ARTx3 announces March calendar

Music, a literacy class, a fun day and a theatrical presentation — it’s all part of the ARTx3 Campus’ plans for March.

The campus, which comprises the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, the ARTSpace on Main and ART WORKS on Main, presents the following events:

Live@5: Port City Blues Players — March 7

Port City Blues Players perform during the Live@5 concert, from 5-7 p.m. March 7 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St.

Entry is $10 for ARTx3 members and $15 for nonmembers. Complimentary beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages are included. Admission is for ages 21 and older.

The Port City Blues Players are supporters of the Port City Blues Society, an organization affiliated with the Blues Foundation and dedicated to preserving the blues art form.

“This collection of seasoned multi-cultural musicians frequently plays for concerts, festivals, clubs, casinos, blues jams, fundraisers and other events,” according to a news release.

The band’s music consists of traditional and modern blues. Members include Jerry McCoy (guitar, vocals), Dave Sadler (guitar, vocals), Mark Morgan (guitar, vocals), Roscoe Willis (bass), Gene Cooper (keyboards) and Lex Capraitalia (drums).

Live@5 is presented by MK Distributors. Additional support is provided by Simmons Bank. Details: Programs Director Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375 or artx3.org/all-events/live-5-march-2025.

Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class — March 8

Ages 3-6 are invited to Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class: Come Read, Sing, Dance, and Play with Me! from noon to 1 p.m. March 8 at the Arts & Science Center.

“Melanie Madkin, of Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Program, aims to foster a love of the wonderful world of literacy in a quiet and nurturing environment with this monthly event,” according to the release.

The program is free. Register by March 4 at artx3.org/all-events/literacy-march-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Theater and Public Programs Coordinator Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.

Second Saturday Family FunDay: Archeology Month — March 8

The ARTx3 Campus is partnering with the Arkansas Archaeological Survey to host Second Saturday Family FunDay: Archaeology Month from 1-3 p.m. March 8 at the Arts & Science Center. The event is free and open to the public.

The theme is “community” and explores the shared history of cooking and meal-making. The event will dive into ancient cooking practices, techniques, tools and traditions, revealing how food has always been at the heart of building and sustaining communities.

Visitors will be invited to:

mLearn how ancient communities made meals using traditional tools and methods.

mConnect with others by exploring the shared human experience of preparing and sharing food.

mTaste Native-inspired dishes and leave with knowledge about the deep roots of culinary traditions.

mExplore raw materials, tools and artifact replicas used by ancient peoples for cooking, hunting and gathering.

mLearn about ancient food preparation techniques and the archaeological evidence behind them. Watch and participate in the making of Native-inspired recipes, including hickory nut butter and hickory nut soup.

This event is sponsored by the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation and McFarland Eye Care. Details: Programs Director Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375 or artx3.org/all-events/family-funday-march-2025.

Production: “Prometheus Bound” — March 13-16

The ARTx3 Campus will present “Prometheus Bound” on March 13-16 in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St.

“This innovative production reimagines the story of Prometheus — imprisoned for giving humanity the spark of life — as a reflection of the social injustices faced by Black men in America,” accoreding to the release. “With themes of courage, resilience, and inequitable justice, this performance aims to create a poignant tribute to the ongoing struggles and triumphs of the communities of Black, Indigenous and People of Color.”

J. Tyler directs with Portia S. Jones as assistant director. The work is written by Aeschylus and translated by Bryan Doerries.

Shows are March 13-15 at 7 p.m., and March 16 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $13 for ARTx3 members, $18 for nonmembers and $10 for students when purchased in person with student identification. Purchase tickets at artx3.org/all-events/prometheus-bound, by calling (870) 536-3375, or in person before the show. The show is appropriate for ages 13 and older. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.

The ARTx3 Campus will also present matinee shows for students on March 12. For information about student shows, contact Theater and Media Assistant Kayla Earnest at kearnest@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.

Golden Hour: Bingo — March 14

The ARTx3 Campus will host Golden Hour: Bingo from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 14 at the Arts & Science Center.

The event is part of ARTx3’s Golden Hour programming of free events for ages 50 and older. Register by March 11 at artx3.org/all-events/golden-hour-bingo-march-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.

Reception: “Pushing Forward: Politics, Social Conflict, and the Racial Divide in the Art of Kevin Cole” — March 14

The ARTx3 Campus will host an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. March 14 for “Pushing Forward: Politics, Social Conflict, and the Racial Divide in the Art of Kevin Cole” at the Arts & Science Center. The reception is open to the public and free.

Cole’s “Pushing Forward” is a collection of the Pine Bluff native’s paintings, prints and sculptures developed throughout his career.

“Cole’s works are imbued with symbolism that speaks to the weight of racial injustice,” according to the release.

The exhibition is sponsored by Simmons Bank. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375 or artx3.org/exhibitions/kevin-cole-pushing-forward.

Women’s Self-Defense Class — March 15

The ARTx3 Campus will host a women’s self-defense class from 11 a.m. to noon March 15 at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St.

“This empowering and practical program is designed to teach women essential self-defense techniques and strategies,” according to the release. “Led by experienced instructors, this class focuses on building confidence, situational awareness, and physical skills to help participants feel prepared and secure in their everyday lives. Made for all fitness levels, ages 13 and older.”

The cost is $5 minimum, $15 recommended. Register by March 11 at artx3.org/all-events/womens-self-defense or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call the arts center.

Kicks and Culture Sneaker Ball — March 21

Celebrate the intersection of art, culture and community with the Kicks and Culture Sneaker Ball from 6-9 p.m. March 21 at the ARTSpace on Main. This fundraiser celebrating urban sneaker culture supports education programming at the ARTx3 Campus.

Event highlights include:

mPop-up exhibition by artist Aneesah of mixed-media works featuring the footwear.

mHigh-energy DJ entertainment.

mSilent auction of shoe art created by Pine Bluff High School students and donations from local businesses. A portion of the proceeds go toward the school’s art program.

mSneaker: Brush and Sole — Attendees can design and decorate their own custom shoes.

mAfrobites food station.

m360 photo and display booths.

Tickets are $10 for ARTx3 members and students, and $15 for nonmembers. Tickets and event details are available at artx3.org/all-events/sneaker-ball. The event is for ages 14 and older.

The event is made possible by sponsorships and donations from Afrobites, McFarland Eye Care, MK Distributors and Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Co. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org. Details: artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.