ART AND SOUL
Hot Springs offers art exhibitions, festivals and educational opportunities
As a city framed by lakes and rolling hills of abundant forests and wildlife — and with a national park centered in its historic downtown of bathhouses, local shops and eateries — there is no shortage of things to do in Hot Springs. While outdoors enthusiasts are drawn to the area for its biking, hiking and boating opportunities, others may want to explore the more artistic and cultural nature of the city. From gallery walks to theatrical shows, the heart of the city radiates with creative and educational opportunities, whether one hopes to be actively involved or admire the festivities as a bystander. The following are just some of the ways one can explore art and culture, and maybe even learn something new, in Hot Springs.
ARTS & THE PARK
Arts & The Park, a 10-day celebration of arts and culture, will kick off its fifth annual festivities Friday, April 26, at the official Launch Party at Hill Wheatley Plaza in historic downtown Hot Springs. Produced by the Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance, Arts & The Park is set for April 26 through Sunday, May 5, and will showcase the talent of visual artists, as well as musicians, dancers, poets, jewelers, authors and more. The festival will include a number of activities for people of all ages, including a Sidewalk Chalk Walk expo and competition, the Hot Springs Renaissance Faire, studio tours, musical and theatrical performances, and much more. A number of guest artists will host live paintings and workshops throughout the festival, including a live painting class from Cinnamon Cooney, also known as The Art Sherpa on her YouTube channel, which has garnered over a half-million followers, along with a number of classes ranging from oil portraits to plein-air landscapes. The Garland County Library will host writing workshops as well, taught by distinguished authors on the topics of children’s writing, memoir writing and graphic novels. Arts & The Park is a jam-packed event of entertainment and community involvement. For more information, call 501-321-2027 or visit hotspringsarts.org.
GALLERY WALKS
Every first Friday of the month, galleries in the Hot Springs Art District stay open late to host openings of new exhibits by local, regional and internationally known artists. The galleries feature pieces that range from traditional to contemporary, drawing in a diverse crowd of art enthusiasts. The gallery walks have been a Hot Springs tradition for more than 28 years and contribute to Hot Springs being ranked No. 4 among the 10 Best Large Art Towns in John Villani’s book, The 100 Best Art Towns in America. While there is no distinct meeting place for the gallery walks, participants usually mingle between galleries and studios along Central Avenue, up to Whittington Avenue, from 6-9 p.m. The gallery walk for the month of May will be Friday, May 3, during the Arts & The Park festival. The gallery walk will be followed by live music at Low Key Arts. For more information on monthly gallery walks, visit hotsprings.org/events/event/3684/.
GARVAN WOODLAND GARDENS
Known for its vibrant, botanical landscapes and dynamic architectural structures, Garvan Woodland Gardens offers a calm look into the beauty of Arkansas. Alongside the natural attractions found in the gardens, Garvan Woodland Gardens hosts monthly art exhibitions. The April exhibit, Wall Sculptures by Lori Arnold, is winding down in the Magnolia Room, and May 1 will welcome Paintings by Judy Ladd. Educational opportunities are also offered at Garvan Woodland Gardens, with classes covering a range of topics, such as tai chi, the use of herbs, winemaking and more, as well as a selection of kids’ classes. For more information on upcoming art exhibitions and educational opportunities, visit garvangardens.org.
NATIONAL PARK AQUARIUM
Another way to dive into an afternoon of education in a unique environment is to visit the National Park Aquarium in Hot Springs National Park. With 60 exhibits and more than 80 species of amphibians, reptiles and fish, the National Park Aquarium offers an intriguing experience for the whole family. Whether it’s art, history or science that piques Hot Springs visitors’ attention, the city is likely to have just the spot they’re looking for.