‘Art Rocks: Summer Bash’ Kicks off Season with Music, Food, Fun on June 3-4
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Concert, Art Demos, Food Trucks, Kid-Friendly Activities and More at ARTSpace and ART WORKS
The Arts & Science Center is kicking off summer with a two-day party.
ART ROCKS: Summer Bash is a fundraising event with music, food trucks, games, art demos, art auctions, karaoke, kid-friendly activities and more. The festivities are set for 5-10 p.m. Friday, June 3, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 4, 2022.
The Summer Bash will be at ASC’s ARTSpace on Main and ART WORKS on Main, 623 and 627 S. Main St. The event is to celebrate the new facilities and to raise money for a renovation project at ASC’s main building at 701 S. Main St.
“We're so excited about the lineup of activities during the Summer Bash,” said Morgun Henson, ASC’s Communications and Development Coordinator, who is organizing the event.
Troy DeBill, who recently led a pinch-pot pottery workshop at THe Artspace, will be demonstrating a pottery wheel during June 3’s Art Rocks: Summer Bash at The Artspace on Main.
The Summer Bash is supported by “Rockstar”-level sponsor Relyance Bank, “Platinum”-level sponsor Highland Pellets, and “Encore”-level sponsors Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Co. and Pine Bluff Heat & Air.
An INTEX Sport Series Tacoma 10-foot inflatable kayak filled with Arkansas craft beer will be raffled off during the “Art Rocks: Summer Bash” on Friday, June 3, at The ARTSpace on Main.
“This event is all about celebrating our new facilities, The ARTSpace on Main and ART WORKS,” Henson said. The two buildings opened in 2021 and received several design awards for adaptive reuse. Spaces include a retail gallery; a black box theater; open gallery spaces for exhibitions and events, a workshop, and an outdoor event area.
“These buildings can host such a variety of events,” Henson said. “Instead of cramming the Summer Bash all into one day, we decided to split it up and offer a portion for adults to relax and unwind and another portion for kids and families to enjoy. Each event will give attendees a different taste of what we offer and what is possible with these facilities. These spaces are truly for the community and we want to celebrate accordingly!”
Friday’s festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with live jazz, R&B, and neo-soul fusion by the trio Neighbors. Complimentary beer, wine, and soda will be available to ages 21 and older from 5-7 p.m., courtesy of M.K. Distributors.
Attendees can enjoy the concert while eating dinner from an array of food trucks that will be on site.
Greta Kresse will be one of three artists doing live demos during June 3’s Art ROCKS: Summer Bash fundraising event.
They can also watch live artist demos and have an opportunity to bid on the finished pieces of art. Greta Kresse of Little Rock will paint with watercolors. Jefferson County native John Kushmaul, also of Little Rock, will paint a Pine Bluff-area landmark. Troy DeBill of Redfield will be throwing pots on a wheel that will later be fired in the on-site kiln.
Attendees can also purchase unique 6-inch square artworks on canvas that members of the Pine Bluff Art League created specifically for the Summer Bash.
At 7 p.m., the event transitions into a karaoke party before winding down at 10 p.m. “Whether you want to sing your heart out or get a kick out of others, you’re guaranteed a fun time with our wonderful host, Lindsey Collins,” Henson said.
In addition to the art auctions, a raffle will be another opportunity for attendees to support ASC. “You definitely won't want to miss out on our raffle prize,” Henson said. “We will be raffling off an inflatable kayak full of craft beer from Arkansas breweries.”
Entry to the Friday night festivities is $5 for ASC members and $10 for nonmembers. It is open to all ages, and ages 21 and older can enjoy alcoholic beverages. All attendees will be carded and given wristbands.
Saturday’s Bash is for Kids
While Friday night’s festivities are more adult-focused, “the Saturday portion of the event will be all about the kiddos and families,” Henson said. Admission to all of Saturday’s activities is free. Activities will include face painting and a tie-dye station.
“Community members can also create beautiful art with our spin-art bike and decorate our sidewalks with chalk art,” said Shakeelah Rahmaan, ASC’s Education Programs Coordinator. Summer treats will also be available, she said.
The Summer bash activities — which will include face painting — on Saturday, June 4 are for kids and families, Admission is free.
“Overall, our attendees can look forward to a fun weekend celebrating our new facilities,” Henson said.
All proceeds from Art Rocks will go toward enlarging the Creative Construction Zone to allow more space for hands-on STEAM activities for pre-K through third-grade students. The renovation will also include a micro-teaching kitchen to support ASC’s CrEATe Lab program, and the patio outside of the Creative Construction Zone will be reconfigured to provide additional teaching and event space.
For more information about ART ROCKS: Summer Bash, contact Henson at mhenson@asc701.org or call 870-536-3375.
