Entries for January 2009

Visit the Fort Smith Public library to check out some videos for the weekend. I like to check out vintage videos for my kids—let them experience some classics and black & whites. If your kids want to be frightened, but you don’t want them to be disturbed, try Alfred Hitchcock’s 'The Birds'.  All you need is a library card to check out the movies. You can’t beat that. Newer movies are available too. If you want to browse what’s available, go to the Fort Smith Public Library’s online web catalog at fortsmithlibrary. Click the “call” button and enter DVD.

The grounds at Coleman Observatory, northwest of Van Buren, are open for everyone to use at any time.  You do not have to be a member of the Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society to enjoy the dark sides from our observatory.  If you have a telescope and would like a good, dark observing site, you are welcome anytime.  Learn more at aoas.org.

My family took a day trip to Historic Washington, Arkansas last fall and will definitely go back this spring.  It is a lovely, peaceful tree-shaded town and one of the most amazing historic places in Arkansas. The town allows visitors to time travel back to the 19th century while touring over 30 carefully restored historic structures.  If you have never been to Historic Washington, a perfect first trip would be to their upcoming Jonquil Festival (March 20th - 22nd).  The festival heralds the coming of spring to Southwest Arkansas. Thousands of jonquils welcome craftspeople, entertainers, and visitors. Admission is free; parking is $5.  For more information, click here. 

Want to expose your kids and yourself to a bit of art?  There are several local art spaces you can check out:

UA Fort Smith has a beautiful collection in the Fullerton Building (upstairs and downstairs) and usually has a traveling display in the Campus Center--outside the Reynolds Room.  You can also go upstairs in the Campus Center to see several original John Bell paintings.  

The Fort Smith Art Center maintains a photographic exhibit in the new addition of Sparks Regional Medical Center.  It's referred to as the Sparks Gallery on the Art Center page.  Check the Art Center's web site to find out what artist's works are on display.

The Fort Smith Public Library has a new exhibit in the Community Room each month.  Check the FSPL  calendar to see who is showing.  The Miller Branch (8701 South 28th Street) also has monthly exhibits. 

The Fort Smith Art Center provides free monthly exhibits for the whole community to enjoy.  Consider taking the kids to peruse the paintings (and other art objects) Tuesday through Saturday.  

Know of other art spaces?  Be sure to post your comments about great art spaces around town.

The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center is ready for business. The grand opening of the last of four educational centers built by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission opened on Dec. 17. Inside the 16,232-SF building, which clings to the bank of the Arkansas River in downtown Little Rock, more than $2 million worth of exhibits are finding their permanent home. The Stephens Nature Center is integrated into a stretch of visitor-friendly attractions: the sidewalk in front is part of the Arkansas River Trail, while the center backs up to the Sculpture Promenade that ends at the Clinton Library. Admission is always free. Learn more.