Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Art Start
2024-09-03 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-09-11 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
ArtStart 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!
In this session, we are reading Go, Dog. Go! and creating miniature race cars.

ArtStart is supported by the Alice L. Walton Foundation and Walmart Spark Good.

Wednesday Spins
2024-09-04 17:00 - 20:00
Elevate your midweek at Wednesday Spins! Experience a night of art, music, drinks, and socializing over beautiful views of the Museum.
Kick back with craft cocktails and music mixed by a live DJ or pop into the galleries to learn more about the art on view from our knowledgeable docents.
Drinks and music start at 5:00 p.m. in the Cultural Living Room. Gallery engagements take place from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday Spins is supported by Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Catherine and Michael Mayton, Trustees.

Creative Saturdays: Supercharged
2024-09-07 10:00 - 13:00
Stop by the Windgate Art School where every studio will be open, providing you with an all-access pass to explore and make! Whether you are an experienced artist or a first-time maker, this event provides an opportunity for guests of all ages to experience a variety of artistic disciplines through free, hands-on activities and exciting demonstrations.
Inspired by AMFA’s new exhibition Beyond the F1 Circuit: Artistry and Speed with Williams Racing, start your Saturday by creating your own race car. Using art materials and simple objects, build your own design and test its speed on the Museum’s imaginative Little Rock F1 Race Circuit, a collaborative drawing that will be created throughout the run of the exhibition.
As you explore each studio, imagine what it would feel like to be a student in the Windgate Art School, meet AMFA’s talented teaching artists, learn more about our Reduced Tuition Program, and discover the incredible range of classes and workshops available for all ages and experience levels.
Here is what’s happening in each space:

Drawing Studio – Theatre Games
Wheel Throwing Studio – Pottery by Hand & Wheel
Handbuilding Studio – Still Life Drawing
Metals Studio – Beaded Bracelets
Glass Studio – Glass Beads & Sculpting
Wood Shop – Veneer Patterns

The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation.
Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied on all classes through 2024.
Creative Saturdays are supported by Garver and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
Photo by Jason Masters.

Cello Stories: A Life Under Broadway
2024-09-07 19:30 - 21:30
Acclaimed cellist Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, has performed for 21 Broadway shows, including The Bridges of Madison County, A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George, and currently, The Great Gatsby.
In Cello Stories: A Life Under Broadway, Dr. Dorman-Phaneuf mesmerizes audiences with her exquisite arrangements for cello and piano, coupled with captivating stories about her life as a musician.

Cello Stories: A Life Under Broadway is presented in partnership with ACANSA.

Gallery Engagement
2024-09-08 13:30 - 15:00, 2024-09-15 13:30 - 15:00, 2024-09-22 13:30 - 15:00
AMFA’s welcoming and enthusiastic docents are available throughout the galleries to answer questions and help guests connect with art in a deeper, more meaningful manner.
We invite you to drop by, say hello to a docent, and discover new details, insights, and stories about your favorite art and artists while exploring the galleries at your own pace.

Photo by Jason Masters.

Wednesday Spins
2024-09-11 17:00 - 20:00
Elevate your midweek at Wednesday Spins! Experience a night of art, music, drinks, and socializing over beautiful views of the Museum.
Kick back with craft cocktails over music mixed by DJ Courier or pop into the galleries to learn more about the art on view from our knowledgeable docents.
Drinks and music start at 5:00 p.m. in the Cultural Living Room. Gallery engagements take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday Spins is supported by Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Catherine and Michael Mayton, Trustees.

Drop-in Printmaking
2024-09-11 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-09-25 18:00 - 21:00
Experiment with printmaking during this three-hour drop-in experience at the 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.

Photo by Rachel Cobler.
The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation.

Concert Series: Booker T. Jones (SOLD OUT)
2024-09-11 19:30 - 21:00
Booker T. Jones is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and arguably the most famous Hammond B3 player in history. As leader of the legendary Booker T. and the MGs, this pillar of soul music collaborated with Otis Redding, Albert King, and more during his tenure at Stax Records.
Since then, Booker has lent his trademark keyboard chops to and produced classic albums such as Willie Nelson’s multi-platinum hit Stardust and Bill Withers’ Just As I Am featuring the hit song Ain’t No Sunshine.
Both Booker’s 2009 solo release Potato Hole and his 2011 solo release The Road From Memphis won GRAMMY Awards for Best Pop Instrumental Album. In 2013 Booker released Sound The Alarm, marking a return to Stax Records after 40 years.
In 2016, Booker debuted his live show Booker T. Presents: A Stax Revue, working with new talent to create a show that reflects the heart and soul of Stax Records. Most recently, Booker released his memoire, Time is Tight, and an accompanying album Note by Note.
Booker is currently working on a new recording project and touring worldwide with his solo band.

Photo by Piper Ferguson.

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The 2024-2025 Concert Series is supported by Saracen Casino Resort.

Creative Saturdays
2024-09-14 10:00 - 13:00
Celebrate AMFA’s exhibition Beyond the F1 Circuit: Artistry and Speed with Williams Racing with this Creative Saturdays’ free make-and-take activity! Stop by the Windgate Art School to create an expressive painting full of colors, patterns, and lines using cars and wheels as your paintbrushes.
You are also welcome to contribute to the Museum’s imaginative Little Rock F-1 Race Circuit, a collaborative drawing that will be created throughout the run of the exhibition.
Expand this special experience by discovering what the rest of the Museum has to offer you:

Grab a family-friendly Treasure Map and start an adventure that ends with a prize.
Enjoy a coffee or tea and browse the books in the Cultural Living Room.
Explore the galleries and ask our docents questions about the art on view.
Relax over brunch with incredible views and a locally inspired menu at Park Grill.

Creative Saturdays are supported by Garver and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
Beyond the F1 Circuit: Artistry and Speed with Williams Racing is presented by Stephens.
The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
The Treasure Map is supported by the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
Photo by Jason Masters.

Art Together with ASL Interpretation
2024-09-14 10:30 - 11:30
For guests who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, drop in and discover the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts with a docent-led gallery tour accompanied by an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter.
This fun, engaging, and memorable tour provides all guests the opportunity to explore the art on view while learning how to appreciate works of art.

Art Together with ASL Interpretation is supported by Judy C Thompson Rev. Trust.
Photo: Iwan Baan

Glass Marbles Workshop (SOLD OUT)
2024-09-14 12:00 - 16:00
In this one-day workshop, learn how to safely use a gas-fueled torch to shape, control, and melt solid glass rods into colorful glass marbles of your own design.

Marbles by Donnell Williams.

Open Youth Auditions
2024-09-14 13:00 - 15:00
AMFA is casting youth actors for our upcoming holiday show Madeline’s Christmas!
No appointments are necessary – just come prepared to sing, dance, read scenes, and play acting games. All materials will be provided.
Community roles are volunteer positions. Actors must be able to commit to evening and weekend rehearsals October 28 – November 30, 2024, plus weekday and weekend rehearsals and performances December 1-22, 2024.

Photo: Iwan Baan

Open Adult Auditions
2024-09-14 15:00 - 17:00
Adult professional actor auditions are taking place at AMFA for our upcoming 2024-2025 season! We are officially casting puppeteers for Flurffy and Friends as well as actors for our upcoming mainstage shows An Unlikely Hero and Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat.
AMFA is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in our organization, community, and beyond. We are seeking a broad spectrum of artists – adults of all races, genders, backgrounds, and abilities are encouraged to audition.
What to Expect

Bring a current headshot, resume, and your general weekday and weekend availability.
Come dressed to dance and be prepared to play acting games.
Prepare 32 bars of a musical theatre song of any genre and a 30-60 second comedic monologue from any time period. Live accompaniment available and Bluetooth connection for recorded accompaniment available.
Callback auditions will take place immediately following open auditions.

Appointments are not required, but please email theatre@arkmfa.org if you plan to attend.
All cast and crew positions are paid. Housing is not included in the contract and is the actor’s responsibility.

Photo: Iwan Baan

Character Acting: Improv Workshop
2024-09-16 18:00 - 20:00
Practice your character acting techniques by exploring improvisation as a tool for creating and building a character in a group session. Connect with others in the theatre community and work with local theatre professionals.
All skill levels are welcome.

Wednesday Spins
2024-09-18 17:00 - 20:00
Elevate your midweek at Wednesday Spins! Experience a night of art, music, drinks, and socializing over beautiful views of the Museum.
Kick back with craft cocktails over music mixed by DJ Mike Poe or pop into the galleries to learn more about the art on view from our knowledgeable docents.
Drinks and music start at 5:00 p.m. in the Cultural Living Room. Gallery engagements take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday Spins is supported by Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Catherine and Michael Mayton, Trustees.

Drop-in Figure Drawing
2024-09-18 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.

Photo: Iwan Baan.
The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation.

Sparking Dialogue Through Drama: Breaking the Box
2024-09-19 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-09-21 14:00 - 15:30
In this edition of Sparking Dialogue Through Drama, AMFA presents Breaking the Box, a live performance that combines documentary theatre with fiction, video footage, and music to examine race, education, and equality in America.
Through a fantastical time-traveling theatrical experience, Breaking the Box revisits historical events beginning with dramatized stories from Little Rock Central High’s history of integration. Breaking the Box dives into complex themes, offering a unique forum for engaging in conversation through the lens of performing arts.
After the show, the dialogue continues with a panel discussion including the show’s creators and a member of AMFA’s Teen Advisory Board.

Sparking Dialogue Through Drama is supported by the Alice L. Walton Foundation and Virgil L. Miller, Jr.
The Teen Advisory Board is supported by The Schmieding Foundation and the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
Photo by Eric White.

Art For Two: Pottery on the Wheel (SOLD OUT)
2024-09-20 18:00 - 21:00
Art For Two is the perfect one-night class experience for two where you each take home a finished piece! Class materials and refreshments are included, no skills required – just come ready to create, unwind, and add some artistic spark to your evening.
In this session, learn how to throw a pot on the wheel. No clay experience necessary! Just wear comfortable shoes and clothing that is washable. Your creations will be fired and ready for pick up three weeks after the class.
Instructor: Kelly Edwards

Art for Two: Painted Portraits
2024-09-20 18:00 - 21:00
Art For Two is the perfect one-night class experience for two where you each take home a finished piece! Class materials and refreshments are included, no skills required – just come ready to create, unwind, and add some artistic spark to your evening.
In this session, paint a watercolor portrait of your partner. No painting experience is necessary! Just wear comfortable shoes and clothing that is washable.
Instructor: Sarah Lassiter

Photo by Jason Masters.

Gallery Tour
2024-09-21 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.

Photo by Jason Masters.

Art Journal Workshop (SOLD OUT)
2024-09-21 14:00 - 17:00
Enjoy making an artistic “Journal of Life” with pen and paint.
Instructor David Paul Cook guides participants on an adventure to draw, paint, collage images, and write in their journals while sharing examples of his unique handmade journals for inspiration.

Character Acting: Pantomime Workshop
2024-09-23 18:00 - 20:00
Practice your character acting techniques by exploring pantomime as a tool for creating and building a character and enhancing stage presence. Connect with others in the theatre community and work with local theatre professionals.
All skill levels are welcome.

Wednesday Spins
2024-09-25 17:00 - 20:00
Elevate your midweek at Wednesday Spins! Experience a night of art, music, drinks, and socializing over beautiful views of the Museum.
Kick back with craft cocktails over music mixed by DJ Drip Funk or pop into the galleries to learn more about the art on view from our knowledgeable docents.
Drinks and music start at 5:00 p.m. in the Cultural Living Room. Gallery engagements take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday Spins is supported by Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Catherine and Michael Mayton, Trustees.

Lynda Williams Jewelry Trunk Show
2024-09-26 17:00 - 19:00
Lynda Williams is an Arkansas-based enamellist who creates unique jewelry that beautifully echoes works featured in AMFA’s exhibition The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art.
Her unique style combines formed copper, powdered glass, sterling silver, and gemstones detailed using the sgraffito technique. This technique involves scratching away portions of the powdered glass to reveal a previous layer, which she uses to create flowers, leaves, and other shapes found in nature.
Shop her designs at the AMFA Museum Store during this exclusive trunk show, where Williams will be on hand to help you pick out the perfect piece.

The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art is presented by Terri and Chuck Erwin.
The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art is organized by the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Virginia, and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C.

Member Preview: The Triumph of Nature
2024-09-26 18:00 - 20:00
AMFA Members, Circle Society, and Corporate Partners are invited to a preview The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art at an exclusive reception before the public opening on Friday, September 27.
Wander the galleries to view the finest Art Nouveau treasures, then enjoy light bites and beverages for the perfect evening of art and community.
Not an AMFA Member? Join today for access to this event.

The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art is presented by Terri and Chuck Erwin.
The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art is organized by the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Virginia, and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C.

In-kind support provided by Moon Distributors Inc. and O’Connor Distributing.
ARTWORK: Alphonse Mucha (Ivancice, Czech Republic, 1860 – 1939, Prague, Czech Republic), Summer (detail), 1896, Color lithograph, 44 3/4 in. x 25 1/4 in. x 1 1/8 in., Photograph by Edward Pollard, Image courtesy of the Chrysler Museum of Art, © Alphonse Mucha.
