Arts & The Park, a 10-day celebration of the arts that runs from April 26 through May 5, will kick off with a Launch Party on Friday, April 26, and continue through the weekend with Art Springs, a free two-day outdoor art fair Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, at Hill Wheatley Plaza.
The Launch Party for Arts & The Park will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 26 at Hill Wheatley Plaza, featuring live music, dance and selections of work by local artists, as well as guest artists Craig Thomas and the Art Sherpa painting on site.
The presentation of the annual Arts Ambassador Award will also be featured during the Launch Party at Hill Wheatley Plaza. Gourmet appetizers and beverages will be served. Tickets are $30 in advance, or $35 at the door, and can be purchased online at http://www.hotspringsarts.org.
Art Springs, the free two-day outdoor arts festival will feature offerings by artists and crafters, children's activities, Chalk Walk, along with two days of live music, poetry, and performances on the Art Springs stage to entertain the entire family, according to a news release.
Street artist Craig R. Thomas will create a 3D chalk painting and the Art Sherpa will lead a free painting class that will be streaming live on YouTube from the stage. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the festival.
"The events at Art Springs' children's area will include a wide range of fun activities for all ages," the release said. "Children should come early on Saturday, April 27, to meet Clifford the Big Red Dog and get a free book (while supplies last)," it said.
Hands-on creative opportunities will be offered at the Kids Creation Station, sponsored by Hot Springs Village, with crafts provided by the Garland County Children's Library and Emergent Arts. The touring production of "The Emperor's New Clothes," performed by the Arkansas Arts Center's Children's Theatre, will be featured Sunday afternoon, April 28. The third annual Chalk Walk competition will also be held during Art Springs and will feature teams of student artists. A separate area for professional artists will also be offered.
Art Springs will also include activities hosted by the Hot Springs Renaissance Faire. Attendees can visit the Royal Court and meet Queen Elizabeth I, play historically accurate renaissance games, join THE QUEST! and collect Tears of the Dragons (glass beads) at all the Faire stations for the chance to be knighted by Queen Elizabeth I, the release said. Children can also take in Mother Nature's Joy of Reading Show, on the Once Upon a Time Stage, featuring books chosen from the Garland County Children's Library.
Arts & The Park's "Music after Dark," in partnership with the Spa City Blues Society, will present performances by the Spa City Blues Society's Blues in the Schools, Kenny Mann & the Rev, and the Legoria Payton & Friends Band on Saturday, April 27, from 6-10 p.m. at Hill Wheatley Plaza. Admission is free.
Entertainment on 04/20/2019