Fort Smith Regional Art Museum

03/20/2026

Our Figure Drawing Workshop is just around the corner 👀

Want to brush up on gesture and anatomy? Join our Figure Drawing Workshop with artist Mary Woodward on April 9 & 10, from 2:30 – 5:30 pm! Unleash your creativity as you work from a live model to craft stunning large-scale charcoal drawings.

Ages 14+
$20 fee – All Supplies Included
Register here> https://secure.qgiv.com/for/fortsmithregionalartmuseum/event/figuredrawingworkshop/

03/20/2026

Get an in depth look at our 'Fort Smith Legend: John Bell, Jr.' exhibition! 🖼

Join us on Sunday, April 19, at 2 pm for a lecture with daughter of John Bell, Jr., Lisa Bell-Wilson, as she discusses the life and art of late father. This talk will highlight several works within our current exhibition, Fort Smith Legend: John Bell, Jr.

Museum admission and lectures are free – we hope to see you then! 🤩

03/19/2026

Have you signed up for our Junk Journal class yet? 👀📖

It starts this upcoming Tuesday! Secure your ticket here> https://secure.qgiv.com/for/fortsmithregionalartmuseum/event/junkjournal26/

In this two-day class, participants will explore creative journaling by crafting a unique journal with cardboard and fabric, personalizing it with found objects.

Tuesday, March 24 & Wednesday, March 25, 2 – 5 pm each day
Ages 12 and up. $10 class fee
All supplies included

03/18/2026

We had an amazing time at our artist lecture on Friday! 🤩

Dr. Chris Ashworth discussed his history of collecting as well as a few notable artists on view in our 'Ozark Regionalists' exhibition.

In addition, RAM Executive Director, Michael Hall, and Gallery Director, Casey Seamans, presented Dr. Ashworth with the RAM Impact Award.

This award honors an extraordinary supporter whose contributions have shaped the museum’s growth and mission. This special recognition is reserved for individuals who have made an outsized difference through mentorship, donated time, educational leadership, gifts of art, or financial support. This award was presented to Dr. Ashworth, for the immense value he adds to RAM and his passion for collecting, sharing, and educating about fine art.

If you missed the lecture, don't worry! There's still time to view the exhibit – 'Ozark Regionalists' will be on view through May 10.

03/18/2026

Our Paint 'N Sip is THIS FRIDAY! 👁

We still have some tickets left for our Paint 'N Sip this Friday, March 20, from 5:30 – 8 pm. Join us for a fun night of painting, while you recreate the iconic painting 'False Mirror', by artist René Magritte!

Beer and wine are welcome before/during the class (no hard alcohol will be allowed). Come 15-20 minutes early to get settled in and enjoy the evening with other artists.
Register here> https://secure.qgiv.com/for/fortsmithregionalartmuseum/event/paintnsipmarch2026/

$25 members | $35 nonmembers
16+ to paint | 21+ to sip

03/17/2026

ONE ✍ WEEK ✍ AWAY! ✍

Have you registered for our Intro to Procreate Digital Art Class yet? 👀 There's still time! Be sure to reserve your spot here> https://secure.qgiv.com/for/fortsmithregionalartmuseum/event/introtoprocreate/

Led by instructor, Laura Wattles, students will learn Procreate essentials, including brushes, layers, and palettes, all while engaging in through fun hands-on exercises. Remember to bring your iPad and Apple Pencil with Procreate installed to start your digital art journey!

Thursday & Friday, March 26 & 27, 1 – 3 pm
$10 fee | Ages 14+
Don't have an iPad but still want to participate? Call to ask us about our free iPad rentals!

03/14/2026

Hey artists – our Call for Works deadline is April 24! 👀

The Annual Invitational, hosted by RAM since 1948, is a national exhibition aimed at recognizing professional artists and promoting art as a unifying force in the community. All artworks will be for sale, with proceeds supporting the museum's exhibits, educational programs, and participating artists.

This year's theme, Our Common Ground, emphasizes artworks that foster connections across geographical and cultural boundaries, and celebrate art's unifying power. This exhibition will take place from June 27 – October 25, 2026

For details on awards, important dates, and how to submit, visit our website here> https://fsram.org/2026-call-for-works/

Submit Here! ENTRY FEE:$25 for Non-Members, $20 for Members **Use the submission button for payment – images and documents will still need to be emailed to [email protected]** The Annual Invitational is a national competitive exhibition that has been hosted by the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum sinc...

03/14/2026

Say hello to spring with our RAM Saturday project today! 🦋

Join us from 12 – 3 pm today to create Filter Butterflies using coffee filters, pipe cleaners and watercolor. All supplies are provided and all ages and skill levels are welcome!

As always, museum admission and RAM Saturday program are free.

03/13/2026

It's TONIGHT! 🤩

Join us from 5:30 – 7 pm for an lecture with Dr. Chris Ashworth! Ashworth will discuss his private collection, currently on view in our 'Ozark Regionalists' exhibition. The collection showcases oil paintings and stone lithographs featuring Regionalist artists like Jackson Lee Nesbitt, Carl R. Krafft, and Thomas Hart Benton.

Museum admission and lectures are FREE – we hope to see you then!

03/12/2026

Behind the Scenes! 👀

Our largest fundraiser of the year relies heavily on the invaluable support of our volunteers – it truly takes a village! A heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to the dedicated individuals listed below for their commitment and hard work 👇

Gala Chair: Julie Moncrief
Gala Vice Chair: Deborah Findley
Silent Auction: Becky Brown & Becky Schneider
Live Auction: Joan McCoy & Karen Lewis
Volunteer Hospitality: Pat Moore
Logistics: Becky & Jerry Ward
6x6 Artist Coordinator: Darla Desiderio

A special shout-out to Marcus Woodward for his portrayal of Don Quixote, and to Emily Hatwig, Meredith Smith, and Lolly Swicegood as our captivating gitanas.

And, of course, a big thanks to: Beth Revelle, Caron Roberts, Chuck Mackey, Dana Boland, Debi Ketten, Dolores Chitwood, Eden Humphries, Hank Autrey, Jimmy Moore, JoAnn Neal, Jo Anne Robert, Judi McIntosh, Kathy Jarvis, Marti Corff, Mary Lynn Cloar, Melissa Sikes, Roy Loris, Teresa Hall, Chuck Mackey, and many more!

If you attended our Fundraising Gala, please take a moment to express your gratitude to these amazing individuals in the comments!

03/12/2026

Our Lecture with Dr. Ashworth is THIS FRIDAY! 🤩

Join us from 5:30 – 7 pm on March 13 for an in depth look at our 'Ozark Regionalists' exhibition! Dr Chris Ashworth will discuss his collection which showcases oil paintings and stone lithographs featuring Regionalist artists like Jackson Lee Nesbitt, Carl R. Krafft, and Thomas Hart Benton.

Won't be able to join us for the lecture? There's still more art opportunities to explore! Join us instead for a guided tour of our exhibits this Sunday, March 15 at 1 pm.

Museum admission, lectures and tours are FREE – We hope to see you soon!

03/11/2026

RAM remembers William “Bill” Kropp III ❤

Former RAM Board Member and President, Bill Kropp III passed away on February 26.

Bill earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and his Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas. He began his legal career in private practice, focusing on employment and workers’ compensation law, where he guided individuals and families through challenging times. Later, he transitioned into long-term care and healthcare operations, serving in leadership and counsel roles across Arkansas and Texas. Throughout his career, Bill worked to make complex systems more humane, advising on labor and employment matters, shaping workplace policies, managing litigation, and supporting facilities caring for vulnerable residents.

Beyond his professional life, Bill was a dedicated member of the Fort Smith community. Influenced by his uncle, disability-rights advocate John Bell Jr., Bill supported efforts promoting accessibility and inclusion. Along with serving on RAM’s Board of Trustees, Bill also contributed to hospice and healthcare-related charitable initiatives. His civic work reflected his commitment to dignity, compassion, and service.

Bill Kropp III was a champion of the Regional Art Museum even when Board meetings were still being held in the living rooms of the individual board members’ homes. He was extremely dedicated to the continued success and expansion of RAM. Even after leaving the Board, he was always there for us. Bill was a wonderful man of honesty and integrity, and we will never forget the roll he played helping make RAM what it is today.

🎨 This image was one of Bill’s favorites from the RAM Permanent Collection. Noon Window by Kevin Arnold.