Community Calendar

The ARTx3 Campus will host open auditions for “Shrek the Musical” from 2-8 p.m. Sunday, April 19, and 6-9 p.m. Monday, April 20, in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at The Arts at Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St.

“Shrek the Musical” is a hilarious and heartwarming stage adaptation of the beloved DreamWorks film, bringing the fairy-tale world of Far Far Away to life with big songs, bold characters, and lots of laughs. The story follows Shrek, a grumpy but lovable ogre whose quiet swamp life is turned upside down when a group of misfit fairy-tale creatures are banished there. Alongside a fast-talking Donkey, Shrek sets out on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona—only to discover that true beauty comes from embracing who you are.

Packed with catchy music, clever humor, and a powerful message about self-acceptance, “Shrek the Musical” is a fun-filled show for all ages. Performances are July 24-26 and July 31-Aug. 2. The production is sponsored by Simmons Bank. Bethany Gere directs, with musical direction by LaLeata May, choreography by Grace McKissic and stage management by Emily Jackson.

Audition participants must be at least 12 years old at auditions, and they may register at artx3.org/all-events/shrek-auditions. For more information, contact Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call 870-536-3375.

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

Join Achieve Community Alliance, formerly United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas, in empowering children and adults with developmental disabilities to “live life without limits.” The “Voices of Achieve” luncheon will feature a keynote by mother-daughter duo, Tina Jackson and Tionna (Miss T), who will share the nonprofit’s positive impact on families across the state. Proceeds will benefit Achieve’s comprehensive support programs, from preschool to adult day services and career development. More details at achievecommunity.org.

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

UAMS Scientists Meet the Community!
Join us for a relaxed, engaging conversation with UAMS scientists.
Our goal is to encourage open dialogue and make science approachable and relatable—no science background needed!

To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, the LR Winds presents a narration of the Declaration of Independence in this stirring program of music honoring our nation’s history, heritage, and enduring spirit of freedom. Israel Getzov conducts.

Sponsored by Holly Eaton-Bradfield and Larry Bradfield

Arts & The Park, the annual ten-day celebration of the arts in Hot Springs, held at the end of April features a wide array of engaging and fun creative activities. Highlights include Art Springs; the free two-day outdoor arts festival held on Saturday and Sunday at Hill Wheatley Plaza and the nearby entertainment district in downtown Hot Springs. Art Springs includes a remarkable array of fine artists, artisans, and performers, along with hands-on activities for children, the Glover Awards for Songwriting, Steamroller Printing, and much more! Other events include Art Moves, the outdoor art exhibit installed along the Hot Springs Greenway Trail; Studio Tours, held at participating artist studios in Hot Springs; plus, many other amazing events. Stay tuned for more information about Art & The Park 2026!

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

Creating a space to celebrate and advocate for the Hot Springs arts community, offering beautiful play and creative experiences to share with our fellow friends and neighbors.

The Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance (HSACA) welcomes you to the Arts & The Park 2026 festival, a 10-Day Celebration of the Arts with live performances, captivating art exhibits, interactive play, culinary experiences, workshops, art labs, poetry reading, gallery walk, and studio tours across downtown Hot Springs and partner venues April 24 through May 3, 2026. Oaklawn is the premier sponsor, allowing the festival to be shared and talents to be showcased for everyone to enjoy.

In support of celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary, HSACA proclaims this year “We the Arts” as its annual theme, a play on words from the preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America, hoping to show how art unifies us through our varied experiences, reflecting America’s melting-pot nature.