Arts
In addition to a lively music scene, Western Arkansas’ Mountain Frontier has an active arts community. From dance to live theater, there is something for everyone. Below are some of the places and performers you don’t want to miss.
Alma
Alma Performing Arts Center
Brings Art's Alive to the Alma area by booking top name artists and performances. The center is available to organizations by reservations. 479-632-2120. www.almapas.org
Fort Smith
Forth Smith Chorale
Founded in 1981 by Bill Cromer for the purpose of providing singers with the opportunity to learn and perform choral music. Now performing with more than 70 singers, the Chorale has presented over 72 concerts. Major works presented include Bach, Mozart, Handel, Mendelssohn and Brahms. 479-242-7464. www.fortsmithchorale.com.
Fort Smth Convention Center
State-of-the-art facility with 140,000 square feet of space, 40,000 square feet of exhibition and banquet space, 5,400 square feet of meeting room space (up to eight break-out rooms), 23,000 square feet of support areas and a performing arts center. Call 479-788-8932 or visit the web site at www.fortsmithconventioncenter.org
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
Formerly the Fort Smith Art Center housed in the Vaughn-Schapp House at 423 N. 6th St. for four decades. While the new museum space is under construction, the interim located is at 701 Rogers Ave. in the Museum District near the Fort Smith Museum of History. The museum is expected to open at its permanent location in January 2013 at 1601 Rogers Ave., near Garrison Ave. in downtown Fort Smith in late 2011. 479-784-2787.
Fort Smith River Park
Located on the Arkansas River. Features an amphitheater, events building and a pavilion with an open-air style market. 479- 784-1006. www.fortsmithparks.com.
The Blue Lion at UAFS Downtown
A beautiful performing arts and multi-purpose space located in historic downtown Fort Smith. Perfect for hosting local and touring musical events, business meetings or dinners. (479) 788-7302. E-mail Stacy.jones@uafs.edu.
Greenwood
Greenwood High School Performing Arts Center
Greenwood School System boasts an auditorium that will seat 1,303 people. Available for use by the community to bring talent and cultural events to the area. 515 Gary St. 479-996-4142
Mena
Mena Artist Gallery
Mena street gallery features local and well-known artisans and offers classes for all ages; call (479) 394-3880.
Ouachita Little Theater
Enjoy talents of local actors and directors in productions throughout the year. Performed in the restored Lyric Theater on Mena Street.
Southwest Artist Gallery
Mena street gallery features local and well-known artisans and offers classes for all ages. 479-394-3880.
Mountainburg
Artist Point Cultural Center
Known as "The Grand Canyon of the Ozarks," Artist Point is home to a gift shop, cultural center, historical museum and hiking trails. Voted one of the most photographic spots. Scenic Byway 71, 8 miles north Of Mountainburg.
Van Buren
Center for Art & Education
Housed in the Old St. Michael’s Catholic Church, built in 1912. Offers shows, workshops, lessons, gifts and special events. 104 N. 13th St. 479-474-7767.
King Opera House
Productions are still staged in this opulent structure built in the 1880s. It was remodeled into a theater at the turn of the century. 427 Main St. 479-474-2426.