Little Rock Art Galleries, Museums, Supplies & More

Best art galleries Little Rock museums supplies classes

Thanks for checking out this post on all things art in Little Rock. Galleries, museums, supplies, schools, shows, events and more will all be covered thoroughly right here.

To start off the best Little Rock Art Galleries and Museums where you can see some of the finest exhibitions and collections the city and state have to offer will be discussed. Following that we will tell you about the best art stores in your area where you can buy all the supplies and materials you need.

The top shows and events throughout the year will need to get their own section too. You may want to take an art walking tour or check out some of the most creative statues and sculptures around town when the weather is nice.

Local art classes and lessons will be covered in depth and there are plenty of classes for both kids and adults that are available. How and where to find art studios for rent near you will come after that.

Dealers, appraisers and framing shops will also be discussed as the post moves forward. The Conway art scene will be covered in this post as well, and we have a local map to help you figure out where the numerous venues are located.

Plus you can read more of our guides to cities around the Midwest at that link.

Best Art Galleries & Museums In Little Rock

When want to visit the best art galleries and museums in Little Rock head to:

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts provides a one-of-a-kind experiences to appreciate, learn about, and connect with the visual and performing arts. The 14,000-piece collection of the museum is primarily recognized for its drawings and paintings.

Gallery 26 has been representing some of Central Arkansas’ most cutting-edge and imaginative artists for over twenty years. They also provide personalized and do-it-yourself frame services.

Original paintings, drawings, sculpture, and glasswork, as well as an ever-changing variety of one-of-a-kind artisan jewelry are on display at Gallery 221. Take a private tour of their 2nd floor art galleries after touring the main gallery, which includes the Gino Hollander Gallery that has exclusive authorized representation in Arkansas, and The Collectors Gallery, which features investment level work curated from private collections. On most days, one or more local artists will be working in their studio on the second floor.

M2 Gallery takes pleasure in getting to know its customers and offers art sales, bespoke framing, and installation services. The Galleries & Bookstore at Library Square are made up of five art galleries, one of which is a retail gallery that showcase Arkansas artists’ work and show works relevant to the state. The exhibition galleries feature works from the Central Arkansas Library System’s permanent collection, as well as changing exhibits.

The Art Group Gallery is a group of skilled local artists that sell original artwork. Paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, pastel, and batik, as well as pottery and glass, are available. The Art Group Gallery has a working studio that is open seven days a week. It is also possible to organize private art courses in addition to observing artists at work.

Barry Thomas Fine Art & Studio, which opened in 2016, acts as a studio, classroom, and gallery for a community of artists and students. Barry selects natural components to create one-of-a-kind works of art, and the studio is full of new and imaginative lessons.

Three projects are administered statewide at Thea Foundation which are Thea Scholarships, Art Closet, and Arts Reconstruction. Thea Foundation has made significant progress in fighting for the relevance of the arts in the development of Arkansas’ kids for two decades.

Baum Gallery is a modest space on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas that hosts shows by local artists.

Materials & Supplies Near You

To buy new materials or supplies you can visit art stores like:

In 1997 ART Outfitters was founded as a physical artist supply store run by locals, employing locals, and outfitting creators to the best of their abilities. You’re probably already familiar with what chain stores like Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby have to offer.

Shows & Events

Some of the best Little Rock art shows, events, and festivals are:

Pops on the River is a free, out-and-out family event that takes place every year on July 4th. Spectacular pyrotechnics, delectable cuisines, and foot-tapping music are all part of the celebrations. It holds the distinction of being the city’s largest Independence Day celebration as every year more than 30,000 people show up and even the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will perform.

Every September the Yadaloo Music & Arts Festival takes place on the banks of the Arkansas River in North Little Rock. A dog park, a kid zone, a VIP tent, food, beer, games, and fun activities for all ages will all be available at the festival.

The ACANSA Arts Festival is a five-day event where you will find live performances, art education programs, exhibits, events, and training from national and local performers and artists. The event promotes and exposes regional arts while encouraging people to appreciate them.

Families from all across the state visit to take part in the Arkansas State Fair which lasts ten days each October. The fact that this annual festival attracts over 400,000 people annually demonstrates the event’s enormous appeal.

The fair offers a variety of educational and recreational options for people of all ages. It highlights the state’s strengths in categories like technology, the arts, livestock, and agriculture. Expect to find a carnival midway, a rodeo, a cattle show, and numerous live musical performers.

We included the 2nd Friday Art Night in the upcoming art walks section, but it certainly deserves a mention here too.

Art Dealers & Appraisers

You can buy something new or learn the current value of works in your collection at these art dealers and appraisers near you:

Hearne Fine Art has grown into a vibrant conduit for the preservation and development of African-American fine art. This gallery has grown from humble beginnings to become a pillar within its artistic community.

J. Carman is the premier independent art consultancy and assessment organization in the Mid-South. Jennifer Carman, an Accredited Senior Appraiser, works independently of any auction house, dealer, or gallery, allowing her to provide objective and discreet valuation services and advise on the acquisition or disposal of fine and decorative art free of potential conflicts of interest.

GTFA specializes in navigating the art market’s intricacies and assisting customers in developing connoisseurship in the purchasing and selling process. They specialize in key creators from the Southern, Modern, and Contemporary art movements.

Walking Tours

Some of the best areas to walk around outside and see some unique art can be found at:

At 2nd Friday Art Night several entities band together and host an after-hours art night every second Friday of the month. Regular hosts include the Historic Arkansas Museum, Old State House Museum, Central Arkansas Library System’s Bookstore and Galleries at Library Square. Each month provides new themes and exhibits for people to explore, completely free of charge.

The ADC promotes new enterprises, tourism, and a high quality of life in the community. They can offer a variety of activities, a wide selection of local dining options, entertainment, and the arts as a result of their community’s growth.

Sculptures & Statues

Framing art supply stores Little Rock lessons near you studios

Another good way to enjoy nice weather would be to check out some of these statues and sculptures in your area:

  • Vogel-Schwartz Sculpture Garden at Arkansas River Trail
  • Sculpture in Riverfront Park at 400 President Clinton Ave
  • Finton Shaw’s Metal Sculpture Garden at 5080 Hwy 64, Conway
  • Outdoor Public Sculpture in UCA at 201 Donaghey Ave, Conway

Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden is located in Riverfront Park and Leland Couch and Mark Webre developed the Garden’s natural terraces and paths. Sculpture at Riverfront Park offers a variety of public works of art, as well as access to various local history museums and attractions, plus breathtaking and calming views of the Arkansas River.

Finton Shaw’s Metal Sculpture Garden can be found at the late metal artist’s remote studio. Shaw had been working on a 9.5-foot-tall sculpture of boy Bill Clinton and a man named “Momo” since 2006, in addition to his scrap metal masterpieces which are still spread about the property.

The Outdoor Public Art collection can be seen across the university grounds. The artwork was either commissioned by the institution or given to them as a gift by the creatorss. Two of them were given to the museum as memorials.

Little Rock Art Classes

Whether you are trying to find lessons for kids, teens, or adults some of the best Little Rock art schools and classes can be found at:

South Main Creative provide high-quality items as well as outstanding customer service in a pleasant and welcoming environment. Silkscreening, gilding, knitting, needle felting, and the ever-popular sewing are just a few of the fascinating art, craft, and DIY workshops available.

Southern Studio is home to Arkansas’ only Splatter Cave, which hosts private events, delivers take and makes, and hosts private events. Everyone can benefit from A Different Stroke of Art’s stimulating, calming, and entertaining art workshops. Beginner’s painting art classes, children and teen classes, social painting classes, private art lessons, birthday parties, and private events and parties are just some of the classes available.

Art lessons, parties, and professional face painting are all available at Matthews Studios, a fine arts school. Board & Brush Creative Studio is a place where you can learn how to make exciting and distinctive wood decor projects from scratch while having fun with an instructor.

Painting with a Twist is a creative night out when talented local painters guide you through a painting and offer all of the equipment. Bring food and beverages to round out the celebration. Birthdays, girls’ nights out, dating nights, bachelorette celebrations, and business gatherings are all great options.

Pinot’s Palette hosts painting and wine-tasting activities. Their paint parties are a unique way to celebrate all of life’s significant occasions, from date nights to birthdays and bachelorette parties or even if the occasion is simply called Friday.

It is fair to say those last two lessons are a bit more casual than some of the others, but that doesn’t mean you won’t learn a thing or two. Barry Thomas Fine Art & Studio from our best museums near you list is another good place for local art classes.

Studios For Rent Near You

You can try to rent studio space at Ruth Pasquine Fine Art Studio at 600 N Olive Street who specializes in paintings of the Tibetan deities, Hindu Deities paintings, pastels, and other prints. Art Group Gallery, Barry Thomas Fine Art & Studio, and Gallery 221 also might have studio space available.

Framing

Some of the most highly recommended places to go for local art framing are:

Pyramid Art & Custom Framing provides a wide range of reading, reference, and art books, as well as conservation framing and hanging services. Pyramid has evolved into a group of companies dedicated to educate collectors on how to guard their art investment.

Louie’s Unique Framing and Gallery has four decades of experience in creating high-end custom framing and artwork. A broad collection of unique works by local and international artists are also available.

BA Framer specializes in custom framing and shadow boxes for mementos, prints, paintings, needlework, mirrors, photos, and more. They employ top-of-the-line materials to protect your most valuable and treasured possessions.

Since 1987, BK Moulding has been a trusted Arkansas moulding and mat distributor to the trade. Retail and commercial bespoke framing are also available.

Chroma Gallery, which opened in 1991, specializes in bespoke picture framing, museum-quality archival frame, and heirloom shadow-box framing, as well as original work by local and regional artists and folk imports.

The Red Door Gallery specializes in hand-picked contemporary artists and young British designers’ art prints, jewelry, homewares, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Pictures Et Cetera is great for complete conservation framing and features Arkansas’ most prominent painters.

M2 Gallery and Gallery 26 from the first list also do quality framing in your area. Just so you know we have also written about:

Have Fun Enjoying The Little Rock Art Scene

We tried to cover the full art scene near you as well as we could. We listed the best galleries, museums, local events, shows, supply stores, dealers, appraisers, walking tours, sculptures, classes, studios, and framers in your area.

Those that made it all the way to the end probably love art as much as we do. You can let us know about any of your own tips and tricks in the comments at the end of the post, or please also let us know if we got anything wrong or if anything we posted has become dated.

Have fun going to the galleries, museums, buying supplies or doing anything that has to do with art in Little Rock!

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