You can still get your art fix despite social distancing. While the Arkansas Arts Center’s in-person programs are postponed, the center is offering creative and engaging arts experiences online.
In March, the Arkansas Arts Center launched Arkansas Arts Center Amplified, a Facebook group featuring artist demonstrations, highlights of artworks from the Arkansas Arts Center Foundation Collection, Children’s Theatre performances and episodes of “Our Work Continues,” an original web series developed by the center.
And Museum School instructors have resources to help you channel your inner creative during quarantine. Instructors have filmed videos from their homes offering step-by-step art projects, prompts and artist demonstrations. And while it’s unable to continue its touring shows for the time being, the AAC’s Children’s Theatre hosted a Facebook Watch Party of “Wynken, Blynken, and Nod: A Play for the Very Young.” The Watch Party was followed by a live-stream Q&A and an at-home art activity. Both videos are available for viewing in the new Facebook group.
And just this month, the AAC announced a new schedule of classes that will be held via Zoom. Class offerings include ceramics, painting, drawing, color theory and sculpture along with theatre classes for both youth and adults.
The Museum School’s popular Business of Art Series will continue virtually, with opportunities to explore ethics, copyright, social media and more. Moving art-making experiences out of the studios and into students’ living rooms also offers new opportunities to explore the home environment through still life or sculpture. Theatre classes for youth will offer a structured environment for families to explore together without leaving their homes as well as opportunities for teens to explore plays, musical theatre and digital storytelling.
For classes that require specific supplies, the Museum School has partnered with local art supply store, Art Outfitters, to create supply kits that will be available for curbside pickup at the store’s downtown Little Rock location.
“These are unprecedented times,” Executive Director Victoria Ramirez said, “but the Arts Center is an important piece of our community’s creative life. Amid uncertainty, we will always find a way to make space for art and creativity. Our connection to the arts is the very thing that reminds us of our humanity and resilience.”
Online class offerings are being introduced at a lower in price point and in a shorter time frame than standard Museum School offerings, making them perfect for those who are new to art-making or the Museum School.
And on a happy note, construction on the reimagined Arkansas Arts Center in MacArthur Park continues (with increased precautions for workers). The renovated AAC is scheduled to reopen in spring 2022 — and that means we have a lot to look forward to.
For more info about Arkansas Arts Center Amplified, join the Facebook group. Registration for online classes is open now. Classes begin April 20 and will run for four weeks. Class schedules and registration details are available at arkansasartscenter.org/