Where to See (and Make) Art in Arkansas

If you don’t already think of Arkansas as a destination where family travelers can experience fine art, then you are in for a treat as you explore the state’s incredible museums and art galleries. From national treasures and contemporary art to music and crafts, Arkansas has it all.

Head to Bentonville for the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, where you will find artwork spanning five centuries of American art dating back to colonial times. One of the most well-known pieces on display is one which is always an inspiration for young women — Norman Rockwell’s iconic Rosie the Riveter.

General admission to the museum is free, as is access to the walking trails lined with unique sculptures connecting the beautiful grounds with downtown Bentonville, where you can enjoy great shops and eateries.

Crystal Bridges also has an annex known as the Momentary, also free to visit. The Momentary is a space designed to showcase contemporary visual and performing arts with art exhibits, musical performances, art festivals and more. Current exhibits are being reimagined into the all-new Enduring Amazon: Life and Afterlife in the Rainforest, which will open Nov. 18. The exhibit will be a groundbreaking immersive experience of light, sound and imagery.

Arkansas doesn’t just welcome museum and gallery enthusiasts, it also encourages you to explore the boundaries of your own creative talents with destinations like the Arkansas Craft School in the city of Mountain View, north of Little Rock. It offers classes and workshops that let you try your hand at pottery, metal work and bladesmithing.

Closer to the capital is the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub in North Little Rock. It also offers classes and workshops, along with opportunities for private instruction in artistic specialties like carpentry and graphic design, providing the necessary equipment for you to use — all you need is to sign up for a membership.

There are programs for all ages, including the Best Buy Teen Tech Center, expected to launch this month, where teens can learn to work with a variety of technical skills. A music recording studio, beat making pads, a DIY-mixing station, green screen technology, laser engraver and robot training kits are just some of the ways teens can stretch their creative muscles and explore their interests.