Community Calendar

The ARTx3 Campus will host the opening reception for the exhibition “Blaque” by Jonathan Wright, from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC), 701 S. Main St. The event is free, and refreshments will be available.

“Blaque” explores how a single shade can carry grief, resilience, tradition, and transformation within the African diaspora. Blending technology with traditional techniques, the artist uses matte black on black paper to prompt slow, intentional analysislooking—revealing layered histories, personal memory, and cultural legacy. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on their own heritage while confronting how stories can fade unless we choose to see them fully.

Wright is an art instructor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in visual arts. He completed his Master of Fine Arts in printmaking this year at Arizona State University. His love of working with his hands is what drives him to combine traditional printmaking techniques, such as woodcutting, with modern technology. His current body of work emphasizes the rich history of the African American Community, their experiences and their heritage.

For more information, contact Matthew Howard, gallery and visitor specialist, at mhoward@artx3.org or 870-536-3375.

Artwork: "Sunday Morning"

Exhibition webpage: artx3.org/exhibitions/jonathan-wright-blaque

The ARTx3 Campus will host the opening reception for the exhibition “Blaque” by Jonathan Wright, from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC), 701 S. Main St. The event is free, and refreshments will be available.

“Blaque” explores how a single shade can carry grief, resilience, tradition, and transformation within the African diaspora. Blending technology with traditional techniques, the artist uses matte black on black paper to prompt slow, intentional analysislooking—revealing layered histories, personal memory, and cultural legacy. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on their own heritage while confronting how stories can fade unless we choose to see them fully.

Wright is an art instructor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in visual arts. He completed his Master of Fine Arts in printmaking this year at Arizona State University. His love of working with his hands is what drives him to combine traditional printmaking techniques, such as woodcutting, with modern technology. His current body of work emphasizes the rich history of the African American Community, their experiences and their heritage.

For more information, contact Matthew Howard, gallery and visitor specialist, at mhoward@artx3.org or 870-536-3375.

Artwork: "Sunday Morning"

Exhibition webpage: artx3.org/exhibitions/jonathan-wright-blaque

Kick off our Big Read film series with a heartfelt and hilarious road trip that celebrates the beauty of imperfection.

Little Miss Sunshine follows one unforgettable family as they travel cross-country to support their daughter’s dream, discovering along the way that connection, resilience, and love matter more than winning. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this Oscar-winning favorite perfectly reflects the spirit of Ross Gay’s Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude, inviting us to embrace life’s messy, meaningful moments and find joy in simply showing up for one another. FREE and open to the public.

“NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.”

“El proyecto NEA Big Read es una iniciativa del National Endowment for the Arts (el Fondo Nacional para las Artes de Estados Unidos) en cooperación con Arts Midwest.”

Important Information:

Film Start Time: Doors open at 6:00pm, and the film will begin promptly at 7:00pm. As our films are general admission seating, please be sure to arrive early to secure your seat. Beer, wine, and concessions will be available.

Free Parking:

We’re pleased to offer complimentary parking for all attendees. Simply bring your parking ticket from the library parking lot (across from the Main Library on Rock Street) or the parking deck (next to the Main Library on Rock Street) inside the theater, and our friendly box office staff will validate it for you. Validations are for paid ticket holders only.

We look forward to welcoming you to an evening of timeless storytelling at the CALS Ron Robinson Theater!

The ARTx3 Campus will host the opening reception for the exhibition “Blaque” by Jonathan Wright, from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC), 701 S. Main St. The event is free, and refreshments will be available.

“Blaque” explores how a single shade can carry grief, resilience, tradition, and transformation within the African diaspora. Blending technology with traditional techniques, the artist uses matte black on black paper to prompt slow, intentional analysislooking—revealing layered histories, personal memory, and cultural legacy. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on their own heritage while confronting how stories can fade unless we choose to see them fully.

Wright is an art instructor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in visual arts. He completed his Master of Fine Arts in printmaking this year at Arizona State University. His love of working with his hands is what drives him to combine traditional printmaking techniques, such as woodcutting, with modern technology. His current body of work emphasizes the rich history of the African American Community, their experiences and their heritage.

For more information, contact Matthew Howard, gallery and visitor specialist, at mhoward@artx3.org or 870-536-3375.

Artwork: "Sunday Morning"

Exhibition webpage: artx3.org/exhibitions/jonathan-wright-blaque

The UAPB Jazz Ensemble will perform as part of the monthly Live@5 concert series from 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 3, in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s premiere jazz group, the UAPB Jazz Ensemble performs styles including swing, contemporary, funk, progressive and the standards. They tour locally and nationally.

Entry is $10 for ARTx3 members and $15 for nonmembers. This event is for ages 18 and older, with a valid student ID required for ages 18-20. Complimentary beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages are included for ages 21 and older. A valid ID is required to be served alcohol.

Live@5 is presented by MK Distributors. Additional support is provided by Simmons Bank.

For more information, contact Lindsey Collins, assistant director, at lcollins@artx3.org or call 870-536-3375. Webpage: artx3.org/all-events/live-5-april-2026.

Feel the need… the need for Bingo! Celebrate 40 years of Top Gun with a high-energy BingoFlix screening where the action on screen meets the thrill of the game. Follow Maverick and Goose through adrenaline-fueled aerial combat, iconic training sequences, and unforgettable one-liners—all while playing along for your chance to win prizes. Whether you’re here for the nostalgia, the soundtrack, or the competition, this interactive movie night turns a classic into an experience you won’t forget.

Thank you to this month's BingoFlix sponsors: Arkansas Arts Council, Bark Bar, Be Mighty Little Rock, Bella Vita Jewelry, Historic Arkansas Museum, Kilwins Little Rock, Little Rock Transylvanians, Loblolly Creamery, Lost Forty Brewing, Museum of Discovery, Nexus Coffee + Creative, Ozark Nut Roasters, Susan Strauss Jewelry, and Sweet Creations by Tiffany.

Important Information:

Film Start Time: Doors open at 6:00pm, and the film will begin promptly at 7:00pm. As our films are general admission seating, please be sure to arrive early to secure your seat. Beer, wine, and concessions will be available.

Free Parking:

We’re pleased to offer complimentary parking for all attendees. Simply bring your parking ticket from the library parking lot (across from the Main Library on Rock Street) or the parking deck (next to the Main Library on Rock Street) inside the theater, and our friendly box office staff will validate it for you. Validations are for paid ticket holders only.

We look forward to welcoming you to an evening of timeless storytelling at the CALS Ron Robinson Theater!

Jessica Kirson
Comedy
Jessica Kirson is a powerhouse on stage. She’s a hilariously relatable performer of sheer silliness, vulnerability, and ridiculous characters. Her countless comedic character videos have racked up over 200 million views on social media. Her audience is multigenerational, creating an excuse for large groups of friends and families to spend a night out together. In an era where only 10% of all touring comedians are female, Jessica stands out as one of the strongest comedians regardless of gender.

Jessica produced FX’s Hysterical, a feature-length documentary that premiered at SXSW 2021. The film explores the changing landscape of women in stand-up comedy and features Margaret Cho, Nikki Glazer, Chelsea Handler, Fortune Feimster, and other notable comedians. Her one-hour special Talking to Myself was executive produced by Bill Burr and debuted on Comedy Central. She is a regular on This Week at the Comedy Cellar and has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The View, HBO’s, Crashing, Netflix’s, Friends Who Kill, and Kevin Can Wait. She also recently acted in and served as a consultant, producer, and writer on the Robert De Niro film The Comedian.

Jessica’s highly anticipated prank call album, The Call Girls, also featuring Rachel Feinstein, was released in 2022. Recorded virtually during the depths of quarantine, the album features characters such as old Jewish grandmothers, sexy co-eds, a conservative mother and her gay son, and more.

She was awarded “Best Female Comic” by the MAC association in New York City and received the prestigious Nightlife Award for “Best Stand-up Comedian.” In her spare time, Jessica is a
regular contributor to The Howard Stern Show, where she produces and stars in prank calls for the show.

The ARTx3 Campus will host the opening reception for the exhibition “Blaque” by Jonathan Wright, from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC), 701 S. Main St. The event is free, and refreshments will be available.

“Blaque” explores how a single shade can carry grief, resilience, tradition, and transformation within the African diaspora. Blending technology with traditional techniques, the artist uses matte black on black paper to prompt slow, intentional analysislooking—revealing layered histories, personal memory, and cultural legacy. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on their own heritage while confronting how stories can fade unless we choose to see them fully.

Wright is an art instructor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in visual arts. He completed his Master of Fine Arts in printmaking this year at Arizona State University. His love of working with his hands is what drives him to combine traditional printmaking techniques, such as woodcutting, with modern technology. His current body of work emphasizes the rich history of the African American Community, their experiences and their heritage.

For more information, contact Matthew Howard, gallery and visitor specialist, at mhoward@artx3.org or 870-536-3375.

Artwork: "Sunday Morning"

Exhibition webpage: artx3.org/exhibitions/jonathan-wright-blaque

Celebrate spring and experience the beauty of Japanese culture at the Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival in Hot Springs. This free, family-friendly event brings together live performances, cultural demonstrations, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn more about the traditions that connect Hot Springs with our sister city, Hanamaki, Japan.

From dynamic stage performances to interactive cultural experiences throughout the day, the festival is designed for all ages—whether you’re attending for the first time or returning as a long-time supporter.

Celebrate spring and experience the beauty of Japanese culture at the Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival in Hot Springs. This free, family-friendly event brings together live performances, cultural demonstrations, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn more about the traditions that connect Hot Springs with our sister city, Hanamaki, Japan.

From dynamic stage performances to interactive cultural experiences throughout the day, the festival is designed for all ages—whether you’re attending for the first time or returning as a long-time supporter.