501-918-3025
calsfoundation@cals.org
calsfoundation@cals.org
Wintertime Art at CALS: Events and News
Wintertime is here, and with it comes chances for some fun (and free!) art experiences at CALS!
Upcoming Workshops and Activities
Make Your Mark: Art Journaling for Fun and for Life
January 17, 2026, 10 a.m. to noon
CALS Roberts Library, 401 President Clinton Ave.
This free workshop led by David Paul Cook, who has been art journaling for twenty-five years, is for artists, writers, journalists, scribblers, jotters, diary keepers, and any other interested adults.
Cook says, “I believe in life-long learning. I enjoy teaching art, as well as producing it. I strive to be a good teacher first, as well as a good artist, encouraging others to joyfully and fearlessly express themselves through their creative efforts.”
Bring your preferred supplies: pen and pencil, a notebook (4″ x 6″ is best), and any supplies to add color to pages, such as markers, colored pencils, watercolors, etc.; supplies will be provided for you if you need them.
At this workshop, you can:
- share your journal with us if you already have one.
- learn the who, what, when, where, why, and how of journaling.
- peruse books, magazines, and other journaling examples to inspire you.
- receive a free watercolor journal, pens, and other materials.
- receive free beautiful art pieces to help you start journaling.
David Paul Cook paints in watercolor and enjoys producing art using other media, including oils, oil pastels, and graphite pencil. He is an avid outdoor painter, and most of his watercolors are of Central Arkansas landscapes, painted on the spot. Scenes along the Arkansas River, at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and in the Arkansas Delta are among his favorite inspirations.
Enrollment is limited to 15, and registration is required.
Free parking in the CALS library deck or surface lot, with validation.
Made possible by generous funding from the Windgate Foundation.
2nd Friday Art Night (2FAN)
2nd Friday Art Night (2FAN)
December 12, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
CALS Roberts Library, 401 President Clinton Ave.
New location! Well… Not exactly. We’re excited to announce that we’re returning to our previous spot in the CALS Roberts Library! In that celebratory spirit, we will have a “tabletop” used book sale, free screen printing, and holiday photos—and music by turntablist DJ Swift 720.
A CALS Used Book Sale in Roberts, yes it’s true! Hardback books are $2, paperbacks are $1, and library discards are $1. Plus, we have the well-loved photographer with Picture Perfect Entertainment with the most elaborate holiday props you can think of. Come join in on the free fun with a holiday portrait or a hilarious selfie.
CALS has hosted 2FAN since its beginnings. In honor of 20 years of participation working with so many talented artists, we will be hosting a free screen printing by Dedicated Visual Art Studio & Gallery with artists Sydney Carmichael and Jose Hernandez. There will be four prints to choose from: 20 years of 2FAN, the 2FAN logo, a special studio print, and a library-themed design. Bring a shirt or a tote and watch them work their magic (for free), or purchase a shirt or tote from the artists.
Arkansas artists will be selling ornaments, paintings, jewelry, greeting cards, clothing, photography, totes, prints, purses, treats, chocolates, pottery, wood, magnets, stickers, and more. You just never know what unique gift you will find!
And visitors can head downstairs to the Underground Gallery to view From the Vault, works from the CALS permanent collection.
PLUS: 2nd Friday Knit Night (part of 2FAN). Bring your WIP (work in progress) and hang out for an evening of social knitting. Don’t know how to knit? We’ll teach you. Supplies provided.
Made possible by generous funding from the CALS Foundation and the Windgate Foundation.
The event is free to attend, and parking is free with validation in the library lot/deck (as space is available). Street parking is free after 6:00 p.m.
For more information about all downtown 2FAN activities, visit the 2nd Friday Art Night Facebook page. For any questions or concerns, please contact Shannon Holmes at sholmes@cals.org or 501-320-5792.
Exhibitions on View at Roberts and Children’s
From the Vault: A Survey of the CALS Art Collection
On view through the end of January 2026
CALS Roberts Library, Underground Gallery
The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) houses more than just books. CALS’s art program also actively collects and exhibits works by artists working and living in Arkansas.
From the Vault: A Survey of the CALS Art Collection highlights works by Arkansas artists, such as a selection of prints and paintings by Elsie Freund, who along with husband Louis Freund established an art school in Eureka Springs in 1941; ceramic work by Helen Phillips, who was a University of Central Arkansas professor; a series of watercolor drawings of Arkansas’s flora and fauna by noted artist and educator David Paul Cook; and a pine needle basket by Pat “Old Face” Edmonds donated by Brad and Bobby Cushman.
Also on view is a selection of artworks recently purchased with funds from the Windgate Foundation by artists such as Jim Gunnell (whose work is pictured on the left; read more about him here), Jacelyn Kaucher, Lisa Krannichfeld, Mildred W. Loucks, Keivon Williams, and Emily Wood. The Windgate Foundation supports organizations that craft equitable and innovative resources for artists, makers, educators, and communities.
The CALS Permanent Collection holds more than 1,000 works of art and incorporates a wide range of media, including paintings, sculpture, works on paper, photographs, and decorative arts. Works are added to the collection regularly through purchases and donations.
Arkansas Art Educators—Central Region Youth Art Show
On view through January 24, 2026
Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library & Learning Center
The Arkansas Art Educators Central Region Youth Art Show exhibits artwork from talented K-12 students in the six counties making up AAE’s central region: Faulkner, Grant, Lonoke, Perry, Pulaski, and Saline.
The Arkansas Art Educators, an organization made up of art teachers from all over the state, works with the Arkansas Department of Education to provide teachers with high-quality in-service training and focuses on promoting student art in the state.
The Central Arkansas Library System is proud to support Arkansas’s teachers and artists of all ages.
Other Art Happenings at CALS
Come visit the reimagined Main Library, where lots of art from the CALS permanent collection is on display, including in a new gallery on the fifth floor.
To celebrate the opening in October, we had an awesome printmaking event in the Roberts Library with artist Perrion Hurd.
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Roberts Library visiting information is here. Visiting information for all CALS locations is here.
For questions about art events, classes, and workshops, contact art programmer Shannon Holmes at sholmes@cals.org or 501-320-5792.
To see all upcoming CALS art exhibitions, events, and classes, click here.
Art events and workshops are made possible by generous funding from the Windgate Foundation.
