Arkansas Art Scene: What's Happening This Season

Arkansas is buzzing with art this season. First up, the Arkansas Arts Council's "Small Works on Paper" exhibit is making its rounds. This year marks the 39th edition, featuring tiny artworks by 40 Arkansas artists. The show kicked off in Pine Bluff and will travel to eight other cities. The pieces are small, but the talent is huge. The juror, Kelli Scott Kelley, picked two artists for purchase awards. The exhibit is a great way to see what local artists are creating. Meanwhile, photographers have a chance to show off their skills in the South Arkansas Arts Center’s 2026 Viewfinder Photography Competition. The theme is "America 250, " celebrating 250 years of freedom. The winner gets $250 and their work featured in the El Dorado Insider. There's over $1, 250 in prizes up for grabs. The competition is open to all types of cameras and prints, but no graphic manipulation allowed. It's a cool way to capture the spirit of the times.Over in Little Rock, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts has a packed schedule. "A Month of Sundays: Art and the Persistence of Time" opens in February. This exhibit explores how we perceive time. It's part of a collaboration with other museums in the region. The museum also has some cool new media works. One is a video of a tree breathing, and the other is a dystopian underwater world. There's also an exhibit on German Expressionism and Soviet cinema posters. The museum is free to visit, so it's a great way to spend a day. Art lovers in Arkansas have plenty to look forward to. From small works on paper to photography competitions and thought-provoking exhibits, there's something for everyone. It's a great time to explore the creative side of the state.