Profiles in THE ARTS
ALEXANDER GALLERY AT PORTER ART WAREHOUSE
Walton Arts Center has added a new visual arts destination, the Alexander Gallery at Porter Art Warehouse, located at 212 N. West Avenue. The gallery will showcase local and regional artists in a renovated warehouse that honors the history of the 100-year-old building. The gallery has more than 2,500 square feet with movable walls to create flexible exhibition spaces. Now refurbished to code and ADA accessible, the space also includes restrooms and gallery support space.
Our Art, Our Region, Our Time is the opening exhibition through December 21, featuring the works of over 75 local artists across a variety of mediums. A retrospective of the works of the late Arkansas artist and UAFS arts educator
Harold Keller will be on display January and February. March and April will feature the works of Don Lee, Arkansas artist and emeritus professor of Art at UAFS. Community Creative Center’s Arkansas Pottery Festival exhibition will be in May. The Alexander Gallery is open Monday through Saturday 11 am – 2 pm and Thursday through Saturday evenings from 5 – 8 pm.
Walton Arts Center and the Walmart AMP connect and engage people within Arkansas and the region through inspiring arts experiences. Walton Arts Center also provides learning and education programs that serve on average 32,500 students, teachers and families in our region annually. Visit waltonartscenter.org.
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS FEATURE WORKS BY TWO DISTINGUISHED FORT SMITH ARTISTS AND EDUCATORS.
HAROLD KELLER
JANUARY 15, 2026 – MARCH 8, 2026
Curated by Mathew Bailey from the University of Arkansas Fort Smith collection
DON LEE
MARCH 20, 2026 – APRIL 19, 2026
Curated by Kathy Thompson
Arkansas Pottery Festival: LARKIN FAMILY POTTERY
MAY 1, 2026 – MAY 31, 2026
Presented by Community Creative Center
ACHE ART GALLERIES
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) continues to prove that wellness and creativity go hand in hand. Inside the ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center, located at 1000 Fianna Way, visitors can explore a flourishing arts destination, the ACHE Art Galleries, home to the newly named Brenda and Anthony Altman Gallery.
The naming of the Brenda and Anthony Altman Gallery marks a vibrant evolution for the ACHE Art Galleries. Brenda and Anthony Altman, longtime supporters of the arts, share a deep belief that creative expression strengthens both individuals and communities. Their namesake gallery stands as a tribute to that vision, a space that blends beauty and inspiration.
From the moment visitors step inside, they are greeted by an atmosphere that celebrates imagination. The galleries feature an ever-changing collection of paintings, drawings, mixed media works, sculptures, and ceramics — many of which are available for purchase. This unique combination of exhibitions and marketplace invites guests not only to appreciate art but also to take a piece of it home, supporting regional and national artists along the way.
ACHE believes art is for everyone. To encourage creative exploration, the galleries host classes and workshops in a range of mediums. Whether you’re a beginner eager to pick up a paintbrush for the first time or a seasoned artist looking to refine your technique, there’s something for every level of experience. Classes include painting and drawing across various styles, mixed media and printmaking, and a popular ceramics program where participants can learn both hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques.
In addition to its visual arts programming, the ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center offers another hands-on creative outlet through its Teaching Kitchen, where culinary expression meets community. Instructors guide participants through approachable classes that blend artistic design with practical cooking skills, from crafting herb-adorned focaccia to exploring color, texture, and presentation in everyday dishes. These sessions also make engaging team-building experiences, giving groups a chance to collaborate, learn, and share a meal together in a welcoming, art-filled environment.
The ACHE Art Galleries are more than just exhibition spaces — they’re extensions of ACHE’s mission to foster whole-person wellness. The creative process itself is therapeutic, offering relaxation, focus, and connection. Within the Research Institute Health & Wellness Center, art becomes part of a larger journey toward physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
The ACHE Art Galleries invite the public to explore, learn, and participate. Admission is free, and parking is easy and accessible. Whether you come to admire the exhibitions, purchase a unique piece, or take a class that unlocks your creative side, there’s always something new to discover. For current hours, class schedules, and exhibition details, visit achehealth.edu/wellnesscenter.
ARKANSAS CENTER FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS
This has been a landmark year for Arkansas Center for the Creative Arts, the parent organization supporting both the Institute for the Creative Arts (ICA) and the Community School of the Arts (CSA), as their vibrant riverfront campus continues to evolve into a cornerstone for arts education in the River Valley and beyond.
Since opening the doors of their new facility, growth has followed at every turn. ICA, a free public charter school offering college-style arts training for high school creatives, added dance, contemporary music, and filmmaking to its curriculum, further strengthening its mission to prepare aspiring performers, visual artists, and storytellers for competitive arts careers. CSA has expanded its course offerings with fresh programs in digital art, after-school academic support, and revamped summer camps, all designed to nurture young artists at every stage.
Beyond classes and performances, ACCA’s growth is also fueled by its deepening network of community partnerships. Students from both ICA and CSA are increasingly connecting with working artists, local organizations, and professional mentors who bring real-world insight into the learning environment. These collaborations give young creatives opportunities to perform, exhibit, and hone their craft outside
the classroom, reinforcing ACCA’s commitment to providing experiences that prepare students not only for artistic success, but for confident futures in college, career, and community.
“Whether it’s onstage, in the studio, or behind the camera, we’re committed to giving students real-world creative experiences and professional mentorship,” the team shares. This year’s biggest step forward included welcoming ICA’s first senior class and launching a capstone program supporting student portfolios, college preparation, and individualized creative goals — a milestone marking just how far the program has come.
As the spring season approaches, families can look forward to a full slate of student performances, open enrollment opportunities at ICA, and CSA theatre titles including Dragons Love Tacos, Descendants, and Magic Tree House. Art students can also join beloved instructor Lydia Harrison for K–8 visual arts programming, with more camps being announced soon.
United by their guiding belief that “every young person deserves the chance to explore their creative self,” ICA and CSA are shaping not only emerging artists, but the next generation of confident, collaborative thinkers who understand the power of creativity.
FORT SMITH CONVENTION CENTER
More than a venue, the Fort Smith Convention Center has become one of the city’s defining cultural anchors, a place where worldclass touring talent meets homegrown artistry, and where unforgettable performances continue to shape the region’s artistic identity.
This past season underscored that evolution. From national acts such as Clint Black, Pauly Shore, Reed Timmer, and The Golden Girls Live to major cultural partnerships, the Convention Center and its crown jewel, the ArcBest Performing Arts Center, continue to attract diverse audiences and elevate Fort Smith’s presence on the national touring map. “Hosting these performers positions Fort Smith as a legitimate stop on the national
emerging artists, and genre-spanning events to Fort Smith. These partnerships are opening doors to premiere engagements and creative collaborations that will enrich the region’s cultural fabric. And with national touring productions continuing to view Fort Smith as a viable stop, the Convention Center is poised to expand its role as a key destination for entertainment.
The goal: a calendar that speaks to lifelong patrons and curious newcomers alike, one that reflects a city embracing growth, creativity, and
But the Convention Center’s impact extends beyond the stage. Positioned
Since 1966, the Fort Smith Convention Center has been at the heart of gatherings that inspire, connect, and celebrate. Located in vibrant downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas, our venue has grown into one of the region’s premier event destinations. With 116,800 square feet of flexible space, state-of-the-art technology, and a dedicated team, we’re proud to host large-scale conventions, unforgettable performances, elegant weddings, and community celebrations. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned event planner, you'll find our venue is more than just a space—it’s an experience.
FORT SMITH REGIONAL ART MUSEUM
Whether you’re a first-time guest or a familiar face, now is the time to visit the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM). This free-admission institution, devoted to nurturing the arts in the River Valley, always has something new to see.
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum takes pride in ensuring art accessibility (thanks to the support of patrons and sponsors) by offering classes and programs at no or low cost to underserved families, children, homeschoolers, and art lovers across the River Valley. 2026 brings a new slate of exhibitions to RAM’s galleries, including a legacy showcase by renowned Fort Smith artist John Bell, Jr., and RAM’s 76th Annual Invitational, which will feature exceptional talent from multiple states.
A great way to support this nonprofit museum is by attending RAM’s Annual “Art ‘Round the World” Fundraising Gala. In years past this Gala has transported guests to Paris, Amsterdam, and Florence—and in 2026, RAM is celebrating the spirit of Spain through food, drink, music, and atmosphere. Reserve your tickets and sponsorships today!
Thanks to the Windgate Foundation, all new Gala sponsorships or donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar. RAM is a proud member of the Downtown Fort Smith Business Association and is located at 1601 Rogers Avenue. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 11am to 5pm, and Sunday, 1-5pm. Visit fsram.org for classes and programs.
