Community Calendar

The Machine Behind the Art: Inside JR’s Printing Press is one of JR’s most extensive immersive and experiential works to date. After taking portraits in one of three individual photo booths, visitors enter the interior of an oversized, whirring printing press – turning their image into a tangible work of art while offering a glimpse into the creative process of JR. After the experience, visitors leave with their own, one-of-a-kind print.

Member Perk: Momentary members receive two free prints per visit. Just reserve your timed ticket online or with the Box Office, and your discount will be applied at checkout!

Timed portrait tickets are $20 (Free for members), reserve your timeslot online or with the Box Office at (479) 657-2335.
Timed portrait tickets include one oversized photo portrait and admission for up to three people. Digital copies of your photo will be available after your visit.
If you do not plan on taking a portrait during your visit, no purchase is required to attend The Machine Behind the Art: Inside JR’s Printing Press.

"""Becoming,"" the second exhibition in its 2026 art series ""Sanctuary: Finding Refuge, Building Community."" The exhibition features the work of Mary Springer, Robbin Robertson, and Megan Kirk—three artists whose diverse practices explore transformation, identity, and the unfolding of authenticity that happens when we feel safe enough to change.
""Becoming"" examines sanctuary not as a static place of arrival, but as a dynamic space of metamorphosis. The exhibition asks: What happens when we find refuge? How do we grow, heal, and discover who we're meant to be when we're finally free to transform?
FEATURED ARTISTS:
Mary Springer brings four decades of artistic evolution to this exploration. A Memphis College of Art graduate (BFA, 1974) who studied with Philip Pearlstein and pursued self-guided studies in Italy and France, Springer's career spans roles as Design Artist for the City of Memphis, appointee to the Arkansas Arts Council under Governor Bill Clinton, and co-founder of Eureka Springs' beloved White Street Walk. Her work has been exhibited from the University of Arkansas to private collections including that of Helen Walton, and is held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Eureka Springs Art. Springer's journey—from gallery owner of WilloSpring Gallery of Fine Art to establishing Mary Springer Fine Art in 2014—embodies the exhibition's theme of continuous becoming.
Robbin Robertson, a Texas A&M graduate and fourth-generation folk artist, creates colorful, whimsical multi-media works spanning canvas, wooden and metal collages, and photography. Her vibrant folk art style draws inspiration from travels across Europe, Latin America, South America, Asia, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. Robertson's work, currently represented by galleries from St. Thomas to Corpus Christi, reflects a life spent in constant creative exploration—carrying forward a family legacy while forging her own distinctive vision. Her art celebrates the joy found in transformation and cultural exchange.
Megan Kirk has spent 20 years capturing the essence of Eureka Springs through her lens, documenting the town's evolving identity through yard art, parades, street art, local characters, springs, and her powerful ""Signs & Civil Rights"" collection. What began as a pandemic project five years ago has blossomed into a remarkable body of work, with over 1,000 prints sold and exhibitions in galleries throughout downtown Eureka Springs. Kirk's photography chronicles both personal and communal becoming—the ways a community grows, changes, and finds its voice over time."

Join us for a landmark moment as we celebrate the next chapter of Crystal Bridges. This special on-stage conversation brings together visionary leaders Alice Walton, Olivia Walton, and renowned architect Moshe Safdie for an inspiring dialogue on the Crystal Bridges’ expansion. Moderated by Vanity Fair art correspondent Nate Freeman, the discussion will offer insight into the broader cultural significance of the expansion. Marking a major milestone, this conversation will explore the ideas, ambition, and impact behind this transformative moment.

Tickets are $15 ($10/members). Reserve your spot online or with Guest Experience at (479) 657-2335 today.

Plant Bingo is a fun, laid-back twist on a classic game, where you can play for the chance to win a variety of plants and plant-themed prizes! Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting your collection, come enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere, grow your love for greenery, and meet adorable adoptable pets at the Best Friends Pet Resource Center!

Spots are limited, so register today! https://bestfriends.libcal.com/event/16737362

🎟️ Tickets: This event is FREE, but space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot in advance. Please register every member of your party that plans to come. Registered guests must check in within 10 minutes of start time, or their spot may not be guaranteed. If you need to cancel your registration, please email eventsnwa@bestfriends.org.

The Machine Behind the Art: Inside JR’s Printing Press is one of JR’s most extensive immersive and experiential works to date. After taking portraits in one of three individual photo booths, visitors enter the interior of an oversized, whirring printing press – turning their image into a tangible work of art while offering a glimpse into the creative process of JR. After the experience, visitors leave with their own, one-of-a-kind print.

Member Perk: Momentary members receive two free prints per visit. Just reserve your timed ticket online or with the Box Office, and your discount will be applied at checkout!

Timed portrait tickets are $20 (Free for members), reserve your timeslot online or with the Box Office at (479) 657-2335.
Timed portrait tickets include one oversized photo portrait and admission for up to three people. Digital copies of your photo will be available after your visit.
If you do not plan on taking a portrait during your visit, no purchase is required to attend The Machine Behind the Art: Inside JR’s Printing Press.

Frontier MPO is hosting a Transportation Fair to hear directly from Fort Smith area residents. Share
what challenges you face today and what you want to see next for transit and mobility. Meet
local partners, such as Fort Smith Transit, Area Agency on Aging, First Presbyterian Church, Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, the Fort Smith Police Department, and others to learn about resources, and ask questions.

Join us for our very first Adult First Social Ride!

Adult First Social Ride - with Trailblazers!

Join us for our first Adult First Social Ride! This beginner-friendly, casual 5-mile group ride is a great way to meet others in the Northwest Arkansas community who are learning or getting back into biking.

Perfect for past Adult First Ride participants and any adults looking for an easy, social ride to kick off their Saturday morning.

What to Bring:

Bike in good working condition
Helmet
Water bottle
$$ If you would like to grab coffee or treats before or after the ride at Third Space Coffee
Who Can Join:
Ages 18+. Minors (14+) must be accompanied by an adult.

Location: Best Friends Pet Resource Center NWA
Arrive early if you’d like to grab coffee or treats before we roll out at 10:30 AM.

To learn more and reserve your spot, visit the following link! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adult-first-social-ride-in-bentonville-registration-1987852552496

You're invited to this month's Dog Treat Lab!

Drop by the Best Friends Pet Resource Center to create some handmade dog treats - for your own pets, or to be donated to the adoptable pets of Best Friends! Along the way you'll learn amazing cooking skills from chef Regina Bowman, and discover fun new ways to make your pet's favorite treats. Come out to get baking and leave with your own yummy homemade dog treats!

Treats may contain allergens, if you have a concern regarding specific allergens, please contact us at eventsnwa@bestfriends.org.

Free, no registration required. All supplies are provided and families and participants of all ages are welcome. This is a drop-in event.

Please contact eventsnwa@bestfriends.org for more information.

"""Becoming,"" the second exhibition in its 2026 art series ""Sanctuary: Finding Refuge, Building Community."" The exhibition features the work of Mary Springer, Robbin Robertson, and Megan Kirk—three artists whose diverse practices explore transformation, identity, and the unfolding of authenticity that happens when we feel safe enough to change.
""Becoming"" examines sanctuary not as a static place of arrival, but as a dynamic space of metamorphosis. The exhibition asks: What happens when we find refuge? How do we grow, heal, and discover who we're meant to be when we're finally free to transform?
FEATURED ARTISTS:
Mary Springer brings four decades of artistic evolution to this exploration. A Memphis College of Art graduate (BFA, 1974) who studied with Philip Pearlstein and pursued self-guided studies in Italy and France, Springer's career spans roles as Design Artist for the City of Memphis, appointee to the Arkansas Arts Council under Governor Bill Clinton, and co-founder of Eureka Springs' beloved White Street Walk. Her work has been exhibited from the University of Arkansas to private collections including that of Helen Walton, and is held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Eureka Springs Art. Springer's journey—from gallery owner of WilloSpring Gallery of Fine Art to establishing Mary Springer Fine Art in 2014—embodies the exhibition's theme of continuous becoming.
Robbin Robertson, a Texas A&M graduate and fourth-generation folk artist, creates colorful, whimsical multi-media works spanning canvas, wooden and metal collages, and photography. Her vibrant folk art style draws inspiration from travels across Europe, Latin America, South America, Asia, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. Robertson's work, currently represented by galleries from St. Thomas to Corpus Christi, reflects a life spent in constant creative exploration—carrying forward a family legacy while forging her own distinctive vision. Her art celebrates the joy found in transformation and cultural exchange.
Megan Kirk has spent 20 years capturing the essence of Eureka Springs through her lens, documenting the town's evolving identity through yard art, parades, street art, local characters, springs, and her powerful ""Signs & Civil Rights"" collection. What began as a pandemic project five years ago has blossomed into a remarkable body of work, with over 1,000 prints sold and exhibitions in galleries throughout downtown Eureka Springs. Kirk's photography chronicles both personal and communal becoming—the ways a community grows, changes, and finds its voice over time."

Join us on a culinary journey into Northern Mexico with Chef Felicia De La Garza where we will make and take delicious Sopes and Savory Salsas. Sopes are a traditional Central and Northern Mexican dish consisting of a masa base served with savory toppings. $30 fee includes instruction, tasting, and sopes to take home.