Stained Glass Class with Aida Ayers—12-2 p.m. Saturdays, April 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2023

The Arts & Science Center will host a four-part Stained Glass Class with artist-in-residence Aida Ayers from 12-2 p.m. Saturdays, April 1, 8, 15, and 22 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Cost is $185 for ASC members and $222 for nonmembers. For ages 12 and older.

This class is an introduction to stained glass; no experience is necessary. Participants will learn to safely create a copper foil project with an introduction to pattern creation, glass cutting, grinding, copper-foil application, and soldering.

For more information, contact Rachael Bynum at rbynum@asc701.org. To register, visit asc701.org/class/stained-glass or call 870-536-3375.

ART Night on the Block—5-8 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2023

The public is invited to celebrate the Delta and its rich musical heritage during Art Night on the Block, an evening of creative fun for all ages from 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 7, at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St.

The evening will feature an opening reception for “A Cast of Blues” created by artists Sharon McConnell-Dickerson and Ken Murphy, and curated by Chuck Haddix – featuring resin-cast masks and color photographs of blues legends. The exhibition, accompanied by Braille labels and hung at a height suitable for mobility devices, is fully accessible to all visitors.

The evening will also feature a live concert by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Jazz Ensemble during a special, free Live@5 event, and a chance to view the partner exhibition “The Freedom & Blues Exhibit” at the UAPB Business Incubator, 615 S. Main St. created by artists from Pine Bluff and UAPB and curated by Jimmy Cunningham Jr. The exhibit features more than 60 portraits of blues greats from the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Highway.

ASC will offer additional music-related art activities to participate in. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to attend the entire evening of free events for complete immersion. ID is required and wristbands will be provided for alcoholic beverages.

“A Cast of Blues” is organized and toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national part of the Mid-America Arts Alliance, and in partnership with The Music Education Initiative and the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission (A&P). Live@5 is sponsored by MK Distributors.

Opening Reception: “A Cast of Blues”— 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2023

ASC will host an opening reception for its newest exhibition, “A Cast of Blues” at The ARTSpace on Main’s Loft Gallery from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, April 7, 2023. The exhibition will be on view through Thursday, May 25, 2023.

The exhibition highlights the rich musical heritage in the Delta. “A Cast of Blues” features 15 resin-cast masks of blues legends by Sharon McConnell-Dickerson and 15 color photographs of performers and of juke joints by Ken Murphy. McConnell-Dickerson, who is visually impaired, set out to discover the face behind the music she loves. Her work “captures the flesh, muscle, bone, hair and subtle expressions of emotion.” The exhibition, accompanied by Braille labels and hung at a height suitable for mobility devices, is fully accessible to all visitors.

This exhibition is sponsored by Explore Pine Bluff, curated by Chuck Haddix, and organized and toured by ExhibitsUSA, part of Mid-America Arts Alliance.

Live@5, featuring University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Jazz Ensemble — 5–7 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2023

The Arts & Science Center will host the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Jazz Ensemble from 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 7 during ASC’s long-running Live@5 concert series. The show will take place in The ARTSpace on Main’s ART Yard, 623 S. Main St.

The Jazz Ensemble tours locally and nationally, performing a variety of styles including swing, contemporary and funk. This month’s concert is free and open to all ages. Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages will be provided to those ages 21 and older with photo identification. ASC hosts jazz, blues, and rock & roll musicians on the first Friday of every month from February to December. This event is sponsored by M.K. Distributors.

Second Saturday Family FunDay: Family Cooking —1–3 p.m. Saturday, April 8, 2023

Join ASC for a family cooking course with Faith Anaya from 1–3 p.m. April 8 at ASC, 701 S. Main St. Anaya will teach three simple, nutritious snack recipes that families can enjoy and prepare together.

ASC’s Second Saturday Family FunDay program offers monthly, hands-on arts and science activities. The event is led by visiting artists, art educators, and ASC staff. Family FunDay is sponsored by The Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Arkansas Community Foundation.

ART WORKS Presents: A Cabaret Event—6-8 p.m. Friday, April 14, 2023

The community is invited to ASC’s ART WORKS Presents: A Cabaret Event hosted by Lindsey Collins from 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 14. Entry is $5 for ASC members and students, and $10 for nonmembers.

Enjoy show-stopping performances by ASC volunteer performers at the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater, 627 S. Main St., Pine Bluff. Audience members will have the opportunity to show off their own vocal and instrumental talents and have the opportunity to win prizes. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.

Yoga in The Loft with FloEssence — 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday, April 15, 2023

Ages 13 and older are invited to exercise and relax with certified yoga instructor FloEssence every third Saturday of the month from 1:30-3 p.m. during Yoga in the Loft. The next session is April 15. This class is part of ASC’s Flex Pay program, with $15 being the recommended price. Yoga in the Loft takes place in the Loft Gallery at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St.

FloEssence will lead participants through an hour of yoga followed by guided meditation. New and experienced practitioners are welcome. Advanced registration is required; please sign up at asc701.org/yoga or call 870-536-3375. Participants may use provided yoga mats or bring their own. Please wear yoga-appropriate attire. For more information, contact Rachael Bynum at rbynum@asc701.org. Sponsored by Angela White Smith with eXp Realty.

ASC Presents: “Charlotte’s Web”—7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20, Friday, April 21, Saturday, April 22 and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 2023

ASC will present “Charlotte’s Web” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20, Friday, April 21, and Saturday, April 22, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 23, 2023. This Catherine M. Bellamy Theater production is based on the book by E.B. White and adapted for the stage by Joseph Robinette. It is directed by Kayla Earnest, Keiren Minter and Kourtlynn Pinkins.

Wilbur may be the runt of the litter, but he’s a rambunctious and lovable pig who captures the heart of a little girl, Fern Arable. When Wilbur grows too big, he’s sent to reside on a farm owned by Fern’s uncle. Wilbur discovers his eventual fate, and it’s up to a wise and kind-hearted spider named Charlotte to hatch a plan to save him.

Tickets are $13 for ASC members and seniors, $18 for nonmembers, and $10 for students, and can be purchased at asc701.org/theater/charlottes-web. For more information or to inquire about daytime performances for school showings, contact Theater Programs Manger Lindsey Collins at lcollins@asc701.org or 870-536-3375.

Auditions: “The Last Five Years”—12-5 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023

ASC will host auditions for the musical “The Last Five Years” from 12-5 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Performances are slated for June 22-25. Auditions are open to ages 17 and older. No theater experience is required. Auditions will be in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at 627 S. Main St. in downtown Pine Bluff.

This production was written and composed by Jason Robert Brown and will be directed by Bethany Gere.

This intimate musical chronicles a five-year relationship between Jamie, a rising novelist, and Cathy, a struggling actress. Expressed through the evocative music and lyrics of Jason Robert Brown, the timeline is traced from opposite directions beginning with Cathy’s lament at the end of their marriage, while Jamie starts at the earliest moment of their romance. Their experiences intersect in the middle where they share a wedding song. “The Last Five Years” is made of touching revelations about the pervasive joys and stresses that emerge when two creative people fall in love.

Auditions are by appointment only. To register, visit asc701.org/auditions. For more information, contact Theater Programs Manager Lindsey Collins at lcollins@asc701.org or 870-536-3375.

Arts & Science Center Volunteer Night—6 p.m. Thursday, April 27, 2023

Join ASC as it celebrates and recognizes the hard work and commitment of its volunteers during an awards ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 27, on the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater stage at ASC’s home building, 701 S. Main St., Pine Bluff.  Drinks and light hors d’oeuvres will be served during this fun, free event. The public is invited to attend. Sponsored by MK Distributors.

Beginners Jewelry Workshop: Beaded Bracelet—5:30–7:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2023

ASC will host a beginners jewelry workshop, focused on creating beaded bracelets, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St., Pine Bluff.

Jeweler Mary Pat Tate will teach the craftsmanship in beaded bracelets. Tate will teach two different ways to make bracelets using the connector loop. Students will make two handmade bracelets to take home and gain the skills to make many more. Tate has fashioned jewelry for the past two decades and repurposes found objects with precious metals to make one-of-a-kind pieces.

The cost is $20 for ASC members and $25 for nonmembers. Must be 16 years or older. To register, visit asc701.org/adult-classes or call 870-536-3375. For more information, contact Rachael Bynum at rbynum@asc701.org.

About ASC

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC), 701 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff, is accredited with the American Alliance of Museums. ASC presents programming in the visual arts, performing arts, and the sciences through exhibits, performances, classes, and local partnerships. Gallery admission is free. ASC is open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Friday, and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday. In 2021, ASC opened two new facilities as part of its “ARTx3” campus — The ARTSpace on Main and ART WORKS on Main, located at 623 and 627 S. Main St. For more information, visit asc701.org or call 870-536-3375.

Support for ASC is provided in part by the ASC Endowment Fund, the City of Pine Bluff, the Pine Bluff Advertising & Promotion Commission and the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Division of Arkansas Heritage, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional operating support is provided in part by the Windgate Foundation, Ben J. Altheimer Foundation, Kline Family Foundation, Relyance Bank and Simmons Bank.

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