The ARTx3 Campus will host a panel discussion in conjunction with the exhibition “Parking Lot Space: Artworks by Kenneth Reams,” touching on topics dealing with the arts, activism and community outreach.
The panel is at 3 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. It features panelists from across Arkansas, as well as from New York and Colorado.
The exhibition, also opening Feb. 1, includes a collection of artwork created by incarcerated artist and Pine Bluff native Kenneth Reams, and developed and designed by ASC curator Kevin Haynie. A reception for the exhibition will follow at 5:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend and the events are open to the public, according to a news release.
“The ASC is extremely excited to have been able to develop this exhibition alongside the artist, as well as to be able to provide a platform for so many experienced professionals who deal with many of these issues daily and who can provide valuable insight to those interested in learning more,” Haynie said.
“Kenneth’s work and commitment toward spreading the positive impacts of art, introspection and critical lessons to others is both touching and enlightening for those who have the opportunity to experience it,” Haynie said. “We look forward to seeing our community engage with the art and join the conversation early next year.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The panelists are:
Tavante Calhoun, chief executive officer of the Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson County. Calhoun will moderate the panel.
Nick Brown, program advisor for the Arkansas State Personnel Development Grant at the Office of Innovation. Brown previously taught high school communications, speech and debate and science in Arkansas and Louisiana.
Saskia Keeley of New York, an award-winning photojournalist, documentarian, peace activist, speaker and creator of photography workshops that aim to bridge divides.
Kathy McGregor, founder and national project director of Prison Story Project, a storytelling project that benefits incarcerated women and men. “She has been giving a voice to those silenced by prison through the healing art of story,” according to the release. She lives in Fayetteville.
Ndume Olatushani, a Colorado man who spent 28 years incarcerated — 20 of which were on death row — for a crime he did not commit. It took him, his wife Anne-Marie and his lawyer David Herrington 20 years to set him free. He’s been a free man since June 2012.
Patrice Williams, theater instructor at Little Rock Central High School. She also led a 2024 summer camp at the ARTx3 Campus, focusing on the children’s book “Kenneth’s Big Choice,” written by Reams and his wife, Isabelle Reams.
“Parking Lot Space” is on view from Feb. 1 to July 26, 2025, in ASC’s William H. Kennedy Jr. Gallery. The exhibition and panel are made possible by a Kenneth Reams Arts for Justice grant.
Those planning to attend the panel discussion are asked to RSVP. Reservations may be made at artx3.org/all-events/kenneth-reams-panel-reception or by calling (870) 536-3375.
Details: Kevin Haynie at khaynie@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Kenneth Reams’ ‘Last Mile,’ graphite pencil on canvas, is part of the exhibition ‘Parking Lot Space,’ a collection of artwork by the incarcerated artist and Pine Bluff native Reams. A panel discussion in conjunction with the exhibition is set for 3 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, followed by an opening reception. (Special to The Commercial/ARTx3 Campus)