CREATING A SPACE TO CELEBRATE AND ADVOCATE FOR THE HOT SPRINGS ARTS COMMUNITY, OFFERING BEAUTIFUL PLAY AND CREATIVE EXPERIENCES TO SHARE WITH OUR FELLOW FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS.

The Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance (HSACA) welcomes you to the Arts & The Park 2026 festival, a 10-Day Celebration of the Arts with live performances, captivating art exhibits, interactive play, culinary experiences, workshops, art labs, poetry reading, gallery walk, and studio tours across downtown Hot Springs and partner venues April 24 through May 3, 2026. Oaklawn is the premier sponsor, allowing the festival to be shared and talents to be showcased for everyone to enjoy.

In support of celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary, HSACA proclaims this year “We the Arts” as its annual theme, a play on words from the preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America, hoping to show how art unifies us through our varied experiences, reflecting America’s melting-pot nature. Now in its second decade, Arts & the Park is designed to make the arts easy to access for locals and visitors alike, with most events free and family-friendly.

Art Talks: Sponsored by Garvan Woodland Gardens, An Evening with Featured Artist, Patrick Shearn
Oaklawn Events Center, 2705 Central Avenue, Rooms 5 and 6
Friday 4/24, 7 PM
An exclusive opening night experience welcoming artist Patrick Shearn for a conversation about his stunning art installation, “Where the Wind Lives.” This is a rare opportunity to step inside the artist’s creative vision as he shares the inspiration, process, and meaning behind his work. After his presentation, you’ll have the chance to meet Patrick one-on-one, ask questions, and connect directly with the artist in a thoughtful, personal setting. This is more than just an opening—it’s a moment to truly understand the art and the person who created it. “Where the Wind Lives” Exhibit will be at Garvan Woodland Gardens from April 24 to October 31 and is included with admission.

Art Moves: We the Arts Unveiling Celebration
Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail
Fri. 4/24, 5:30 PM
Begin your visit to this outdoor art exhibition at the Hollywood Avenue parking lot and head north to Belding Street. Or park at the Majestic Park parking lot and walk the trail south to Hollywood Park. Be sure to see all 20 pieces celebrating America’s Art History.

Art Springs Weekend

Sat. 4/25, 10 AM – 6 PM, Sun. 4/26, 10 am – 4 PM
Art Springs, a FREE 2-day outdoor festival, is bursting with talented, fine artists, artisans, kids’ events, face painting, and the Art Springs Stage featuring many live performances. Held at Hill Wheatley Plaza and the adjacent Entertainment District on Malvern Avenue between Bridge Street and Spring Street in historic downtown Hot Springs.

Plan to play and get immersed in the Art Interactive area of the event, which includes Chalk Walk, Crystal Bridges Mobile Art Lab, Under Pressure steamroller printing event, a Renaissance Faire, a free children’s book giveaway, a graffiti wall, workshops and demos, local authors, and tons of arts and crafts. Bring your appetite, as there will be plenty of food and drinks to purchase from some of Arkansas’ best food trucks. Entertainment Events, Hill Wheatley Plaza, 605 Central Ave.

Art Springs Stage
Sat. 4/25, 10 AM – 9 PM, Sun. 4/26, 11 AM – 4 PM
Join emcee Stephen Koch, host of Arkansongs, for two days of music, theatre, awards, dance, and fun on the Art Springs stage. Musical performances from famed Country songwriter Erin Enderlin, whose songs have been recorded by legends such as Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack, Randy Travis, Reba McEntire and Terri Clark. Enjoy local favorites – Jacob Flores, Miranda Hood-Brewer, Big Papa Binns, Allie and Patrick, among others; and come visit your friends and neighbors with performances from local schools as well as the Pocket Theatre. Headlining music after hours on Saturday night from 6:30 PM – 9 PM is Brady Roseberry.

Fine Artists & Artisans
Sat. 4/25, 10 AM – 6 PM, Sun. 4/26, 10 AM – 4 PM
Meet talented artists and their creative work, which represent a large selection of mediums and styles. This juried selection of artists showcases their curated art for the public to enjoy and shop their beautiful work.

Art Moves Auction
Auction Opens at 10 AM, Sat. 4/25; Closes at 2 PM, Sun. 4/26
Place your bid on a piece of Hot Springs Art History – Art Moves. The 2025 exhibition pieces are reproductions of original art by artists who focus on the year’s theme, ARTventurous. The display panels exhibited along the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail will be up for public auction during Art Springs. The 30” x 40” reproductions are printed on metal sheets and can be displayed indoors or outdoors. The works are available for viewing along the trail until April 20, when they will be taken down to make room for the 2026 installation. HSACA will use Givebutter to manage the auction, and interested bidders can register at HotSpringsArts.org. The auction opens online on Wednesday, Saturday, April 125, at 10 AM and closes at 2 PM on Sunday, April 26. Registration assistance for the Auction will be available at Art Springs.

Chalk Walk
Hill Wheatley Plaza, 605 Central Avenue
Sat. 4/25, 8:30 AM to 12 PM
The Cultural Alliance will host the annual Sidewalk Chalk Event during Arts & The Park-Art Springs. This free, judged sidewalk chalk event is for all ages. A guest Judge will score the works at 12 PM, with winners announced on the Art Springs Stage at 12:30 PM. The art is created on the sidewalks adjacent to Hill Wheatley Plaza in downtown Hot Springs. Registration Required at HotSpringsArts.org. Free-Play with chalk will also be available in select areas on-site.

Hot Springs World Class High School
Sat., 4/25
Choir Performances 10 AM
Dance Troupe special performance 11:30 AM
Art Club – All ages face painting 1 PM – 6 PM
Interactive Events, Entertainment District – Malvern Avenue

Crystal Bridges Mobile Art Lab
Sat. 4/25, 2 PM – 6 PM, Sun. 4/26, 12 PM – 4 PM
Channel your inner Kusama and create some bold, vivid, polka dot art. A special 2-day set-up through the generosity of Crystal Bridges. The art lab will feature lots of free artistic activity.

Arkansas Renaissance Festival
Sat. 4/25, 10 AM – 6 PM, Sun. 4/26, 10 AM – 4 PM
A sampling of the Arkansas Renaissance Festival will bring merriment and interactive events, including charcoal rubbing, elaborate performances, live painting, and more!

Kids Book Giveaway
Sat. 4/25, 10 AM – 6 PM, Sun. 4/26, 10 AM – 4 PM
Free Books! Sponsored by Theta Pi Sorority and a grant from the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation, HSACA offers free children’s books to Art Springs visitors.

NPC Workforce & Community Education
Sat. 4/25, 10 AM – 6 PM, Sun. 4/26, 10 AM – 4 PM

Under Pressure
Sun. 4/26, 12 PM – Done
Block printing down Spring Street using a 2-ton steamroller!

Craft Tent
Sat. 4/26, 11 AM – 4 PM, Sun. 4/27, 12 PM – 4 PM
Presented by the Garland County Library and Emergent Arts, enjoy free arts and crafts with a new activity hourly.

Garvan Woodland Gardens
Sat. 4/25, 10 AM – 2 PM, Sun. 4/26, 12 PM – 4 PM
Garvan Woodland Gardens is excited to be participating in this year’s Art Springs with an interactive replica of our Art Installation, “Where the Wind Lives.” Children can explore what they love about nature and our beautiful state of Arkansas in this interactive art piece.

Garland County Library Bookmobile
Sat. 4/25, 11 AM – 4 PM
A traveling library that brings a curated selection of books directly to you.

Graffiti Wall
Sat. 4/25, 10 AM – 6 PM, Sun. 4/26, 10 AM – 4 PM
A fan favorite presented by Cutwell 4 Kids, visitors are invited to let out their inner child and write on the walls.

The Church of Duane Allman
Sat. 4/25, 10 AM – 6 PM, Sun. 4/26, 10 AM – 4 PM
A mobile folk art music installation dedicated to Duane “Skydog” Allman.

Workshops and Demonstrations
Sat. 4/25, 12 PM – 3 PM
Wheel Pottery
Ginger Ladehoff, National Park College

Sat. 4/25, 1 PM
Watercolor Sketching
Jamie Craddock-Johnson

Sun. 4/26, 10 AM – 1 PM
Wheel Potter, Arrowhead
Corina Fedorowicz, Arrowpoint Pottery

Sun. 4/26, 1 PM
Lego Block Printing
Melinda Shunk, Bricks and Mini Figs

Community Partner Events

The Hot Springs community is an art destination experience, and there isn’t a better way to be immersed in the arts than to be in the space where the magic happens. The Following are our Arts & the Park community partners’ events they have curated specifically for our annual 10-day festival. For the most current participants and details, please follow our Arts & the Park Facebook Event for updates.

Let It Grow, Collective Arts Gallery, 620 Central Ave, 2nd Floor
Thur. 4/23 – Sun. 4/26, Thur. 4/30 – Sun. 5/03
During Arts & The Park, we invite you to help create a public artwork at the gallery. As part of the “Let It Grow” exhibit, Collective Arts Gallery will create a wooden “tree” that visitors can decorate throughout the festival. Visitors of all ages are welcome to add a small mark. Each addition will grow the work into a vibrant garden of creativity, reflecting the voices and imagination of our community and festival visitors.
Garland County Library
1427 Malvern Avenue

Garland County Library
Diamond Art Club, Fri. 4/24, 10 AM – 11:30 AM
Join our monthly Diamond Art Club for adults! Each session features a themed miniature diamond art project. Begin a new project or continue working at your own pace in a relaxed, social setting. All skill levels welcome—supplies provided.
Music Mondays, Mon. 4/27, 4 PM – 5 PM
Acoustic Jam session: An open forum for musicians to share songs, practice together, and enjoy unplugged music. No specific genre, just bring your acoustic instrument and good vibes.
Amazing Makers, Tue. 4/28, 4:30 PM (Registration Required)
Children ages 7-12 are invited to join Ms. Tiffany and Ms. Katie as we explore the work of quilter and artist Basil Kincaid! We will learn about his work, share a snack, and take part in a collaborative quilt project in partnership with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. To register for this event, please visit https://calendar.gclibrary.com/event?id=265182.
250 Threads, Thurs. 4/30, 9 AM – 3 PM
All Things Fiber and Garland County Library present “250 Threads” to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Textiles and fiber have been crucial to this nation’s growth. Weaving, quilting, embroidery, knitting, crochet, needlework, and spinning yarn are just a few of the many methods on display at this pop-in fiber arts event. Visit the Garland County Library on April 30, 2026, during 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., to meet (am pm consistency?) and observe area skilled textile artists. In April, make sure to check out the “History of Fiber” exhibit in the library’s glass display case.
Magical Creatures, Fri. 5/1, 6:30 – 8 PM
Calling all dragons, wizards, fairies, mermaids, gnomes, and other magical folk of all ages! Join us after hours for an evening of magical crafts, games, food, and fun. Costumes welcome.

Earth Day Sound Bath, 879 Park Avenue, Suite C
Fri. 4/24, 6 PM – 7:30 PM (Registration Required, $30 per person)
Immerse yourself in the healing frequencies of three Paiste gongs, crystal singing bowls, ocean drum, chimes, shamanic drums, rain stick, and a Rav Vast tongue drum. Allow the vibrations to soothe your nervous system and nourish your spirit. Bring your own yoga gear.

Citizens of the Earth: Clan of Bones, 435 Whittington Avenue
Sat. & Sun 4/25-4/26, 1 PM – 4 PM
Thirteen women transform thirteen animal pelvis bones into an awakened “Tribe of Skulls.”

Decked Out: Student Skateboard Design Reveal, Valley Street Skate Park, 411 Valley St
Sat. 4/25, 1 PM
This will be an unveiling of the skateboard art created by Lakeside High School art students. There will also be a skating demo by LHS students. The skateboards tell autobiographical stories about where each artist would travel to on their boards. It could be a physical or metaphysical place.

Art Bites, Cafe Mi Amor, 2032 Central Avenue
Mon. 4/27, 6 PM (Registration Required by 4/17, $45 per person)
Join us at Cafe Mi Amor for a farm-to-table, locally sourced chef’s tasting featuring newly crafted dishes and dessert from Stay Pastry. Limited tickets available. Cuban-inspired Cafe Mi Amor’s diverse menu caters to every palate with fresh-baked – everything – there’s no place else like it in Hot Springs. The atmosphere exudes warmth and welcomes guests with open arms, friendly staff, and a menu bursting with mouthwatering dishes. It’s the perfect place to unwind and savor a delightful meal. Come as you are, and leave with a satisfied heart, a full stomach, and a smile. Artfully Crafted With Love, Mindfully Crafted With Intent.

Intro to Cyanotype Printing, Static, 246 Ouachita Ave, Suite 102
Tues. 4/28, 9 AM – 11 AM
Registration Required by 4/26, $25 per person – all materials included. Discover the magic of sun printing in this hands-on cyanotype workshop led by local artist Laura Myers. Participants will learn the basics of this historic photographic process and create their own vibrant blueprints using natural materials and found objects. This relaxed, beginner-friendly session invites experimentation, creativity, and playful exploration. Botanical materials provided by The Mood Floral Co.

Art Designs, Statements for the Home, 600 Ouachita Ave.
Tues. 04/28, 6 PM – 8:00 PM
Define Your Design Style, where design is more than throw-pillows and paint color. It reflects how we live, travel, collect, and ultimately create spaces that feel like home. It is an art. In this interactive seminar, we’ll explore the personalities and stories behind different interior styles and how designers bring them to life. During the seminar, you’ll take a short quiz to discover your style and see how our designers turn inspiration into cohesive, beautiful spaces.

Wednesday Night Poetry, Kollective Coffee + Tea, 110 Central Avenue
Wed. 4/29, 6:30 PM
The longest-running consecutive weekly open mic series in the country.

IBLA, IBLA Foundation Concert, Grand Avenue United Methodist Church, 841 Quapaw Avenue
Thur. 4/30, 6 PM
The IBLA Foundation in New York City organizes annual music competitions for pianists, singers, instrumentalists, and composers in Ragusa Ibla, Italy. Winners have been presented in prestigious venues such as Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center Alice Tully Hall, Kioi Hall, and Tokyo Opera City Hall in Japan; and, for one night only, they will perform at the Grand Avenue United Methodist Church, 841 Quapaw Ave. {This year, the performance will be opened with a guest appearance from the Hot Springs Children’s Dance Theatre.

Gallery Walk, Downtown Hot Springs and the surrounding areas.
Fri. 5/1, 5 PM – 9 PM
Check Facebook Event for Gallery Walk participants – https://www.facebook.com/share/1DX9Lif77E/A monthly First Friday tradition in downtown Hot Springs that invites the community to explore art, music, and creativity throughout the evening. Beginning at 5 p.m., galleries along Central Avenue and nearby downtown spaces will be open, featuring new exhibitions, featured artists, live music, and special experiences, offering a relaxed and enjoyable evening while supporting Hot Springs’ vibrant arts scene. Stroll at your own pace, stop in where curiosity leads you, and enjoy all that our creative community has to offer.

Hot Springs Gem & Mineral Show, The Club House, 118 Arbor Street, Suite A
Fri. 5/1, 5 PM – 9 PM, Sat. 5/2, 10 AM – 5 PM, Sun. 5/3, 10 AM – 4 PM
The Local Art Entity is honored to present the 4th annual event. This indoor and outdoor event showcases local and traveling experts of their craft with astounding collections of rocks, crystals, gems, and minerals for sale. Enjoy food trucks, artists, live music, entertainers, and geological speakers throughout the last weekend of the Hot Springs Arts & The Park celebration.

Studio Tours, A Creator Space Experience Across Hot Springs

Sat 5/2 & Sun 5/3, 10 AM – 4 PM
Held the second weekend of the annual 10-day festival, Arts & The Park, Studio Tours is a free self-guided tour of local artist studios. It offers a glimpse into the creative space of some of Hot Springs most well-known artists. A map and list to guide you through the participating studios will be pinned to this Facebook event, or stop by the Visitor Information Center at 629 Central Avenue to pick up a program with a map.

Blue Waters Fine Art and Craft Gallery
Laura Blue Waters, 430 Valley Street • Hot Springs
Showcases the works of local, regional, national, and international artists, including ironwork by Hot Springs’ own Tri-Lakes Ornamental Ironworks.

Lola’s Art Place
Lola Warren, 314 Pinewood St. • Hot Springs
I have worked with just about every art material imaginable including painting, metal, wood, fibers, ceramics, stone, and glass. I teach ceramics and fused glass at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, and glass casting at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock.

Crooked Little Studio Visual
Diana Garrison, 318 Arrowhead Dr. • Hot Springs
Artist, writer and designer in printmaking, painting, and education, working from garden-side studio, recently relocated to Hot Springs from San Francisco.

Dryden Pottery (open only Saturday, May 2nd)
Multiple Artists, 341 Whittington Ave. • Hot Springs
For over 80 years, Dryden Pottery has been producing high-quality ceramics with an artistic flair. Known worldwide, our in-house formulated glazes and clay mix were engineered by founder AJ Dryden. The Quartz crystal clay and glazes are sought after and easily recognized by collectors. Currently, 4th generation operated, we work tirelessly to create beautiful, high quality, one-of-a-kind, art pottery, sculptures, and functional pottery.

The Dungeon
Daniel Cassity, 318 Arrowhead Drive • Hot Springs
I am a visual storyteller emphasizing imagination within the still life genre. A few highlights from my resume include national and international exhibitions/competition awards, museum purchases, a short film, and magazine articles. Most recently, I have begun producing promotional videos for YouTube.

Gary Simmons Studio
Gary Simmons, 133 Brown St, • Hot Springs
Been an active artist of pen and ink, watercolor, and oil in the community since 1973. Taught pen workshops nationally, taught art at Henderson State for 22 years, and was awarded the Governor’s Individual Artist of the Year Award.

Gigi Gaulin Studio
Gigi Gaulin, 196 Gobert • Hot Springs
I love metal and being able to share this work. I believe art has no map to follow; it is a process, as is anything else, and needs time and space to unfold and be expressed.

Highpoint Studio
Lori Arnold, Erma Stillsmith
105 Robertsridge • Hot Springs
Artists Lori Arnold and Erma Stillsmith. Enjoy a day of demonstrations, wonderful artwork, and refreshments. Sit by the fire pit or take a walk around the gardens or just take in the views. We are looking forward to showing you our latest creations.

Jeri Hillis Studio
Jeri Hillis, 125 Pullman Avenue • Hot Springs
Jeri Hillis is a professional working artist/teaching artist working in multiple mediums. She is known for oil paintings of historic architectural features of urban ruin landscapes and mixed media collages of detailed butterfly/moth watercolors with ephemeral fragments enhanced by her emotive brush strokes and pencil lines.

Richard Stephens Studio
Richard Stephens, 400 Pritchard • Hot Springs
I enjoyed a 48 year career in the world of commercial art. Overlapping the last 10 years was my rediscovery of my long lost love of Watercolor. For the last 23 years I have been producing about 250 paintings a year as well as teaching watercolor workshops all over the country. My style of painting would be termed Impressionist, viewing a recognizable subject painted quickly and loosely..letting the magic of watercolor do what it wants to do. I have been fortunate to have my work recognized, via competitions and publications, on a National and International level.

Stevie Spargo Studio
Stevie Spargo, 400 Prichard • Hot Springs
I work mainly with Acrylic Pours and Resin, creating both functional art and fine art decorative work. My creative products range from large tabletops and countertops, charcuterie boards of various sizes, cutting boards with intricate designs and colors, and one of a kind coaster sets to fine art wall pieces of various sizes and themes. I am available for commissions and love working with clients to create the perfect addition for their space.

The Tea Horse Koryu Foundation & Tea School
Jennifer Huffman, 134 Greenwood Avenue, Hot Springs
A Japanese tea practitioner and cultural educator and founder of The Tea Horse and the Tea Horse Korya Foundation, Jennifer shares the traditions of Japanese tea through demonstrations, workshops, and seasonal gatherings inspired by the aesthetics of the Way of Tea. A graduate of the Urasenke Midorikai program in Kyoto, her work focuses on building community through tea, hospitality, and cultural exchange. Her tea school serves as a gathering place for students and guests to experience the quiet beauty of tea practice and the spirit of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.