The community is invited to celebrate the intersection of art, culture and community with the Kicks and Culture Sneaker Ball from 6-9 p.m. March 21 at the Loft Gallery in The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St.
This fundraiser supports education programming at the ARTx3 Campus, which is also home to the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, according to a news release.
“This event promises to be an evening of creativity, fun and impact,” said Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director at the ARTx3 Campus and the event organizer.
The Kicks and Culture Sneaker Ball celebrates urban sneaker culture. It features a pop-up exhibition by artist Aneesah showing mixed-media works featuring the footwear.
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Aneesah’s “The Urban Sneaker Culture Experience” explores themes highlighting three movements: the Jordan empire, sneakers and sports, and sneakers and fashion. Viewers are invited to connect, learn the history of sneakers and their representation in African American culture, and reminisce.
Aneesah is a Little Rock-based artist. She often uses her family as inspiration for her work. She favors alcohol inks and acrylics in her work and modeling paste for texture. She has undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She was selected for the 2023-2025 juried artist registry of the Arkansas Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Kresge Gallery at Lyon College in Batesville hosted her exhibition “This Woman’s Work” in November 2024.
SNEAKER BALL
Highlights of the sneaker ball will also include:
DJ entertainment all evening.
Silent auction — Bid on one-of-a-kind shoe art created by Pine Bluff High School students. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the school’s art program.
Sneaker: Brush and Sole — Attendees can design and decorate their own custom shoes.
Afrobites food station — Savor authentic flavors of North Africa with selections from the Little Rock-based food truck.
360 Photo and display booths — Take interactive photos to capture the event with 360-degree photo and display booths.
The program is for ages 14 and older, according to the news release.
“Gather your friends, bring your best kicks and come ready to support the arts in a big way,” Rahmaan said. “Come for the culture, stay for the impact. Don’t miss out on this vibrant evening of creativity and giving back!”
The event is made possible by sponsorships and donations from Afrobites, McFarland Eye Care, MK Distributors and Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Co.
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. Donations to the sneaker-ball fund may also be made at artx3.org/donate.
For more information, contact Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Aneesah is the featured artist at the Kicks and Culture Sneaker Ball fundraiser, set for 6-9 p.m. March 21 at The ARTSpace on Main. (Special to The Commercial/ARTx3 Campus)