Art and Words Gather Momentum in Arkansas

A double dose of creativity is unfolding across Arkansas, with visual artists and writers both getting clear deadlines. In Fayetteville, painters, sculptors, photographers and other creatives have until August 10 to send in their newest pieces to the Walton Arts Center’s yearly showcase. The show, called “Our Art, Our Region, Our Time, ” is now in its sixth round and accepts any visual art made after January 1 by artists 18 and older, or younger artists with a parent’s okay. Each artist can put forward up to two pieces, all submitted online. When September arrives, their work will hang in the Alexander Gallery at the Porter Art Warehouse through December 20.Meanwhile, spoken words are taking center stage in Little Rock this October. The Six Bridges Book Festival wraps up its 2026 run on October 4 with a headlining evening with New York Times bestselling writer Ariel Lawhon. Doors open at 5 that night for a reception packed with small bites and drinks, followed at 6:30 by an on-stage conversation and book signing. Lawhon’s latest adventure novel, out September 8, reimagines the life of Grace O’Malley, a bold Irish seafarer who defied the odds to protect her community. Early birds who snag tickets at $100 get a free copy, and the first 60 purchasers receive it automatically. Across the state in Hot Springs, another literary push is heating up as planners gear up for the second Hot Springs Poetry Festival in November. From November 1 to 8, stages, bookshops and cafes will buzz with poetry readings, workshops and open mics. The festival isn’t just for audience members—it needs active helpers. Poets can pitch written pieces or propose live events, while visual artists and hybrid creators can submit work for the 2026 Zine. Organizers also welcome small publishers, literary magazines, food vendors, and anyone ready to lend a hand or sponsor part of the week-long celebration of Arkansas voices.