Community Calendar

"""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."

If you missed this series in
2023 -- or simply want a fresh perspective -- now’s
your chance to revisit the Gilded Age, one of the
most complex and captivating periods in American history. From 1877 to 1896, America saw explosive industrial growth, technological innovation, and immense wealth for a fortunate few. But
beneath the glittering surface were the untold
stories of those who made that world run.
In this third class of the series, Historians and
authors Nancy Markey and Kay Adams shift the
spotlight to the people who lived and labored behind the grand doors of families like the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and Carnegies. Much like the
downstairs staff of Downton Abbey, America
had its own domestic workforce -- maids, butlers,
cooks, coachmen -- whose lives were defined by
long hours and strict hierarchies.
Through rich storytelling and historical insight,
Nancy and Kay bring to life the experiences of
the working class during this era of opulence and
inequality. Discover what daily life was really like
for the staff who kept Gilded Age households running. While this is part of an ongoing series, each
class stands alone; join us for one or many

A Celebration of Choctaw Art and Culture is a partnership between ACHE and Choctaw Nation Public Arts. The reception opening will be held Thursday, April 9th, 5-7pm, with the exhibition on display through May 22nd. Celebrate the voices, stories and artistry of Choctaw nation of Oklahoma in a vibrant exhibition featuring both traditional and contemporary works. This showcase honors Choctaw culture through pieces that reflect ancestral knowledge, lived experiences and modern expression. Experience powerful artwork, support Native American artists, and connect with the rich and enduring artistic legacy of the Choctaw Nation. Free. Open to the public. ACHE RIHWC 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith.

Protect your pet! Bring your pet to our vaccine and microchip clinic by appointment only. Please bring all dogs on leashes and all cats in carriers. All vaccines and microchips are free.

Schedule your appointment here: bfas.org/appointmentnwa

Services offered:
Distemper/DHHP for dogs
HCP for cats
Rabies vaccine
Microchip

The Yvonne Richardson
Community Center (YRCC) has been a cornerstone of the Fayetteville community since 1996
— and it just got even better! Join us for a special session celebrating the Center’s exciting
expansion, featuring new community rooms,
a hardwood gymnasium, and a fully equipped
instructional kitchen.
This interactive class includes a guided tour
of the upgraded facility led by YRCC Director
Josh Lainfiesta, an open discussion about current and future programs, and a brief, hands-on
cooking activity in the new kitchen. Whether
you’re a long-time supporter or new to YRCC,
this is a wonderful opportunity to connect,
learn, and help shape the future of this vibrant
community space.
About YRCC: Founded in 1996 and named in
memory of Yvonne Richardson, daughter of former Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball Coach
Nolan Richardson, the Yvonne Richardson Community Center’s mission is to prepare today’s
youth for tomorrow’s challenges by offering enriching recreational, educational, and social opportunities. While youth development remains
its core focus, YRCC proudly serves people of all
ages through inclusive programs and events
that strengthen community connections

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."

A Celebration of Choctaw Art and Culture is a partnership between ACHE and Choctaw Nation Public Arts. The reception opening will be held Thursday, April 9th, 5-7pm, with the exhibition on display through May 22nd. Celebrate the voices, stories and artistry of Choctaw nation of Oklahoma in a vibrant exhibition featuring both traditional and contemporary works. This showcase honors Choctaw culture through pieces that reflect ancestral knowledge, lived experiences and modern expression. Experience powerful artwork, support Native American artists, and connect with the rich and enduring artistic legacy of the Choctaw Nation. Free. Open to the public. ACHE RIHWC 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith.

Hosted by Derelicts Digest, enjoy this free, all ages, event to share your work, meet your people and have a chance to perform your work.

Open to the public, If you're not ready to share or just want to enjoy, grab a Bev from our Happy Hour and enjoy the vibes and intimacy of Club 509 located in the Kava Bar.

TLDR; (a haiku)

bring a poem, please
read it, dear, with bravery
for us, you and me

Join Abby Burnett for a discussion on her latest book, Though Silent They Speak: Arkansas Gravestones and Graveyards in this Not Strictly History program. Following the talk there will be books for sale and a signing. Though Silent They Speak: Arkansas Gravestones and Graveyards is a fascinating and informative guidebook to the most unusual graves and graveyards in Arkansas. Within the pages, readers explore showy marble monuments in city cemeteries and haunting, primitive carvings and inscriptions discovered in isolated, rural graveyards, while telling the stories behind these burials. Examples include private tombs in public places, African American burial grounds, a graveyard on the grounds of a former Japanese internment camp, and two small graveyards that are now state parks.

This in-person event will also be available online via Zoom. To watch live online, fill out the form at the link below.
https://shilohmuseum.org/event/arkansas-gravestones-and-graveyards/