ARTISTIC EXPERIENCES

State’s museums and galleries offer cultural enlightenment

Arkansas is known as The Natural State for its breathtaking outdoor scenery, but many of the most inspiring sights can be seen in the state’s many museums and art galleries.

With dozens of options, visitors to Arkansas museums can take a peek into the history of the state, while its many art galleries offer an insight into the creative visions of artists around the globe.

“Art has the ability to educate, expand one’s understanding and consider different perspectives while inspiring and moving you,” said John Mayner, vice president of marketing and communications at the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau. “From that starting point alone, museums and galleries can present wonderful opportunities for parents and their kids to discuss and question things that you might not at home or as part of your normal routine. Museums and galleries also provide opportunities to just enjoy an afternoon together and have some fun.”

The following are a few museums and galleries to check out this summer.

ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER

Established in 1960, the Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock is the pre-eminent arts institution in the state. The center is an active partner in the educational, economic and cultural lives of a diverse community and invites discovery, creativity and learning through engagement with the visual and performing arts. The center’s collection is constantly changing and features American and international works of art that span the period from the 1400s to today. The collection boasts a number of renowned works, including drawings, contemporary crafts, paintings, photographs and prints, including work by well-known artists such as Monet, Renoir, Redon and many more.

“I love the energy and synergy that

occur when so many diverse people are in the building exploring the arts,” said Todd Herman, executive director. “It’s an opportunity to escape not only the warm weather, but to escape into the multitude of worlds that artists have created, and it’s free.”

The Arkansas Arts Center also offers classes in a variety of areas, from photography to ceramics. The center’s Children’s Theater also stages many performances throughout the year. For more information, visit www.arkarts.com.

DELTA CULTURAL CENTER

The Arkansas Delta has a rich history, and the Delta Cultural Center in Helena West Helena has a mission to preserve, interpret and present the cultural heritage of this legendary area. The museum has exhibits that cover the Civil War in the Delta, the music of the region and much more. For more information, visit www. deltaculturalcenter.com.

MACARTHUR MUSEUM OF ARKANSAS MILITARY HISTORY

Created to interpret the state of Arkansas’ military heritage, the MacArthur Museum of Military History in Little Rock is in the Tower Building of the Little Rock Arsenal, the birthplace of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. This museum features artifacts, photographs, weapons, uniforms and other military items that portray the state’s military history at home and abroad.

“Through artifacts, graphics and interpretive panels, we can appeal to a public with a variety of perspectives,” said Stephan McAteer, executive director. “If you like visiting historic structures, our building is 177 years old. If you wish to learn more about Douglas MacArthur, we offer two exhibits and a movie about his life and career. If you wish to learn more about Arkansas’ rich military heritage, come see us.”

The museum also hosts an outdoor concert by the Little Rock Wind Symphony the Sunday prior to Flag Day every June. For more information, visit www.littlerock.gov.

MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY

Right in the heart of downtown Little Rock, the Museum of Discovery is a place for kids of all ages to learn, explore and play. The Museum of Discovery’s Discovery Hall focuses on ideas of shapes, spaces and patterns, while the Amazing You gallery looks inward and shows how the body works. The museum’s Tinkering Studio is where kids can get their hands on a variety of tools and materials. For more information, visit museumofdiscovery.org.

CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

Located in Bentonville, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is home to masterworks from America’s Colonial era to modern day. The museum features works by Charles Wilson Peale, Gilbert Stuart, Norman Rockwell and many more. Crystal Bridges features several touring exhibits throughout the year. The current touring exhibit is Roy Lichtenstein in Focus, which examines the career of pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, who is well-known for his use of cartoon and comicbook imagery. Visitors can view the exhibit through July 31. For more information, visit www.crystalbridges.org.

TEXARKANA MUSEUM OF REGIONAL HISTORY

Housed in Texarkana’s oldest brick building, the Texarkana Museum of Regional History tells the story of a city located in two states. This museum features galleries and exhibits that depict the region’s history, including agriculture, early industry, civil rights and World War II. The museum also includes pottery made by the area’s Caddo people and teaches about the early Spanish and French explorers. For more information, visit www. texarkanamuseums.org.