The ARTx3 Campus February events include an exhibition by Kenneth Reams, Live@5 with MCE, Couples Yoga and Bingo Night.
Exhibition Panel and Reception: “Parking Lot Space” by Kenneth Reams –Feb. 1
The ARTx3 Campus will exhibit “Parking Lot Space: Artworks by Kenneth Reams” at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The community is invited to a free panel discussion and opening reception from 3-7 p.m. Feb. 1, where the campus encourages respect, inclusivity and open discourse, according to a news release.
“Parking Lot Space” includes a collection of artwork created by incarcerated artist and Pine Bluff native Kenneth Reams. His work, developed over decades, includes drawings, paintings, sculptures and various other creations during his time while incarcerated.
The panel discussion comprises various artists, documentarians and activists who have worked with Reams and others to provide art as a pathway for youth to better their lives. To register to attend the panel, visit artx3.org/all-events/kenneth-reams-panel-reception or call (870) 536-3375.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Reams’s exhibition focuses on providing a safe space to consider the impacts of the choices people make, the lasting impacts they create, and how individuals can use that insight to guide their pathway more positively within their family, community, and themselves through art when confronted with the critical decisions that many youths are confronted with daily in society.
The panel and exhibition are made possible by a Kenneth Reams Arts for Justice grant. Details: Curator of Collections and Museum Kevin Haynie at khaynie@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Live@5: MCE –Feb. 7
The ARTx3 Campus opens its Live@5 season with MCE from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas.
“Founded in 2008, MCE (Music, Culture, Evolution) has captivated audiences across the nation with their performances and recordings,” according to the release. “From coffee shops to cultural festivals, band members Obafemi (Magnum), Ced Adamz and Eshmelek left an indelible mark on every stage through their signature sound, a fusion of gritty urban poetry and soulful melodies. Through their music, they seek to shed light on unspoken truths and inspire action to create a better world, one verse at a time.”
Entry is $10 for ARTx3 members and $15 for nonmembers. Guests must be 21 or older. Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and snacks are provided by Live@5 sponsor MK Distributors.
The concert series features live jazz, blues and rock & roll at 5 p.m. on the first Friday of the month.
Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class: Come Read, Sing, Dance and Play with Me!– Feb. 8
Ages 3-6 are invited to Come Read, Sing, Dance, and Play with Me! with Melanie Madkin from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas.
“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.
Register at artx3.org/all-events/literacy-feb-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Public Programs Coordinator Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 395-7059.
Family FunDay: Squeegee Painting — Feb. 8
The community is invited to the ARTx3 Campus’ free Second Saturday Family FunDay: Squeegee Painting from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas.
“Create unique abstract paintings using a squeegee and make bold and expressive patterns on canvas or paper. This fun, experimental process allows participants to explore various color combinations and textures,” according to the release.
FunDay offers monthly hands-on arts and science activities in which visitors create art, complete science projects, or perform dance, music or theater. Activities complement current exhibitions. Activities are free and led by visiting artists, local art educators, and ARTx3 staff. This event is sponsored by the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation.
Details: Program Director Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Yoga in the Loft: Couples Yoga — Feb. 15
Celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend with Couples Yoga from 5-6:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623. S. Main St. Certified yoga instructor FloEssence leads the class.
The cost is $5 minimum per person, $15 recommended. Registration is required. Participants must be 21 or older. Register at artx3.org/all-events/yoga-in-the-loft-feb-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Public Programs Coordinator Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 395-7059. This event is sponsored by Angela White Smith – eXp Realty.
Sculpting with Angi Cooper — Feb. 22
Join the ARTx3 Campus for its free mixed media workshop Sculpting with Angi Cooper from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 22, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas.
Participants will learn how to create nature-inspired sculptures from materials such as cardboard. There is no cost to participate and all supplies are provided.
Cooper is the ARTx3 Campus’ teaching artist-in-residence for February. Her residency and this workshop are made possible by the Arkansas Arts Council’s Arts in Education program.
Registration is requested. To register, visit artx3.org/all-events/sculpting-with-angi-cooper or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Programs Director Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Bingo Night: Fun, Prizes, and Good Times! — Feb. 28
The ARTx3 Campus will host Bingo Night: Fun, Prizes, and Good Times! from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 28, at The ARTSpace on Main.
Entry plus a bingo card is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Additional bingo cards will be available for purchase. Register at artx3.org/all-events/bingo-night-feb-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Public Programs Coordinator Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 395-7059.
The ARTx3 Campus will host its free Second Saturday Family FunDay: Squeegee Painting Feb. 8 at The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. (Special to The Commercial/ARTx3 Campus)