Art exhibits, auditions for shows, a fun day — it’s all on tap for January at the Arts and Science Center.
The ARTx3 Campus, which comprises the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, the ARTSpace on Main and ART WORKS on Main, will have the following events for the first month of the new year.
The ARTx3 Campus will host the opening reception for the 39th annual Small Works on Paper exhibition, from 5-7 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The event is free, and refreshments will be available. The reception includes artist talks.
The traveling exhibition, organized and sponsored by the Arkansas Arts Council, is on view Jan. 6-22, in ASC’s William M. Kennedy Jr. Gallery. Small Works on Paper showcases two-dimensional artwork no larger than 18-by-24 inches, and spotlights members of the Arkansas Artist Registry, according to a news release.
This year’s exhibition features work by 40 artists, and will travel to 10 venues throughout the state in this yearlong show. The entries were juried by Kelli Scott Kelley, an artist and professor of painting at Louisiana State University.
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Registration is required at artx3.org/all-events/reception-small-works-on-paper-2026.
For more information about the exhibition at ARTx3, contact Matthew Howard, visitor and gallery specialist, at mhoward@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375. For more information about the Small Works on Paper program, contact JaZmyn Shambley, Arkansas Arts Council administrative specialist, at jazmyn.shambley@arkansas.gov or (501) 683-4365.
Auditions: Lion King Jr. — Jan. 9-10
The ARTx3 Campus is hosting auditions for Disney’s “The Lion King Jr.” from 5-8 p.m. Jan. 9 and 2-8 p.m. Jan. 10 at Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center.
Performers ages 7-17 are invited to audition and bring “the Pride Lands to life with unforgettable characters, powerful music, and vibrant storytelling,” according to the release. “This 60-minute musical, designed for middle school-aged performers, is based on the beloved Broadway production and the classic Disney film.”
No acting experience is required. Performance dates are March 12-15, with school performances March 11. Emily Burris directs, with music direction by Melody Gere and choreography by Grace McKissic.
Audition details and registration are at artx3.org/all-events/lion-king-jr-auditions. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
FunDay: Crystal Snowflakes — Jan. 10
The ARTx3 Campus will host a crystal snowflake-making activity at its next Second Saturday Family FunDay, from 1-3 p.m. on Jan. 10 at the Arts & Science Center.
“Visitors of all ages are invited to create beautiful, sparkly snowflakes and learn the science behind this engaging activity, which involves growing borax crystals on pipe cleaners. The event is free, and all materials are included,” the release said.
The Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation and McFarland Eye Care sponsor the monthly Second Saturday Family FunDay event.
For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375. Webpage: artx3.org/all-events/family-funday-jan-2026.
The ARTx3 Campus
The ARTx3 Campus features the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St.; The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St.; and ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. All three facilities present visual and performing arts programming and STEAM education through exhibitions, performances, classes and local partnerships. Gallery admission is free. Founded in 1968, ASC is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Details: artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
