Organized by Clark Valentine, Assistant Professor of Drawing; Brian Young, Gallery Director; and Nathan Larson, Assistant Gallery Director, the exhibition is a collaborative effort between students and faculty in the School of Art and Design (SoAD). Students with a BFA emphasis in either Studio Art or Applied Design work alongside SoAD faculty and staff to install their work in a professional, museum-quality setting.

For Studio Art BFA students, participating in the senior BFA exhibit isn鈥檛 optional 鈥� it鈥檚 a rite of passage. The exhibition has become one of the most anticipated events in the SoAD鈥檚 calendar, drawing students, faculty, families, and art lovers from across central Arkansas.

鈥淭his exhibition is an important tradition that a number of people in the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock community enjoy visiting. We openly welcome our students, staff and family, and the public,鈥� said Brian Young, Gallery Director.

Joli Livaudais, SoAD director, sees the exhibition as more than a checkbox on the path to graduation. 

鈥淭his exhibition is the culmination of their art education at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. Collectively, the work represents a cross-section of the overall effort in the art department. In addition, it allows the graduating seniors the chance to prepare their work for a professional setting alongside that of their peers.鈥�

Beyond the diplomas and the milestone, Aggregate is also a gift to Little Rock, it is a chance for the broader community to step inside the Windgate Center and experience some of the most compelling new art being made in the region.

This year鈥檚 exhibiting artists come from across Arkansas and beyond:

• Arianna Kegler, Sherwood, AR
• Leianna King, North Little Rock, AR
• Sarah Roberts, Bryant, AR
• Skylar Boone, Vancouver, WA
• Savannah Brinkley, Little Rock, AR
• Chloe Risques, Hot Springs, AR
• Virginia Singleton, Moore, OK
• Aidan Pianalto, Benton, AR
• Sydney Davidson, Sherwood, AR
• Maggie Bamburg, Palmer, AK
• Madelyn Hall, Sherwood, AR
• Rocio Pantoja, Sherwood, AR
• John Davis, Little Rock, AR
• Chelsea Lakey, Little Rock, AR
• Scarlett Clements, Little Rock, AR
• Aubrey Sprinkle, Dover, AR
• Nat Emons, Philadelphia, PA

For more information, contact Gallery Director Brian Young at (501) 916-5117 or byoung2@ualr.edu.

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As part of the 2026 cohort, Lowe receives a stipend and a fully funded professional development residency in Washington, D.C., including workshops and networking events that prepare young artists for professional careers in the visual arts. The program culminates in a national touring exhibition offering significant career-building exposure. Lowe鈥檚 piece, Flip Side, will be featured in the exhibition opening at the Kennedy Center in March and was previously selected for the iCREATE Public Art Program, where it was exhibited at Little Rock City Hall.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, Lowe is exploring an emphasis while developing a strong practice in painting, mixed media, and textile-based approaches. Art has long been central to his ongoing reflection on how people perceive themselves, see one another, and interact with their environment, through which he explores and communicates his relationship to these ideas. His work uses layered imagery and tactile, unconventional materials, inviting engagement and connection. This focus often appears through repeated figures, objects, and other elements arranged in ways that preserve the work鈥檚 immediacy and textural qualities. His body of work is shaped by his lived experience moving through the world from a neurodivergent perspective. 

Lowe鈥檚 work is making an impact on campus, in the community and beyond. Through art that explores identity and human experience, he encourages viewers to notice beauty where it鈥檚 least expected and immerse themselves in the work on their own terms. 

Reflecting on his experience, Lowe said, 鈥淚 truly believe that the School of Art and Design at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is exactly where I am meant to be right now, giving me the space to grow, the support to thrive, and the chance to refine my voice as an artist. This space has allowed me to develop my skills more intentionally, build meaningful connections, and stay grounded in my purpose.鈥�

As a freshman earning national recognition, Lowe is bringing visibility to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock while illustrating the possibilities for emerging artists to lead through creativity. Through mentorship, collaboration and professional opportunities, he continues to develop his practice and strengthen the campus community, modeling leadership and artistic excellence for his peers, the broader Little Rock community and on a national stage. Learn more about the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Art and Design and explore what your next creative chapter could be. 

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The exhibitions are part of Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, a nationwide initiative honoring handmade art in recognition of America鈥檚 semiquincentennial. Through the series, the center will spotlight new work in silversmithing, woodworking and contemporary clay.

鈥淭ogether, these three artists embody the recent momentum in contemporary craft,鈥� said Brian Young, gallery director in the School of Art and Design. 鈥淭hey reference the traditional media of their respective disciplines 鈥� wood, metal and clay 鈥� but move beyond utilitarianism to incorporate new media and social content.鈥�

Myra Mimlitsch-Gray鈥檚 On Purpose will be on view in the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery from Jan. 20 through March 29. A leading figure in contemporary metalsmithing, Mimlitsch-Gray transforms everyday objects into conceptual works that challenge ideas of function and tradition. An American Craft Council Fellow and a recent James Renwick Alliance 鈥淢aster of the Medium,鈥� her work appears in major collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museums of Scotland and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

In the Brad Cushman Gallery, Vivian Chiu presents Facing, on view Jan. 20 through March 16. Known for reimagining traditional forms through wood and other media, Chiu uses repetition, distortion and precision craftsmanship to explore the boundaries between illusion and structure. Her work has earned fellowships, major residencies and national recognition as an American Craft Council Emerging Artist.

Already open, Nicole Seisler鈥檚 Some Truths About Clay is on view in the North and South galleries through March 9. The exhibition invites visitors into a space where ceramics evolve through time, touch and participation, treating clay as a collaborative process. Seisler鈥檚 work has been featured at institutions across the country, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She currently leads the ceramics program at Lewis & Clark College and directs A-B Projects.

Together, the three exhibitions offer an opportunity to experience contemporary craft through metal, wood and clay, highlighting approaches that challenge tradition, perception and process.

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Boone, a native of Little Rock, studied abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from June 29 to Aug. 10. While enrolled at Chiang Mai University, she took courses in psychology, sociology, and Thai language.

鈥淎t first I considered going somewhere in Europe to study abroad, since that鈥檚 where most people go,鈥� Boone said. 鈥淏ut I wanted to do something a little different. My mom鈥檚 friend suggested Thailand, and after hearing about her experiences there, I thought it sounded amazing. It鈥檚 affordable, beautiful, and the people are really nice. I had never been to Southeast Asia, so I decided to step out of my comfort zone.鈥�

While in Thailand, Boone immersed herself in the local culture. She practiced speaking Thai at restaurants and street markets, learned traditional greetings, and saw how Buddhism influences daily life in Thai culture.

鈥淚n Thailand, showing respect is very important,鈥� Boone said. 鈥淲hen you greet people, you wai (a traditional Thai greeting), which means you put your hands together and bow. You bow lower depending on someone鈥檚 age or if they鈥檙e a monk. It was something new to learn, but I liked it once I got the hang of it. I also learned the saying 鈥楳ia pen rai,鈥� which means everything is impermanent or everything is okay. People in Thailand didn鈥檛 stress out or get mad easily. They were at peace, and that was really inspiring.鈥�

Some of Boone鈥檚 favorite memories included making new friends, exploring nature, and trying local food. She described the beaches of Krabi as 鈥渟o picturesque that it almost didn鈥檛 feel real, like something out of a postcard.鈥� She also enjoyed a hike to a hill tribe village, where she sampled freshly grown coffee, and a kayaking trip through mangrove trees.

鈥淭he food was amazing and so affordable, and I miss it so much,鈥� Boone said. 鈥淏ut what stood out the most to me was the people I met. I got along well with the other American students and made Thai friends at school. It was such a rewarding part of the trip to meet new people and learn about their lives.鈥�

Boone said the experience taught her important life skills that will help in her future career in graphic design.

鈥淚 feel like it taught me a lot about independence and being out of my comfort zone,鈥� she said. 鈥淎t first, I felt totally out of my element, but I overcame that by talking to people and making friends. It鈥檚 important to do things that make you uncomfortable, because that鈥檚 how you grow. That鈥檚 the main lesson I took away.鈥�

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From June 1 to July 1, Valentine participated in the , a juried program that brings in artists from around the world for a month of creative exchange. While there, Valentine collaborated with Bangladeshi artist Liton Chandra Sarker and presented his work in a final exhibition at the historic Patan Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former 17th-century royal palace.

鈥淭his residency gave me the chance to live and work as an artist in Kathmandu, not just as a visitor,鈥� Valentine said. 鈥淚 felt connected with people, learned to cook local food, and experienced what life is like as an artist living in the city.鈥�

During the residency, Valentine created eight new drawings inspired by Nepali artistic traditions, including Thangka paintings, mandalas, and temple wood carvings. His work responded to both the religious and cosmological symbolism in Hindu and Buddhist art as well as his personal experiences in Nepal. He also developed video pieces influenced by a 10-day silent meditation retreat at the Kopan Monastery, where he participated in Buddhist teachings during the Saga Dawa Festival, one of the most significant celebrations in the Buddhist calendar.

Valentine also connected with students and faculty at the Kathmandu University School of Arts, where he gave lectures, visited with students and faculty, and learned about their unique blend of traditional and contemporary art practices.

鈥淭heir students are studying many of the same contemporary texts as ours, but they also engage deeply with Nepali traditions,鈥� Valentine said. 鈥淚t was fascinating to see the similarities and differences between our programs.鈥�

Valentine鈥檚 experience in Kathmandu was supported by a College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE) Summer Research and Creative Activities Fellowship. His new drawings will be featured in an upcoming solo exhibition, 鈥淒rawing Time,鈥� opening Oct. 1 at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia. The exhibition will also feature some of his previous and newer works of art.

鈥淭his residency was such a rich cultural immersion,鈥� Valentine said. 鈥淚t will continue to shape my art and teaching moving forward.鈥�

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Department of History

Evenings with History: 鈥淪elling America on Independence: The 1950 Savings Bond Drive and its Replica Liberty Bells鈥� with Kristin Mann

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Evenings with History series will continue on Nov. 11 with a fascinating lecture by Dr. Kristin Mann, professor of history, titled 鈥淪elling America on Independence: The 1950 Savings Bond Drive and its Replica Liberty Bells.鈥� The presentation will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Ottenheimer Auditorium at the Historic Arkansas Museum, with refreshments served at 7 p.m.

Mann鈥檚 talk will explore how the U.S. Treasury Department鈥檚 Independence Bond Drive of 1950 used patriotic symbols, including newly cast replica Liberty Bells, to promote savings bonds and American ideals. Working with the copper industry, the Treasury produced exact replicas of the Liberty Bell for each U.S. state and territory. Cast in France, shipped to the United States, and mounted on Navy trucks, the bells toured the country between May 15 and July 4, 1950, celebrating national identity and economic strength.

Arkansas鈥檚 replica Liberty Bell later became part of the Bicentennial Memorial at the Arkansas State Capitol in 1975. Mann鈥檚 lecture will examine how this campaign reflected broader themes of politics, economics, culture, and American identity in the early Cold War era. The event is free and open to the public.

School of Art and Design

Naima Green: Seismic Feelings Exhibit on Display Nov. 3-Dec. 8

The exhibition, 鈥淣aima Green: Seismic Feelings,鈥� is on display from Nov. 3鈥揇ec 8 in the Focus Gallery. Green, the Windgate Center Artist-in-Residence for the fall 2025 semester, is an artist and educator whose photography examines the nature of intimacy, sensuality, and self-recognition. 

Her work documents individuals and communities in relationship to place and pleasure, synthesizing archival research with conversations and oral histories to create images that serve as 鈥渒inetic, living histories.鈥� A reception will be held for Green in the main lobby of the Windgate Center from 5-7 p.m. on Nov. 20.

Holiday Art Sale and Open House Nov. 7

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Art and Design will host its 2025 Holiday Sale and Open House from 3-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, in the Windgate Center of Art + Design.

The annual community event showcases one-of-a-kind work by students, alumni, faculty, and staff, featuring a diverse range of media, including drawings, prints, photography, illustration, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, sculpture, furniture, and graphic design. Organizers expect 60 to 70 artists to participate.

Studios across the Windgate Center will be open for self-guided tours, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at student workspaces and processes. Additional highlights include:

• Utopia Deli on-site outdoors
• A student-organized Pop-Up Gallery in Room 234
• Make-and-take activities for kids (and kids at heart) in Room 220
• A festive photo booth 
• New decorations created by illustration students

鈥淲e are really excited to share our space with the community, and we can鈥檛 wait for the community to see what our students and alumni have been working on,鈥� said Kristi Crow, administrative analyst for the School of Art and Design. 鈥淔ollow us on Instagram at @ualrart for a sneak peek at items that will be available for sale.鈥�

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Kristi Crow at kncrow@ualr.edu or 501-916-5101.

Nicole Seisler-Some Truths About Clay Exhibition on View Nov. 7-Dec. 12

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will present 鈥淣icole Seisler-Some Truths About Clay,鈥� an exhibition by ceramic artist Nicole Seisler, from Nov. 7 to Dec. 12 in the North and South Galleries of the Windgate Center of Art and Design.

Seisler is known for her experimental and conceptual approach to ceramics that challenges traditional techniques and perspectives. Her work has been exhibited and presented at institutions including the California College of the Arts, Otis College of Art and Design, University of Florida, Ashoka University in India, Berkeley Art Center, and the Wignall Museum.

A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (MFA) and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (BFA), Seisler has taught ceramics for more than a decade at universities across the country. She is the founder and director of A-B Projects, a space dedicated to exhibitions and alternative education in conceptual ceramics, and an assistant professor and head of ceramics at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.

School of Literary and Performing Arts

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Percussion Ensemble to Present 鈥淪omething New鈥� Fall Concert

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Percussion Ensemble will present its annual Fall Percussion Concert, titled 鈥淪omething New,鈥� on Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Arkansas Repertory Theater in downtown Little Rock.

The concert will feature an evening of rhythmic energy and musical exploration, showcasing works by Steve Reich, Eckhard Kopetzki Pawassar, David Cole, and Alex Flannigan. The program highlights the ensemble鈥檚 creativity, precision, and range of percussion styles. In addition to the ensemble鈥檚 performance, the Trojan Steel Band will take the stage with a lively selection of traditional Calypso tunes, adding an upbeat Caribbean flair to the evening.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Justin Bunting at jbunting@ualr.edu

Dr. Justin Bunting to Present Faculty Percussion Recital Nov. 6

Little Rock will present a faculty recital by Dr. Justin Bunting, associate professor of percussion, on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the Arkansas Repertory Theater.

The recital will feature an engaging program of solo percussion works, including the world premiere of Bunting鈥檚 newly composed marimba solo. Additional selections include Bach鈥檚 Cello Suite No. 1 arranged for marimba, a piece for solo children鈥檚 deskbells, and works by Michael Burritt, Ivan Trevino, and Blake Tyson.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Justin Bunting at jbunting@ualr.edu.

Dr. Michael Underwood to Perform Faculty Recital Nov. 10

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will host a faculty recital by Dr. Michael Underwood, instructor of music, from 7:30-9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in the Haislip Theatre at the Center for Performing Arts.

The performance will feature an evening of dynamic and expressive music highlighting Underwood鈥檚 versatility as both a low brass performer and jazz artist. His program will blend classical, contemporary, and jazz influences, offering audiences a diverse showcase of his musicianship and creative range.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Underwood at mpunderwood@ualr.edu.

Visiting Writers Series Features Brian Turner

Celebrated American poet, essayist, and U.S. Army veteran Brian Turner, will speak Friday, Nov. 14, from 2-3 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building, Gallery 1. Turner will offer a poetry reading, followed by Q&A and a book signing as part of the School of Literary and Performing Arts Visiting Writers Series. During his visit, Turner, who is the founding director of the University of Nevada, Reno Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing, will also meet with students of creative writing at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

Turner is the author of five collections of poetry (from Here, Bullet to The Wild Delight of Wild Things) and a memoir (My Life as a Foreign Country), and is the editor of The Kiss and co-editor of The Strangest of Theatres anthologies. His poems and essays have been published in The New York Times, The Guardian, National Geographic, Harper鈥檚, among other journals, and he was featured in the documentary film Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience, which was nominated for an Academy Award. A Guggenheim Fellow, he has received a USA Hillcrest Fellowship in Literature, the Amy Lowell Traveling Fellowship, the Poets鈥� Prize, and a Fellowship from the Lannan Foundation.

Sponsored by the Cooper Honors in English Program, this event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Heather Hummel, creative writing faculty,  at hkhummel@ualr.edu or Dr. Kris McAbee, SLPA director, at kxmcabee@ualr.edu.

Festival Featuring Senior Capstone Performance set for Nov. 18-19

Join us for the Kerry Kennedy Foundation Festival of New Student Work, an inspiring evening of original and directed works as senior theatre students present their capstone projects. Sponsored by the Kerry Kennedy Aspiring Playwright Endowment, the festival will be held Nov. 18-19 at 7:30 p.m., in the University Theatre at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

This year鈥檚 showcase features Kenshi Lewis, who has written and directed an original piece titled “The Mistake,” and Jaye Bottom, who is directing “The Most Massive Woman Wins” by Madeleine George. Each performance reflects the artists鈥� unique vision and marks a defining moment in their transition from students to emerging professionals.

Experience two powerful works, performed back to back each evening, that celebrate storytelling, risk-taking, and the next generation of theatre makers.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Caelon Colbert, SLPA coordinating assistant at cdcolbert@ualr.edu. 

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Jazz Ensemble to Perform Nov. 19

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Jazz Ensemble will present its fall concert from 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, in Morgan Hall at the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra building.

Under the direction of Dr. Michael Underwood, the ensemble will perform an exciting program featuring a blend of classic and contemporary jazz. The concert will include a dynamic mix of swing, blues, and modern jazz styles, showcasing the group鈥檚 creativity, precision, and improvisational talent.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Underwood at mpunderwood@ualr.edu.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Wind and Chamber Ensemble to Perform Nov. 20

Join the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Wind and Chamber Ensemble for Defying Gravity, an evening of powerful and imaginative music celebrating the spirit of flight, freedom, and transformation. The concert will be held on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the University Theatre, Center for Performing Arts. The program will feature This Cruel Moon by John Mackey, Open Space by Brian Balmages, Selections from Wicked by Stephen Schwartz (arr. Bocook), and Berceuse and Finale from Stravinsky鈥檚 Firebird Suite (arr. Longfield).

In a playful nod to the release of Wicked Part 2 hitting theaters the same day, the Modern Band will also perform Gravity by John Mayer, bringing a contemporary edge to the program.

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Nick Doshier at ndoshier@ualr.edu.

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The exhibitions include the 2025 Annual Student Competitive, 鈥�Lauren DiCioccio: Soft Skills,鈥� and 鈥�Naima Green: Seismic Feelings.鈥� The exhibitions, which are free and open to the public, will be on display beginning in mid October and continuing throughout November, and December in the Windgate Center art galleries.

The 2025 Annual Student Competitive exhibition will run Oct. 20 鈥� Nov. 7 in the Brad Cushman Gallery. Open to all students enrolled in a School of Art and Design studio art course, the juried show highlights emerging talent and creativity across multiple disciplines.

The show鈥檚 juror is Kevin Cole, a nationally recognized artist whose work is included in more than 4,000 public, private, and corporate collections worldwide. Cole, a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the University of Illinois, and Northern Illinois University, selected 53 works by more than 25 student artists for the exhibition. The Annual Student Competitive reception will be held from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 7 in the Windgate Center with student awards being announced at 2:30 p.m.

The Maners Pappas Gallery will feature 鈥淟auren DiCioccio: Soft Skills鈥� from Oct. 16 鈥� Dec. 8. DiCioccio, who earned a BFA from Colgate University, has worked in fiber arts for more than 20 years, specializing in sculpture and mixed media. Her work explores the tension between presence and disappearance in everyday objects through meticulous hand-sewing and embroidery.

鈥淗and-sewing and hand-embroidery explore the presence, and disappearance, of objects common to day-to-day life and the relationships we make to them,鈥� DiCioccio said. 鈥淭he materials, tools, and time-intensive labor conjure opposing feelings of precious and pathetic that these ubiquitous, and often disposable or overlooked, objects possess.鈥�

Rounding out the fall lineup is 鈥淣aima Green: Seismic Feelings,鈥� on display from Nov. 3 鈥� Dec. 8 in the Focus Gallery. Green, the Windgate Center Artist-in-Residence for the Fall 2025 semester, is an artist and educator whose photography examines the nature of intimacy, sensuality, and self-recognition. Her work documents individuals and communities in relationship to place and pleasure, synthesizing archival research with conversations and oral histories to create images that serve as 鈥渒inetic, living histories.鈥� A reception will be held for Green in the main lobby of the Windgate Center from 5-7 p.m. on Nov. 20.

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. Patrons may also schedule appointments to visit the galleries outside of regular hours by contacting the gallery director. For more information, contact Young at bwyoung@ualr.edu or 501-916-5103.

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The annual community event features one-of-a-kind work by students, alumni, faculty, and staff, which includes everything from drawings, prints, photography, and illustration to jewelry, ceramics, textiles, sculpture, furniture, and graphic design. Organizers expect 60-70 artists to participate.

Festivities begin earlier in the day with the 2025 Annual Student Competitive awards ceremony and reception at 2:30 p.m. in the Cushman Gallery. This is the final day of the exhibition, and visitors may purchase artwork directly from the gallery and take it home the same day. The reception includes cocoa, coffee, and cookies.

At 3 p.m., the Holiday Sale and Open House officially kicks off. Studios across the Windgate Center will be open for self-guided tours, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at student workspaces and processes. Additional highlights include:

路   Utopia Deli on site outdoors

路   A student-organized Pop-Up Gallery in Room 234

路   Make-and-take activities for kids (and kids at heart) in Room 220

路   A festive photo booth

路   New decorations created by illustration students

鈥淲e are really excited to share our space with the community, and we can鈥檛 wait for everyone to see what our students and alumni have been working on,鈥� Holiday Sale Chair Kristi Crow said. 鈥淔ollow us on Instagram at @ualrart for a sneak peek at items that will be available for sale.鈥�

Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Kristi Crow at kncrow@ualr.edu or 501-916-5101.

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Known professionally as Emma Estelle, Chambers is quickly establishing herself in the state鈥檚 arts scene through a combination of creative innovation, scientific research, and a growing body of ceramic work inspired by the natural world. As a recipient of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 artLAUNCH grant for the 2024-25 year, Chambers has taken her passion for ceramics and transformed it into a growing career as a working artist and educator.

鈥淢y goal as an artist is to connect my work with the earth through the use of local clay, rocks, and minerals,鈥� Chambers said. 鈥渁rtLAUNCH has enabled me to take two three-month workshops that delve into the chemistry of glazes, which will advance the glazes in my own work.鈥�

Chambers, who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting and is a graduate of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, originally focused on two-dimensional art. But her curiosity about materials and form led her to ceramics during her time at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. In 2021, she gained campus-wide recognition after winning a university mural competition with her vibrant 8×16-foot painting, 鈥淜oi,鈥� located in Ottenheimer Library.

Now, Chambers is exploring new dimensions in her ceramic work using what she calls 鈥渨ild pigments.鈥� She uses natural Arkansas materials like iron ore, copper ore, and bauxite that she grinds, processes, and tests to develop unique glaze colors and textures. Her research-intensive process often involves creating dozens of test tiles for a single glaze to understand its chemical properties, artistic look, and textural feel.

鈥淚 came out of those workshops with a really strong foundation for how to assemble glazes and what materials are needed and what they do,鈥� she said. 鈥淪ince then, I鈥檝e been replacing common materials with wild pigments. That knowledge has been essential in helping me understand and control the subtle variations in color and texture that these natural materials produce.鈥�

Thanks to artLAUNCH, Chambers was able to purchase her own small test kiln and professional camera equipment to further her studio practice and document her work. She now works as a studio technician at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, primarily in the ceramics department, where she鈥檚 learning to operate both electric and gas kilns.

In addition to her work at AMFA, Chambers teaches young students in Stuttgart and sells her artwork online and at local retailers including Red Door Gallery, South Main Creative, the Green Corner Store, and Box Turtle.

“Emma鈥檚 deliberate and intentional approach to her work is genuinely inspiring,鈥� said Michele Noiset, assistant professor of illustration at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淗er thoughtful exploration of Arkansas’s natural resources鈥攑aired with a deep curiosity about how these materials can be transformed鈥攄emonstrates a powerful connection between process and outcome. It’s a privilege to witness her creative journey and to see how each discovery meaningfully shapes her artistic practice.”

Her recent work display at the artLAUNCH exhibition featured two large boards of test tiles showcasing over 150 glaze variations, as well as a collection of small vessels and vases inspired by ancient forms and decorated with Arkansas wildflowers.

鈥�The vessel symbolizes sharing things with other people,鈥� Chambers said. 鈥淚 feel like that parallels my collection of pigments, putting them into glazes, and showing them to others. It鈥檚 a shape that鈥檚 both universal and ancient.鈥�

In June, Chambers received a second major grant. She is among 25 Arkansas artists selected for the third cohort of Catalyze, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance. Recipients receive a $10,000 grant to support practice-based research. Her focus for this project is to source every ingredient for her ceramic glazes鈥攕ilica, fluxes, clay, and colorants鈥攆rom Arkansas.

鈥淭he goal is to make items that are 100 percent sourced from Arkansas materials,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a way to form an intimate connection with the land I live on and to share that connection with others through my work.鈥�

For Chambers, who once questioned whether she was 鈥済ood enough鈥� to pursue art professionally, the last few years have been transformative.

鈥淲ith the Donaghey Scholars Program, I had the support to pursue something riskier, something I was passionate about,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think my career would be the same without 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and the artLAUNCH opportunity.鈥�

To view more of her work, visit and view her pieces from the .

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A Reading with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock alumnus Jared Lemus 鈥� Visiting Writers Series & Equinox Launch Reception

The English program will host the Fall 2025 semester鈥檚 Visiting Writers Series Lecture, which is free and open to the public, on Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. Author Jared Lemus will share insights into his craft in Gallery 1 in the Fine Arts Building.

Jared Lemus is the author of the short story collection, 鈥淕uatemalan Rhapsody,鈥� published with Ecco-HarperCollins on March 4. His debut novel is forthcoming with Ecco-HarperCollins. Lemus鈥檚 work has appeared in the Atlantic, Story, the Pinch, and the Kenyon Review, among others. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh and is currently the Kenan Visiting Writer at UNC-Chapel Hill. 

Equinox, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s undergraduate literary magazine is celebrating the release of its newest issue! Join us for a student reading and party at 3pm, following the Jared Lemus lecture in Gallery 1 in the Fine Arts Building.

Evenings with History 鈥� 鈥淪pooky Season: Monsters in History鈥�

To kick off the 2025-26 Evenings with History lecture series, four faculty members will explore how cultures have imagined monsters and what those stories reveal at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Arkansas Historic Museum (200 E. Third St.) in Little Rock. The speakers include

• Michael Heil: Undead in medieval England
  
• Katrina Yeaw: Jinn in the Islamic world
  
• Hannah Anderson: The Jersey Devil and early American politics
  
• Yi Ren: The fox spirit in late imperial China

Light refreshments will be served at 7 p.m., and the lecture will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Ottenheimer Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.

More details regarding the Evenings with History series, as well as detailed descriptions of the lectures, can be found on the Department of History鈥檚 website. For additional information, contact Dr. Michael Heil at mwheil@ualr.edu.

Wind and Chamber Ensemble Concert

Dr. Nickolas Doshier, the director of music education at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, will lead the October Wind and Chamber Ensemble Concert at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at Arkansas Repertory Theatre, 601 Main St, Little Rock. The concert is free and open to the public. 

Lauren DiCioccio 鈥� 鈥淪oft Skills鈥�

An exhibition by artist Lauren DiCioccio will open Oct. 16 in the Windgate Center of Art and Design. The exhibit, 鈥淟auren DiCioccio: Soft Skills,鈥� will feature DiCioccio鈥檚 fiber work and small abstract sculptures. Her work will be on display in the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery through Dec. 8. 

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Art Gallery is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and closed on holidays. The Windgate Center of Art and Design is located at 5617 W. 28th St., Little Rock. For more information, email Gallery Director Brian Young at byoung2@ualr.edu or call 501-916-5117.

2025 Student Competitive Exhibition

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 School of Art and Design is hosting its 2025 Annual Student Competitive, a juried exhibition open to any student enrolled in a School of Art and Design studio course.

The annual student show runs Oct. 20鈥揘ov. 7 in the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery in the Windgate Center of Art and Design. An awards show and reception is scheduled from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 7.

The Annual Student Competitive will feature work in drawing, painting, printmaking, graphic design, photography, illustration, textiles, metals, sculpture, ceramics, and furniture. Kevin Cole will serve as the juror/curator for the show. 

The 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Art Gallery is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and closed on holidays. The Windgate Center of Art and Design is located at 5617 W. 28th St., Little Rock. For more information, email Gallery Director Brian Young at byoung2@ualr.edu or call 501-916-5117.

NPR Tiny Desk Contest: Arkansas Showcase 2025

Little Rock Public Radio, in collaboration with Arkansas NPR affiliate stations K糖心Vlog传媒F and KASU, will host the third annual NPR Tiny Desk Contest: Arkansas Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 18, at The Hall, 721 W. 9th St., Little Rock. 

Doors open at 5 p.m., while the show begins at 6 p.m. This vibrant event shines a spotlight on emerging local musicians, featuring the top three Arkansas entrants selected from NPR鈥檚 national Tiny Desk Contest.

More than 50 artists from across the state submitted performances for consideration, representing genres from folk to hip-hop. This year鈥檚 showcase will feature Sarah Lily of Bella Vista, Mildenhall of Fayetteville, and Maestro3000 of Jonesboro.

鈥淓ach year, it鈥檚 inspiring to see more musicians entering the contest and raising the bar with their songwriting, musicianship, and unique voices,鈥� said Grace Zafasi, director of development at Little Rock Public Radio. 鈥淎rkansas has an incredible depth of talent, and if you love music and are looking to discover your next favorite artist, Tiny Desk is the perfect place to find them.鈥�

The Arkansas Showcase expands opportunities for musicians and communities alike, forging connections between artists, fans, public media, and civic stakeholders. This event continues to grow as Little Rock Public Radio strengthens its commitment to elevating local talent.

For more information and to purchase tickets, .

Applied Communication Leadership Lecture Series with Nathan Jeffers, CARTI

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock welcomes its very own alumnus Nathan Jeffers for the Department of Applied Communication鈥檚 Fall 2025 Leadership Lecture, 鈥淢ore Than a Message: Building Culture Through Brand & Ethics.鈥�

Jeffers is the director of marketing and public relations for CARTI, a not-for-profit multidisciplinary cancer care provider with 18 locations across the state and the state鈥檚 first cancer-focused surgery center. Before joining CARTI, he oversaw marketing and business development for a Central Arkansas-based specialty hospital.

He will explore how brand identity, ethical leadership, and organizational culture are deeply connected. When words and actions align, organizations build lasting trust and clarity, both internally and externally. Drawing on practical leadership insights and real-world examples, this session examines how values-based communication, recognition systems, and ethical consistency can shape a stronger, more unified culture. Attendees will leave with questions to reflect on, and strategies to help ensure that what their organization says is genuinely lived every day.

The presentations, which are free and open to the public, highlight research and work done by faculty and alumni in the areas of communication, management, and leadership. The presentation will be held on Zoom from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 21. 

To sign up to attend the presentation, visit . For more information, contact the Department of Applied Communication at 501-916-3158.

Theatre Production 鈥� 鈥淧eter and the Starcatcher鈥�

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Theatre will present its season opener, 鈥淧eter and the Starcatcher,鈥� Oct. 22-26 in University Theater, Center for Performing Arts.

This swashbuckling prequel to Peter Pan, the-boy-who-wouldn鈥檛-grow-up, is rich in stage magic, off-the-wall humor and touching sincerity as it takes us on a voyage to an island where dreams are born and time is never planned. In this imaginative play with music, actors transform into sailors, pirates, mollusks and more through ensemble storytelling. Winner of Five 2012 Tony Awards.

Evening performances are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22-24; matinees are 2:30 p.m. Oct. 25-26. The event is free and open to the public. Tickets may be reserved .

Choirs Concert 鈥� 鈥淪olace: Music for Choir and Cello鈥�

Join the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Choirs for an evening of harmony and reflection as they present Solace, a concert exploring the profound beauty of nature and the human spirit. 

This unique program blends the rich textures of choral music with the soulful sounds of the cello, featuring a special collaboration with guest artist Joanna Klett on cello.

This concert will take place Oct. 27 at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. The event is free and open to the public. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m.

For additional information regarding the above events, contact Dr. Lorissa Mason at ldmason@ualr.edu.

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