Arkansas Arts Center Continues Innovative Online Art Classes

Adult classes and youth summer camps to be offered virtually

An imaginative slate of online classes and camps for youth and adults will continue this summer through the Arkansas Arts Center.

The Museum School will offer art classes for adults in four-week mini quarters: June 1–26, July 6–31 and August 3–28. Class offerings for the June mini quarter include courses in ceramics, painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, art history and a continuation of the popular Business of Art series.

Online classes and camps are part of Arkansas Arts Center Amplified, through which the Arts Center remains committed to connecting the community to creative and engaging arts experiences online. The innovative slate of digital programming also includes signature juried exhibitions and social media initiatives. Through “AAC Amplified,” the Arts Center will continue to engage communities throughout Arkansas and beyond with art and creativity.

“At the Arkansas Arts Center, we are always looking for innovative ways to make space for art and creativity,” Executive Director Victoria Ramirez said, “Through online programming, we are keeping our staff and community safe while expanding the reach of our mission to a wider audience.”

Online art and performance classes proved popular during a trial session that began in April. More than 200 students enrolled in online classes, including students new to the Museum School and students who joined from outside of Arkansas. The price point for these courses also remains lower than traditional studio classes, making them a perfect opportunity for students new to the art-making or to the Museum School.

“It is essential for us to find a way to continue being a place for our community to come together to make art and learn new skills,” Education and Programs Director Rana Edgar said. “We look forward to exploring all the ways we can connect, learn and create virtually this summer.

The Arkansas Arts Center’s summer camps for youth have also been reimagined for an online platform. The popular Junior Arts Academy for students ages 6–9 will run for four weeks in June (June 1–26) providing a visual arts and theatre experience for participants. Students will learn about a work from the AAC collection each week, have a story performed for them by Children’s Theatre and receive prompts to work on visual arts and theatre-based projects at their own pace throughout the week. At the end of each week the group will have a virtual “Play & Display,” where they will show off their creations. A box of supplies will be provided for all students in this program

For students ages 10–18, the Arkansas Arts Center is offering “Playmaking @ Home” July 6–31. In this program, students will participate in solo and ensemble theatre work in the comfort of their homes. Students will receive weekly performance and design prompts and along with mentoring and feedback from theatre professionals.

The deadline to register for Junior Arts Online is May 29. The deadline to register for Playmaking @ Home is July 2.

The Museum School is supported by The Dorothea Lawrence Gilbert Fund for Art Enrichment and Outreach and LaRand Thomas. Junior Arts Online and Playmaking @Home are supported by the Schmieding Foundation. Scholarships for youth summer programs are supported by the Rebsamen Fund. Arkansas Arts Center Amplified is supported by Nucor Divisions – Arkansas.

Arkansas Arts Center programs are also supported in part by: Arkansas Arts Center Foundation; City of Little Rock; City of North Little Rock; Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau; and the Arkansas Arts Council, a division of Arkansas Heritage, and the National Endowment for the Arts.