The Arts and Science Center has a busy July planned with Platinum Hitz, the ‘Memphis’ musical and a new exhibit among the events at the ARTx3 Campus.
The ARTx3 Campus will host CrEATe Lab Camp from 2-4 p.m. weekdays, July 7-11, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St.
“The camp, for ages 12-17, is a nutritious, hands-on cooking program in which students learn food preparation skills,” according to a news release.
Topics including gardening, food careers and community service are also covered. Faith Anaya instructs the camp.
The cost is $110 for ARTx3 members and $140 for nonmembers. Full scholarships are available for anyone who applies, regardless of income. Register at artx3.org/all-events/create-lab-camp or call (870) 536-3375.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call 870-536-3375.
Platinum Hitz performs during the Live@5 concert from 5-7 p.m. on July 11 in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center.
“The band will bring a blend of solid, soulful and bluesy sound,” according to the release.
Entry is $10 for ARTx3 members and $15 for nonmembers. Complimentary beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages are included. The event is for ages 21 and older. Live@5 is presented by MK Distributors. Additional support is provided by Simmons Bank.
For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class — July 12
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. July 12 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. Participants should be registered by July 8 at artx3.org/all-events/literacy-july-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. The program is sponsored by McFarland Eye Care.
For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
FunDay: Papier-Mâché Masks –July 12
The ARTx3 Campus will host Second Saturday Family FunDay: Papier-Mâché Masks from 1-3 p.m. on July 12 at the Arts & Science Center. The event is free and open to the public.
This event is sponsored by the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation and McFarland Eye Care. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Theater Production: “Memphis” — July 17-20
ARTx3 will present the musical “Memphis” at 7 p.m. July 17-19; and 3 p.m. July 20. Performances are in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center. “Memphis” is sponsored by Simmons Bank.
“A Tony Award-winning musical inspired by true events, ‘Memphis’ is set in the 1950s underground dance clubs of Memphis, Tenn.,” according to the release. “It follows a daring white radio DJ (played by Will Parkman) and a talented Black club singer (played by Pashu’ar Grissom), both striving for stardom. Together, they break cultural boundaries and spark a revolution as rock ‘n’ roll takes over. With electrifying music, unforgettable songs, and heart-pounding choreography, ‘Memphis’ will have you dancing in your seat and jumping with excitement from start to finish.”
Tickets are available at artx3.org/all-events/memphis-musical, by calling (870) 536-3375 or in person. They are $20 for ARTx3 members and $25 for nonmembers. Student tickets may be purchased in person for $10 with a student ID.
Taijee Bunch directs, with musical direction by La’Leata May, choreography by Miles Meckling and stage management by Jeran Collie. Music is by David Bryan. Lyrics are by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro. The book is by Joe DiPietro.
“Memphis” contains language, themes and historical depictions that may be uncomfortable or sensitive for some audience members. The show explores issues of race, segregation and societal tensions of the 1950s, presented within the context of the story. Viewer discretion is advised. The show is recommended for ages 13 and older.
For more information, contact Bethany Gere, public programs and theater coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org, or call (870) 536-3375.
Movement and Agility Workshop — July 18
The ARTx3 Campus will host a Movement and Agility workshop from 11 a.m. to noon on July 18 in the Loft Gallery at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Designed for women 30 and older, this functional strength-building class aims to increase strength, mobility, balance, flexibility and confidence. Exercise therapist Lauren Robertson of Kingdom Wellness 360 instructs.
The cost is $15 for ARTx3 members and $20 for nonmembers. Participants should register by July 14 at artx3.org/all-events/movement-agility-july-2025. The program is sponsored by McFarland Eye Care.
For more information, contact Bethany Gere, public programs and theater coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org, or call (870) 536-3375.
Audition Prep Workshop: “Finding Nemo Jr.” — July 22
The ARTx3 Campus will host an audition prep workshop for the musical “Finding Nemo Jr.” from 4-8 p.m. on July 22 at the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center.
Performers ages 7-17 will learn essential audition techniques, practice character development and receive personalized feedback on their vocal performance and acting choices. Participation in this event is not required to audition but highly encouraged. Participants should register by July 16 at artx3.org/all-events/audition-prep-workshop-finding-nemo-jr.
For more information, contact Bethany Gere, public programs and theater coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org, or call (870) 536-3375.
Reception: Brian Wolf, ‘Strange Awakening’ — July 24
The ARTx3 Campus will host a free public reception for the exhibition “Strange Awakening” by Brian Wolf from 5-7 p.m. on July 24 in the Loft Gallery at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St.
Wolf is an artist and graphic designer who lives in North Little Rock. Since 2021, Wolf has been exploring symbolic imagery and abstraction using a variety of media. His primary media has recently shifted from acrylic painting to drawing, printmaking and sculpture.
“‘Strange Awakening,’ his latest body of work, is the culmination of self-discovery, acceptance and artistic transformation that began in 2023,” according to the release.
The exhibition will be on view from July 24 through Nov. 15. “Strange Awakening” is sponsored by the Kline Family Foundation. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director and interim curator, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Auditions: “Finding Nemo Jr.” — July 25-26
The ARTx3 Campus will host auditions for “Finding Nemo Jr.” from 5-8 p.m. on July 25; and 2-8 p.m. on July 26, at the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center.
“This charming musical offers ages 7-17 an opportunity to make a splash on stage,” according to the release. “Designed for young performers, the show is based on the 2003 Pixar film ‘Finding Nemo.'”
Bethany Gere directs, with musical direction by Melody Gere and choreography by Grace McKissic. Participants should register at artx3.org/all-events/finding-nemo-jr-auditions. Those planning to audition are encouraged to take the free “Finding Nemo Jr.” audition prep workshop on July 22.
Performances are Sept. 25-28 in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater. The show is sponsored by Relyance Bank. For more information, contact Gere, public programs and theater coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org, or call (870) 536-3375.
Details: artx3.org/all-events/live-5-july-2025.
