:00
This one-session workshop offers an excellent introduction to woodturning – perfect for beginners or those looking to try something new.
You will learn fundamental woodturning techniques, including proper tool handling, methods for shaping wood, and essential lathe safety practices. After a brief demonstration, students will practice these techniques hands-on before creating two unique wine bottle stoppers to take home.
With step-by-step guidance from an expert woodturner, participants will gain confidence in using the lathe and exploring their creativity.
No prior experience is necessary, and all materials are provided!

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2025.
Bottle stoppers by Kim Fifer.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
2025-10-09 19:00 - 20:15, 2025-10-10 19:00 - 20:15, 2025-10-11 10:30 - 11:45, 2025-10-11 14:00 - 15:15, 2025-10-11 19:00 - 20:15, 2025-10-12 14:00 - 15:15
Step into a shadowy world where superstition reigns and every rustle of autumn leaves hints at danger. With sweeping visuals, hauntingly beautiful movement, and a powerful score, Sleepy Hollow transforms a timeless American ghost story into an edge-of-your-seat ballet experience.
Ballet Arkansas’s riveting adaptation of Washington Irving’s legendary tale blends bold choreography with historical drama. From the mysterious allure of the Headless Horseman to the richly atmospheric staging, this production delivers thrills, elegance, and spine-tingling storytelling like no other.

Art For Two: Small Planter with Natural Impressions
2025-10-10 18:00 - 21:00
Create a small, floral-themed planter that brightens up any space or countertop. Learn how to decorate your planter from an expert ceramic artist by pressing leaves, stems, and greenery into the soft clay.
Art For Two is the perfect one-night class experience for two where you each take home a finished piece. Class materials, a charcuterie board, and refreshments are included, no skills required – just come ready to create, unwind, and add some artistic spark to your evening.
Your creations will be glaze fired and ready for pick up approximately four weeks after the class.

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2025.
Pottery by Jenn Perren.

Creative Saturdays
2025-10-11 10:00 - 13:00
Inspired by the Ballet Arkansas’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, create dramatic cut-paper silhouettes. Use bold shapes and striking contrasts to capture the mysterious and enchanting mood of the ballet in your unique artwork.
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 are supported in part by the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported in part by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied on all classes through 2025.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Gallery Tour
2025-10-11 10:30 - 11:30
Drop in and discover AMFA with a free docent-led tour through the galleries!
With this fun, engaging, and memorable experience, guests of all ages are invited to explore the art on view while learning how to interpret and appreciate works of art in various media.

Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Gallery Drawing Workshop
2025-10-11 14:00 - 17:00
Immerse yourself in art and drawing during this hands-on workshop designed to explore artistic techniques and styles! This workshop offers a unique opportunity to creatively work in the galleries and gain insight from an artistic professional in AMFA’s Windgate Art School.
Our experienced instructor will lead you through the AMFA galleries and use artwork as inspiration to create a personalized work of art. Develop your drawing skills while deepening your understanding of creating line, shape, texture, and space.

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2025.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Drop-in Figure Drawing
2025-10-15 18:00 - 21:00
Immerse yourself in a three-hour drawing session set in an untutored environment at the Windgate Art School. This dynamic experience will feature a variety of timed poses with draped and undraped models, providing an excellent opportunity for first-time students and experienced artists alike to hone their skills.
Students must be 18+ to attend, as the session may use the undraped model. An instructor will moderate the session and be available for critiques and questions upon request.
Students are encouraged to bring their own materials or purchase materials from the AMFA Museum Store. Recommended materials are graphite drawing pencils, charcoals, and a kneaded eraser. Basic drawing materials will also be available.

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2025.
Photo: Iwan Baan.

Fridays on the Lawn with Cody Dickinson
2025-10-17 17:00 - 20:00
The fun of Fridays on the Lawn continues this fall with live music! Bring a blanket to relax and enjoy a fun night of tunes, drinks, and food with your friends and family on AMFA’s Event Lawn.
Let the music inspire you to be creative at a drawing easel and express yourself with the help of an instructor, or take a walk through the Museum grounds to explore our outdoor sculptures. Relax and stay awhile as you start your weekend at AMFA!
This week’s special guest performer is Cody Dickinson, an American roots musician and Grammy award-winning producer best known as the co-founder of North Mississippi Allstars.
Please note that coolers and outside food or beverages are not permitted.

Fridays on the Lawn is supported in part by the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
Photo by Bob Bayne.

Art For Two: Pottery on the Wheel (SOLD OUT)
2025-10-17 18:00 - 21:00
Learn how to throw pottery on a wheel!
Art For Two is the perfect one-night class experience for two where you each take home a finished piece. Class materials, a charcuterie board, and refreshments are included, no skills required – just come ready to create, unwind, and add some artistic spark to your evening.
Your creations will be fired and ready for pick up approximately four weeks after the class.

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2025.

Art For Two: Still Life Paintings
2025-10-17 18:00 - 21:00
Experience the art of acrylic painting and learn how to create a colorful still life! An expert intsructor will lead you step-by-step to explore the interplay of color and texture as you develop skills and bring your artistic vision to life on canvas.
Art For Two is the perfect one-night class experience for two where you each take home a finished piece. Class materials, a charcuterie board, and refreshments are included, no skills required – just come ready to create, unwind, and add some artistic spark to your evening.

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2025.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.
