Museum Madness: 6 Exhibits to See Before January
As the holiday rush calms, take a moment and think: Are there any museum exhibits your family wanted to see, but hasn't had a chance? Six interesting exhibits are closing soon -- the Clinton Presidential Center's Chihuly installation, for starters. So, while the kids are out of school and you finally have some time to breathe, make a trip to see one of these six exhibits in central Arkansas!
1. Artwork of Dale Chihuly at William J. Clinton Presidential Center: Don't miss the exciting glass installations by Dale Chihuly, an American artist credited with revolutionizing the Studio Glass movement and elevating the perception of the glass medium from the realm of craft to fine art. He is renowned for his ambitious architectural installations around the world in historic cities, museums, and gardens. Exhibit open through Jan. 5. Clinton Center admission is $7, youth ages 6-17 $3, children under 6 free. For info and hours: (501) 374-4242, ClintonPresidentialCenter.org.
2. In the Dark at Museum of Discovery: Sometimes scary, but always intriguing, darkness beckons exploration and represents the unknown. But it’s also a natural evolutionary selective pressure that has caused plants and animals to adapt to ecosystems like caves, the deep sea, the forest at night, and underneath the ground. Since prehistoric times, humans have sought to find utility in darkness, and have invented ways to acclimate to dark conditions. Visiting "In the Dark," guests experience and explore these mysteries via electronic, mechanical and computer interactives, immersive dioramas and lifelike models. Exhibit open through Jan. 4. Museum admission is $10, children 1-12 & seniors are $8, members and kids under 1 free. For info and hours: (501) 396-7050, MuseumOfDiscovery.org.
3. Freedom! Oh, Freedom! at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: "Freedom! Oh, Freedom!" Arkansas's People of African Descent and the Civil War 1861-1866 is a story of transformation, as it will allow visitors the opportunity to explore the African American perspective of the Civil War. Visitors will learn about the contributions of African American soldiers, and what happened through and after the Reconstruction Era. Exhibit open through Dec. 31. For info and hours: (501) 683-3593, MosaicTemplarsCenter.com. FREE! UPDATE: THIS EXHIBIT WILL REMAIN ON VIEW THROUGH DEC. 2015.
4. Grand Ole Opry at Laman Library Argenta Branch: Celebrate the longest-running radio show in its heyday. The exhibition transports guests to Nashville, Tennessee with legends, such as Johnny Cash and Roy Rogers. Exhibit open through Jan. 7. For info and hours: (501) 687-1061, LamanLibrary.org. FREE!
5. Barbie: The Vintage Years, 1959-1972 at ESSE Purse Museum: Barbie lovers past and present will enjoy this classic and mod stroll down the most fabulous of memory lanes. Marsha Stone of Little Rock lends her collection to the museum, which includes dolls, clothes, accessories, and Barbie friends! Exhibit open through Jan. 4. $10; seniors, students & military are $8; kids under 6 free. For info and hours: (501) 916-9022,
EssePurseMuseum.com.
6. 46th Collectors Show and Sale at Arkansas Arts Center: The Collectors Group scoured more than 25 galleries and viewed more than 1,000 works of art, ultimately narrowing the selection to the 150 or so works that will be displayed in the 46th Annual Collectors Show and Sale. The artwork is available for purchase and a portion of the proceeds from each sale benefits the acquisition fund of the Arkansas Arts Center. Exhibit open through Jan. 4. For info and hours: (501) 372-4000, ArkansasArtsCenter.org. FREE!
For more exhibit and events, browse our full online calendar here.