Art Start
2026-05-27 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
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.

Film Screening: Give Me the Ball!
2026-05-27 18:30 - 20:15
Catch this exciting screening of Give Me the Ball!, an intimate portrayal of tennis legend and icon Billie Jean King. Via rare archive and candid interviews, Billie Jean King and those closest to her reveal how one woman put changing the world ahead of saving herself.
This brand new ESPN Films 30 for 30 documentary directed by Liz Garbus (Harry & Meghan) and Elizabeth Wolff (I’ll Be Gone in the Dark) premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Fesitval. The screening is presented in partnership with the Arkansas Cinema Society, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, and the Clinton Foundation in celebration of America 250.
About the Film
Billie Jean King is a global icon whose impact on tennis and equality resonates around the world. But the personal turmoil behind this transformational figure has in many ways remained hidden from view.
In Give Me the Ball!, we come to understand the sacrifices King was forced to make behind the scenes, even as she fought high-profile battles for the professionalization of her sport and equal treatment for women. From struggling to escape an unhappy marriage and hiding her sexual orientation to facing an eating disorder and staring down misogyny at every turn, her march to triumph was a long and often lonely one. This is a woman whose saga cuts deeper than her victory in the “Battle of the Sexes” showdown, and the film showcases King like the persistent fighter she was forced to be.
Through a trove of rarely seen archival material and powerfully honest interviews with King, this film explores the depths of agony she endured so that others might follow a less painful path. It is the story of selflessness, struggle, and triumph that shines an unforgettable light on a figure who is widely admired but, until now, never properly understood.
Run Time: 1 hour, 42 minutes

Photo by Ellen Griesedieck

Art Insights: A Shared Table (SOLD OUT)
2026-05-28 18:00 - 20:00
Experience the next chapter of AMFA Artist-in-Residence Laura Tanner’s community-driven project, Dish – an exploration of food, memory, and place.
Tanner shares stories and recipes from her first visit before inviting local chefs to the stage to discusses the inspirations behind their most popular dishes, revealing how experiences, traditions, and community can be found in every bite.
Following the discussion, savor small bites from the following restaurants in the Atrium:

42 Bar and Table
Back Home Barbecue
El Sur Street Food Co
Park Grill
Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom

Art Insights: A Shared Table with Laura Tanner is supported in part by the John and Robyn Horn Foundation and Art Bridges.

ARTWORK: Laura Tanner (Atlanta, Georgia, 1987 – ), Dish (detail), 2022, ink drawing on hand-cut Mylar, 72 x 120 in., Courtesy of the artist.

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.

Member Mingle: Fridays on the Lawn (RESCHEDULED)
2026-05-29 17:00 - 20:00
UPDATE: Due to inclement weather, this event will be held inside AMFA’s Windgate Art School.
Spend an evening at the Museum enjoying the summer sunshine over lawn games, art-making activities, and more!
AMFA Members receive a complimentary snack and drink, with additional refreshments available for purchase. Wrap up your night with a dinner reservation at Park Grill to unwind over great food and beautiful views of the grounds. Members enjoy 10% off meals, excluding alcoholic beverage purchases.
Coolers, outside food or drinks, pets, and large bags are not permitted. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome.
Not an AMFA Member? Join today to access tickets for this event, or call 501.396.0322 for more information.

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.

Exhibition Tour: 65th Young Arkansas Artists
2026-05-30 10:30 - 11:30
Take a docent-led tour of AMFA’s 65th Young Arkansas Artists exhibition celebrating the creativity and achievement of students artists from across the state.
Enjoy a guided look at several carefully selected works on view, learn more about this legacy arts program, and leave with a new appreciation for art education.

Exhibition Tours are supported in part by Fleur S. Bresler.
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.

Corporate Partner Summer Social
2026-06-02 17:00 - 18:30
Savor a special summer evening where business leaders are invited to gather in a relaxed, lounge-style setting designed for connection.
Step inside one of our more intimate event spaces, the Terri and Chuck Erwin Collections Research Center, to enjoy drinks while mingling with fellow Corporate Partners and Museum staff. This is an excellent opportunity to meet new faces, allowing conversations to unfold and new relationships to take shape.
Not a Corporate Partner? Learn more about partnership levels and sign up today to access tickets for this event, or call 501.372.4000 for more information.

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

Wednesday Spins
2026-06-03 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-10 17:00 - 20:00
Elevate your midweek mood at Wednesday Spins! Experience a night of art, music, drinks, and socializing over beautiful views of the Museum.
Kick back with craft cocktails, enjoy music mixed by DJ Afrosia, pop into the Galleries to explore the art on view, and strike a pose in the photo booth with your friends.
AMFA is the place to be every Wednesday night all summer long!
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.

Clay Animal Sculpture Workshop (SOLD OUT)
2026-06-06 10:00 - 14:00
Learn practical, hands-on approaches and methods to sculpting animals in clay with professional ceramic artist Judi Munn.
This workshop explores working from images and quick sketches to form the body, head, and limbs. Judi will demonstrate how to join the sculpted clay pieces securely, adjust the posture, scale proportion, and refine surface details. Students will experiment with creating texture, learn strategies for creating stable forms, and prepare pieces for finishing methods like terra sigillata or glaze.
All skill levels are welcome to discover an accessible and expressive way to bring animal forms to life in clay. We recommend bringing a reference image of a seated or standing animal, as well as your favorite selection of clay sculpting tools (if you have them).
All supplies are provided and completed sculptures will be bisque fired. Glazing is not included.

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.
Sculpture by Judi Munn.

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.

Gallery Tour
2026-06-06 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.

Gallery Tours are supported in part by Fleur S. Bresler.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters.

Meditative Sundays
2026-06-07 14:00 - 15:00
Explore meditation, reflection, and creative awareness in honor of AMFA’s exhibition A Month of Sundays: Art and the Persistence of Time, where art becomes a guide for slowing down, calming the mind, and reconnecting to the present.
Led in collaboration with specialists from the UAMS Mindfulness Program, Meditative Sundays offers a guided experience, from meditation and slow looking to sound baths and yoga. As the series unfolds, deepen focus, release stress, and build support well-being and connection through art.
In this session, create an intuitive drawing using flowing lines, shapes, and color to express thoughts and emotions. This relaxed, open-ended process encourages focus and calm through simple, guided art prompts.

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.

Photo by Sara Reeves.

Drop-in Metalsmithing
2026-06-08 18:00 - 21:00
Drop into the Metals Studio for a three-hour session to work on your class projects or individually driven artworks. One of our expert metals artists will be monitoring the studio to offer advice and direction towards completing your artwork.
Each three-hour session provides an opportunity to develop and refine your skills in an independently focused work environment.
This session is intended for students who are currently enrolled in a metals class or have taken an eight-week metals class at the Windgate Art School.
Supplies are not included. Students must bring their own materials or purchase materials from the AMFA Museum Store.

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.

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

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

Drop-in Figure Drawing
2026-06-10 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 an 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.
The Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied to all classes through 2026.
Photo: Iwan Baan.

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.

Exhibition Tour: A Month of Sundays
2026-06-13 10:30 - 11:30
Take a docent-led tour of AMFA’s new exhibition, A Month of Sundays: Art and the Persistence of Time, which explores the concept of time through modern and contemporary works of art.
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 the exhibition’s themes.

Exhibition Tours are supported in part by Fleur S. Bresler.
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.

ARTWORK: Mimi Smith (Brookline, Massachusetts, 1942 – ), December 14, 1978, The Eleven O’Clock News (detail), 1979, colored pencil and ink on black rag paper, 30 x 40 in., Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation Collection: Purchase, Collectors Group Fund. Photography by Jason Masters.
