Featured image cutline:  Emery Commerford and her mother, Tracy Sutherland, enjoy karaoke during the ART ROCKS: Summer Bash Kids Fest in June 2023. The ARTx3 Campus will host the next ART ROCKS: Summer Bash Kids Fest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8, 2024, at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff.


Community Cook n’ Swap — 2-4 p.m. Saturday, June 1

Join the Community Cook n’ Swap from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff. This is a free event. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite desserts and the recipes to share. More Cook n’ Swap events are set for July 6, Aug. 9, and Oct. 11. The ARTx3 Campus staff will compile recipes from the events into a cookbook. Class size is limited to 15, so registration is requested at artx3.org/all-events/community-cook-n-swap or 870-536-3375. For more information, contact Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call 870-395-7059.

Live@5: Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain — 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 7

Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain will perform during June’s Live@5 concert from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 7, in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff. The band has deep roots in blues, bluegrass, funk, jazz and rock. It features vocalist Taylor, multi-instrumentalist Matthew Stone, keyboardist Stuart Baer, bass player Dr. Bruce Johnston, percussionist John Roach and saxophonist Dave Williams II. Entry is $5 for ARTx3 members and $10 for nonmembers. Pay at the door. Complimentary beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages are included. This event is for ages 21 and older.

Live@5 is sponsored by MK Distributors. The long-running concert series features jazz, blues, and rock & roll at 5 p.m. the first Friday of each month. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or call 870-536-3375.

ART ROCKS: Summer Bash Kids Fest — 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 8

The ARTx3 Campus is kicking off the summer season with ART ROCKS: Summer Bash Kids Fest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8, in the ART Yard at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff. This all-ages event is free. Visitors can watch live art demonstrations and bid on the works, create mood paintings, enjoy live music by Groove City, and more. Door prizes will also be given out during the event. Complimentary ice cream treats, snacks, and drinks will be available. This event is sponsored by the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation (an affiliate office of the Arkansas Community Foundation Inc.) and a Kenneth Reams Arts for Justice Grant. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or call 870-536-3375.

Art Pro Camp — 1-4 p.m. June 10-14

Allyson Bode will lead Art Pro Camp from 1-4 p.m. June 10-14 at The Arts & Science Center, 701 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff. This camp is for ages 12-17. This camp is sponsored by a Kenneth Reams Arts for Justice Grant.

Art Pro explores drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture alongside current ARTx3 Campus exhibitions and summer camp themes. Students will create two-dimensional and three-dimensional projects. They will focus not only on artistic methods and working with different media, but on the creative process and exploring mental health. The camp will provide a nurturing environment where creativity becomes a conduit for addressing and understanding social and emotional issues. This program will be a journey of artistic exploration, connection, and growth, where every brushstroke and creative endeavor becomes a pathway to self-discovery.

The cost is $100 for ARTx3 members and $120 for nonmembers. Full scholarships are available to all participants, thanks to a grant from the West Foundation and individual donors. To register for the camp and apply for a scholarship, visit artx3.org/all-events/art-pro-camp. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or call 870-536-3375.

Golden Hour: Bingo!  — 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, June 14

The ARTx3 Campus invites all bingo enthusiasts for an afternoon of excitement, laughter, and friendly competition from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, June 14, at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff. This event is free and open to ages 50 and older. Get ready to dab, laugh, and shout “Bingo!” Fantastic prizes, good company, and good fun await patrons.

Register at artx3.org/all-events/golden-hour-bingo-june-2024 or call 870-536-3375. For more information, contact Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call 870-395-7059.

UAPB’s Juneteenth in the Bluff: Arts & Culture Festival — 3-10 p.m. Friday, June 14 (at Third Avenue and Main Street)

The ARTx3 Campus is part of the inaugural Juneteenth in the Bluff: Arts & Culture Festival, from 3-10 p.m. at Third Avenue and Main Street in downtown Pine Bluff. It is free and open to the public.  The festival is hosted by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and sponsored by the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission.  Activities at the ARTx3 booth will include bicycle spin-art and button-making. For more information about the ARTx3 activities at the festival, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or call 870-536-3375.

Workshop: Ceramic Handbuilding, with Jennifer Solano — 12-3 p.m. Saturdays, June 15, 22, and 29

The ARTx3 Campus will host a three-part ceramics workshop led by Jennifer Solano from 12-3 p.m. Saturdays, June 15, June 22, and June 29, at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff.  Embark on a creative journey through the enchanting realm of hand-building with terracotta clay, from coiling and pinching to slab construction and sculpting. Learn the ancient art of clay manipulation and fundamental hand-building techniques. Students will also create a ceramic piece using a pottery wheel. No experience is necessary. This workshop is for ages 18 and older. The cost is $60 for ARTx3 members and $75 for nonmembers. Class size is limited. Register at artx3.org/all-events/ceramic-handbuilding, call 870-536-3375, or visit in person. For more information, contact Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org.

Yoga in the Loft: Summer Stretching — 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday, June 15

The ARTx3 Campus will host its next Yoga in the Loft from 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff. This month, join certified practitioner FloEssence for “Summer Stretching.” This rejuvenating yoga class is designed to invigorate both the body and mind in a serene session. Participants will flow through gentle poses, guided by the soothing rhythm of their breath. This event is for ages 13 and older.  Yoga in the Loft is held on the third Saturday of each month in the Loft Gallery at The ARTSpace on Main. It is sponsored by Angela White Smith, Realtor — eXp Realty. It is part of the ARTx3 Campus Flex Pay program with a minimum cost of $5, although $15 is recommended. Register at  artx3.org/all-events/yoga-in-the-loft-june-2024 or call 870-536-3375. For more information, contact Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call 870-395-7059.

Space Camp: Center of Gravity — 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. June 17-21

Instructor Erica Kriner will lead Space Camp: Center of Gravity from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. June 17-21 in ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff. This camp is for ages 7-17.  This camp is sponsored by a Kenneth Reams Arts for Justice Grant.

This camp aims to foster a deeper understanding of the human psyche. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, attendees will gain insights into the techniques and strategies employed by astronauts to maintain peak mental performance during extended space travel. From stress management to conflict resolution in confined spaces, this camp will highlight transferable skills that can benefit individuals facing challenges on Earth. The cost is $160 for ARTx3 members and $180 for nonmembers. Full scholarships are available to all participants, thanks to a grant from the West Foundation and individual donors. To register for the camp and apply for a scholarship, visit artx3.org/all-events/space-camp. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or call 870-536-3375.

Game on Main — 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Youth are invited to Game on Main from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff. This free, walk-in event is for students in fifth through 12th grades. Teens can engage in exciting games, tackle homework, and explore the fascinating world of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). From epic gaming sessions to hands-on experiences with 3D printing, this monthly workshop offers a unique fusion of entertainment and education. For more information, contact Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call 870-395-7059.

Workshop: “Quotidian Moments: Different Lenses” A Walk-Through — 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Join artists Rhaelene Lowther and Anna Zusman for a workshop inspired by their exhibition “Quotidian Moments: Different Lenses” at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 22. This workshop is free and open to all ages. Participants will meet at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff, before taking a brief walk around the ARTx3 Campus. They will collect and discuss inspirations and create their own artwork. Pieces from the workshop will be displayed in conjunction with the exhibition.   Register at artx3.org/all-events/quotidian-moments-workshop or call 870-536-3375. For more information, contact J. Tyler Lewis at jtlewis@artx3.org.

Lowther and Zusman’s exhibition is on view through Saturday, June 29, in the Ben J. Altheimer Gallery at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff. The exhibition is sponsored by Relyance Bank.

Auditions: “The Rocky Horror Show” — 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22

The ARTx3 Campus will host auditions for the musical “The Rocky Horror Show” on Saturday, June 22, in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and auditions begin at 2. Auditions are open to ages 18 and older. No experience is necessary.  Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18-19, and Oct. 25-26, in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. This kitschy rock ’n’ roll sci-fi gothic musical is great fun for adults and a perfect way to celebrate the Halloween season. Includes adult themes, adult situations and adult language.  Learn more and register at artx3.org/rocky-horror-auditions. For more information, contact J. Tyler Lewis at jtlewis@artx3.org or call 870-536-3375.

Theater Jr. Camp — 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. June 24-28

The ARTx3 Camp will host Theater Jr. Camp from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. June 24-28 at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff. It is for ages 7-11. This camp is sponsored by a Kenneth Reams Arts for Justice Grant. Theater Jr. Camp covers beginner’s basic performance skills. Campers will work with props and costumes and perform numbers and scenes from various children’s plays and musicals. Through engaging activities, expressive arts, and collaborative performances, participants will discover how the stage can be a transformative space for self-discovery and emotional resilience. The camp fosters a supportive community where kids hone their theatrical skills but also learn valuable tools to cope with and express complex emotions.

The cost is $100 for ARTx3 members and $120 for nonmembers. Full scholarships are available to all camp participants, thanks to a grant from the West Foundation and individual donors. To register for the camp and apply for a scholarship, visit artx3.org/all-events/theater-jr-camp. For more information, contact Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or call 870-536-3375.

Theater Pro Camp — 1-4 p.m. June 24-28

Instructor Nisheedah Dévré Golden will lead Theater Pro Camp from 1-4 p.m. June 24-28 at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff. It is for ages 12-17.  Theater Pro Camp focuses on theater preparation, collaboration, and exploration. By combining acting, voice, movement training, and performance skills, students will develop the necessary skills needed in theater performance and are empowered to grow and advance their creativity in a fun and supportive environment. Through engaging activities, expressive arts, and collaborative performances, participants will discover how the stage can be a transformative space for self-discovery and emotional resilience. The camp fosters a supportive community where teens not only hone their theatrical skills but also learn valuable tools to cope with and express complex emotions.

This camp is sponsored by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Division of Arkansas Heritage. The cost is $100 for ARTx3 members and $120 for nonmembers. Full scholarships are available to all camp participants, thanks to a grant from the West Foundation and individual donors. To register and apply for a scholarship, visit artx3.org/all-events/theater-pro-camp. For more information, contact Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or call 870-536-3375.

Tickets Now on Sale: “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical”

Tickets are now available for the ARTx3 Campus’ production of “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical.” Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 19-20 and July 26-27, and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21 and July 28 in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff. This production is sponsored by Simmons Bank. Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl with extraordinary powers. The daughter of abusive parents, she finds refuge in library books, which she reads quickly and, in turn, creates her own stories. Things are no better at school, where Matilda also must face the cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Brave little Matilda knows she has to stand up against the adults in her world, and in doing so, discovers her remarkable powers.

The cast includes Addie Ashcraft, Isaiah Austin, Emily Burris, Allison Carraway, Mary Conley, Langston Cosner, Hayven Darrough, Addison Dean, Rory Earnest-Lake, Susan Harris, Lily Jennings, Rosalie Kline, Brandt Lunsford, Heather Lunsford, Avery M. Martin, Keiren Minter, Parker Richards, KC Rowland), Sawyer Terry, Raymond Wallace and Teanna Williams. This production is directed by Bethany Gere with musical direction by Melody Gere, choreography by Grace McKissic, and stage management by Kayla Earnest. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical” is adapted from Dahl’s novel “Matilda.”

This show is appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $20 for members and seniors (ages 65 and older) and $25 for nonmembers. They may be purchased at artx3.org/theater, by calling 870-536-3375, or in person. For more information, contact Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or 870-536-3375.

About ARTx3 Campus

The ARTx3 Campus is the convergence of art, creativity, and community in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The campus features three facilities: the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC), located at 701 S. Main St., and The ARTSpace and ART WORKS on Main, located at 623 and 627 S. Main St. All three facilities present visual and performing arts programming and STEAM education through exhibitions, performances, classes and local partnerships. Gallery admission is free. Founded in 1968, ASC is accredited with the American Alliance of Museums and features three exhibition galleries, an interactive youth activity space, and the 232-seat Catherine M. Bellamy Theater. Since 2021, the modern and multipurpose ARTSpace and ART WORKS facilities have hosted live music, local and regional art, diverse workshops, and small productions. For more information, visit artx3.org or call 870-536-3375.

Support is provided in part by the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas 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 by: Windgate Foundation, Ben J. Altheimer Foundation, Kline Family Foundation, Relyance Bank and Simmons Bank.