Here are ten awesome things for you and your family to do all across Arkansas this month!
1. “Nathalia Edenmont: Force of Nature”
Little Rock
through May 1: This is Nathalia Edenmont’s first solo exhibition in a major American museum. “Force of Nature,” displayed at the Arkansas Arts Center, showcases 10 richly hued, large-format photographs, five of which have never been shown. The pieces feature expressionless, motionless subjects “cloaked in flowers” and photographed against black backgrounds that, according to the artist, provide a look inside her head.
arkansasartscenter.org | 501.372.4000
2. ‘The Wondrous Possibilities of Falling and Flying’
North Little Rock
through Feb. 29: The Thea Foundation presents its 10th installment of “The Art Department,” featuring painter Angela Davis Johnson. The exhibit “explores the idea of what liberation can look like after perceived failure, whether societal or personal.” The opening reception, featuring an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres and live music by The Funkanites, will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Feb. 5 at 401 Main St., Suite 100. The cost is $10 per person at the door.
theafoundation.org | 501.379.9512
3. An Evening with Mavis Staples
North Little Rock
Feb. 5: Let Memphis native and legendary soul singer Mavis Staples “take you there” as she, herself, takes the stage at Pulaski Technical College Center for Humanities and Arts. This Rock and Roll Hall of Famer will belt out classics like “Respect Yourself” as part of a weeklong, grand opening celebration of the new center. Tickets are $65 to $100 each; doors open at 6 p.m.
pulaskitech.edu/mavis | 501.812.2778
4. Woman of the Year Gala
Little Rock
Feb. 6: This is the 10th year for the gala, and Women & Children First: The Center Against Family Violence organizers have added a twist: honoring the men behind the mission: Chuck Erwin, George Gleason, Chip Murphy and Dr. Ricardo Sotomora. The black-tie affair will include dinner, dancing, live music and presentation of the Peacekeepers Award. Tickets are $300 each, and VIP tickets are $500 each.
wcfmenbehindthemission.org | 501.960.6778
5. St. Jude Super Bowl S’Travaganza
Jonesboro
Feb. 7: The Northeast Arkansas District Fairgrounds is the place to be on Super Bowl Sunday. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet of baby back ribs, chicken, shrimp, crawfish, dessert and more at this annual fundraiser benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Bid on more than 300 items in the silent auction while viewing the game on big-screen TVs. Tickets are $125; doors open at 3:30 p.m.
stjudestravaganza.org | 870.932.6440
6. Hot Springs Heart Ball
Hot Springs
Feb. 13: The Hot Springs Convention Center is the site for this year’s Heart Ball. There will be a poker tournament, cocktail reception, dinner, presentation of the Sweethearts, a DJ and dancing, and live and silent auctions. Prizes will be awarded for the tournament. Tickets are $150 for the ball only and $200 if in the tournament; the evening starts at 5:30 p.m.
hotspringsheartball.heart.org | 512.338.2425
7. Chocolate Fantasy Ball
Little Rock
Feb. 13: Support the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Arkansas while living out your chocolate dreams at the Statehouse Convention Center. The evening begins with a chocolate and cocktail reception, followed by a seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and dancing to live music by the Groan Ups. Tickets are $250 per person; the ball begins at 6 p.m.
rmhclittlerock.org | 501.374.3314
8. Havenwood Angel Gala
Bentonville
Feb. 20: This is the 22nd annual Havenwood Angel Gala, and it promises to be outstanding. So ladies, grab your ruby slippers and dapper dudes for a stylish evening of cocktails and dinner and help raise funds to help homeless single mothers and their children transition to self-sufficiency. The event, complete with live and silent auctions, will be held at the DoubleTree Suites in Bentonville. Tickets are $100 each; cocktails at 5:30 p.m. kick off the night.
nwahavenwood.org | 479.273.1060
9. The Fashion Event
Little Rock
Feb. 26: Cheer on the participants of The Fashion Event, a runway show featuring and benefiting the children and adults served by Easter Seals Arkansas. This is the ninth year for this event, which “showcases the dreams and celebrates the accomplishments” of the nonprofit’s clients, the youngest of whom are but 3! Presented by Wal-Mart, the evening begins at 6 p.m. at the Little Rock Marriott and includes heavy hor d’eourves, a cash bar, live and silent auctions, and music by Boom Kinetic. Tickets start at $50.
eastersealsar.com | 501.227.3600
10. 30th Annual Hot Springs Boat, Tackle & RV Show
Hot Springs
Feb. 26 through 28: If it can float on one of Arkansas’ waterways, it will be featured at this annual showcase. Admission is $5 for adults for this show at the Hot Springs Convention Center and Summit Arena, where the state’s largest selection of bass, ski, lake board and pontoon boats will be on display. There will be a grand prize, and fishing enthusiasts, there’ll be loads of discount fishing tackle. Admission is free for children 12 and under, and there’ll be activities just for them.
dgattractions.com | 501.765.1423