Next event: 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 7

The public is invited to celebrate the Delta and its rich musical heritage during ASC’s next Art Night on the Block, an evening of creative fun for all ages.

The event will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2023, at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff.

The evening will feature an opening reception for A Cast of Blues (Loft Gallery), created by artists Sharon McConnell-Dickerson and Ken Murphy, and curated by Chuck Haddix – featuring resin-cast masks and color photographs of blues legends. The exhibition, accompanied by Braille labels and hung at a height suitable for mobility devices, is fully accessible to all visitors. Blues musician Detroit Johnny will perform from 7-8 p.m.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to view the partner exhibition The Freedom & Blues Exhibition at the UAPB Business Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The show was created by artists from Pine Bluff and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and curated by Jimmy Cunningham Jr. The exhibition features more than 60 portraits of blues greats from the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Highway.

The evening will also feature a live concert by the UAPB Jazz Ensemble during a special, free Live@5 event. The concert will be in the ART Yard at The ARTSpace.

Additional music-related art activities will also be available.

Visitors of all ages are encouraged to attend the entire evening of free events for complete immersion. ID is required and wristbands will be provided for alcoholic beverages.

A Cast of Blues is organized and toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national part of the Mid-America Arts Alliance, and in partnership with The Music Education Initiative and the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission (A&P).

Live@5 is sponsored by MK Distributors.