Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Pastel Drawing Workshop
2026-08-10 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
Discover the vibrant and colorful possibilities of drawing with pastels.
In this introductory workshop, students will learn essential techniques, including selecting materials, building layers of color, and creating depth, light, and texture. Through guided exercises, participants will develop an understanding and gain skills working with pastels.
Designed for beginners and those looking to refresh core skills, this hands-on experience offers guided instruction in a supportive studio environment.

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 by Jason Masters.

Filmland 2026
2026-08-12 - 2026-08-16
The Arkansas Cinema Society and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts are pleased to announce the return of Filmland. Much like previous years, Filmland will showcase captivating independent films and riveting filmmaker conversations that you cannot see anywhere else.
Past Filmland showings include Sing Sing, The Bikeriders, Nomadland, Free Solo, The Eyes of Tammy Faye and more, appearing fresh off of their premieres at festivals like Sundance, Telluride, Toronto and Venice.
Over the last few years, Filmland has been honored to host directors Richard Linklater, David Lowery, Jay Duplass and Michael Shannon; producers Evan Hayes, Kim Reynolds & Brian Kavanaugh-Jones; and actors Colman Domingo, Margot Robbie, Jessica Chastain, and Oscar winner and ACS board member Mary Steenburgen.
Visit the Arkansas Cinema Society website for the latest information.

Art Start
2026-08-12 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, A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Phillip C. Stead, a gentle story about friendship and care. Then, create a collage and drawing inspired by the themes of slowing down and quiet moments found in 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 is organized by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
Image courtesy of Jason Masters

Wednesday Spins
2026-08-12 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 Nico, 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.

Drop-in Figure Drawing
2026-08-12 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.

Color and Clay Workshop
2026-08-12 18:00 - 21:00
Explore the possibilities of surface design through colored slip decoration on clay.
Learn to use liquid clay, called slip, to add color and create a pattern or design on the surface of a clay object. Through demonstrations and hands-on practice, participants will experiment with techniques such as brushing, layering, and carving to create dynamic surfaces.
Students will develop an understanding of how color, line, and texture interact on clay and how surface choices can enhance form and their finished work.
Pre-made clay tiles will be provided for each workshop participant to practice demonstrated techniques. Experienced ceramic artists are welcome to bring a personally made leather hard clay form to color, decorate, and carve.

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.
Artwork by Zach Wollert.

Creative Saturdays
2026-08-15 10:00 - 13:00
Try your hand at an approachable basket-weaving project inspired by the beauty of craft and natural materials. Drawing from Material Nature: John and Robyn Horn Collection, explore texture and pattern while creating a woven piece to take home.
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!

Material Nature: John and Robyn Horn Collection is supported in part by the Alan DuBois Fund for Contemporary Craft and Cindy and Greg Feltus.
This exhibition is organized by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and is part of Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, presented by Craft in America.

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: Material Nature
2026-08-15 10:30 - 11:30
Take a docent-led tour of AMFA’s newest exhibition, Material Nature: John and Robyn Horn Collection, which explores how artists use innovative approaches to traditional materials.
Enjoy a guided look at the works on view and leave with a new understanding of the exhibition’s themes.

Exhibition Tours are supported in part by Fleur S. Bresler.
Material Nature: John and Robyn Horn Collection is supported in part by the Alan DuBois Fund for Contemporary Craft and Cindy and Greg Feltus.
This exhibition is organized by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and is part of Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, presented by Craft in America.

ARTWORK: David Nash (Esher, England, 1945 – ), Crack & Warp Column (detail), 2003, chainsaw carved white oak, 33 1/4 x 11 1/4 x 11 1/4 in., Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation Collection: Purchased with a gift from John and Robyn Horn. Photography by Edward C. Robison III. 2004.005.001.

Fused Glass Coasters Workshop
2026-08-15 14:00 - 17:00
Design colorful glass coasters that will lighten up any table or counter top!
Learn the basics of glass fusing to arrange shapes and patterns in a creative way. Your completed designs will be transformed in the kiln to achieve a smooth and glossy finish.
This workshop is an excellent workshop for those interested in experiencing the basics of glass fusing.

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.
Artwork by Donnell Williams.

Drop-in Expressive Painting and Yoga
2026-08-16 13:00 - 16:00
Discover the connection between body, breath, and expressive painting in this immersive workshop led by Little Rock artist and certified yoga instructor, Lo Patt.
Lo guides participants through a blend of gentle yoga, mindful movement, and intuitive artmaking. You will explore how physical awareness can deepen creativity to make inspired paintings and visual artworks.
No previous yoga or art experience is required, just curiosity and openness to explore how movement and mark-making can inform one another. Please bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing for movement.

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.
