AMFA Welcomes Over 350 Students to School Day

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) yesterday hosted School Day as part of its celebratory grand opening events. Over 350 students from the Little Rock School District, North Little Rock School District, and others attended.

Students from Don R. Roberts Elementary School, Episcopal Collegiate School, Forest Park Elementary School, McDermott Elementary School, Ridge Road Elementary School, and Stephens Elementary School experienced several museum offerings in the visual and performing arts.

School day activities included a showcase of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, art-making time in the Windgate Art School, engaging discussions in the Harriet and Warren Stephens Galleries, and additional fun in the Cultural Living Room with Flurffy + Friends, AMFA’s puppets-in-residence. Students also participated in a nature walk and viewed the celebratory exhibition Art Garden, a large-scale community art installation displaying thousands of origami lotuses made in part by students whose schools attended AMFA’s School Day.

Jonica West, an art teacher from Roberts Elementary School shared, “Each of our students made one of the lotus flowers in the Art Garden installation, and they’re so excited to be here to see their own artwork.”

On the experience of visiting AMFA, Piper Keizer, a second-grade teacher from Episcopal Collegiate School said the following: “I think it’s an amazing, enriching atmosphere for children, with very approachable and engaging experiences.”

AMFA Director of Community Engagement Chris Revelle stated, “Today was a special day dedicated to educational experiences in the museum, from sparking the imagination with a gallery visit, experiencing the magic of bringing literature to life in the Performing Arts Theater, to hands-on, creative activities in the Windgate Art School. We look forward to welcoming students from Little Rock, North Little Rock, and beyond to experience all that AMFA has to offer.”

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts will begin regular museum hours May 2: Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. AMFA encourages guests to reserve tickets for the inaugural season online.

Photos of School Day may be accessed in AMFA's press kit.