Page 26 - 2026 VB Community Profile

QUALITY OF PLACE

thanks to the wonderful programming of brainchild of Walmart heir Alice Walton, other tools at no cost. Patrons with or
the Van Buren Fine Arts Center (VBFAC). the exquisite museum houses priceless without an account can also utilize the
Located on the campus of Van Buren pieces of art in its permanent collection, library’s many computers for work or
High School, VBFAC exists “to promote and hosts temporary exhibits from all personal business.
art education for the students of the over the country. Visitors flock to the The library is a popular spot for
Van Buren School District (VBSD) by unique museum, which is housed on 120 visitors of all ages, with special classes
providing a safe, technically proficient acres of native Ozark forest. and events tailored to the youngest up
venue.” The center is home to a nearly Music lovers benefit from having one to the most experienced of readers.
1,500-seat concert hall, which includes of the state’s longest running symphonies Each week, staff facilitate story and
professional lighting and a professional in the area. For more than 90 years, the craft times for infants, toddlers, and
sound system. It draws many major Fort Smith Symphony has hosted diverse preschoolers. Older children and youth
musical acts and theater productions concert seasons featuring vocalists and can take part in reading clubs and
from across the country. The stage has instrumentalists from around the world. learning incentive programs which keep
hosted everyone from local musicians Arkansas’ oldest continuously-operating them engaged during the summer and
to national recording artists. VBFAC community theater is also located in the other times throughout the year.
offers diverse programming, including River Valley. In operation since 1947, Homeschool parents can take part
children’s productions, and serves as the Fort Smith Little Theatre utilizes in the Homeschool Club which meets
the venue for area concerts, dance local actors, producers, and other play weekly during the school year. Programs
competitions and other contests. participants to put on a wide-range of for Teens are offered on a weekly basis
The Van Buren School District utilizes comedies, dramas, and musicals each with a variety of activities for that age
the facility year-round for hosting year. group. The library is a great place
student plays, concerts, and other Van Buren Public Library to create community. It is no longer
events. VBSD programs, including choir, One of the most recognizable and the shushing place of the past where
band, and drama, give members at all most frequented city facilities is the a whisper and silence is all you hear.
grade levels the opportunity to perform beautiful Van Buren Public Library, Now, on any given day you can hear the
on the professional-level stage. built in 2011. The largest branch in the laughter of a toddler learning a new skill,
Regional Art Attractions Crawford County Library System, the or an older child singing off key with the
Van Buren’s art institutions are facility serves as a valuable resource karaoke machine.
supported by the presence of other area to residents throughout the area. Programs such as knitting groups,
museums and performance halls. The Residents, students and employees book clubs, scrapbooking and other
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM) working in Crawford County are eligible engaging activities designed for adults
frequently welcomes nationally-traveled for a free library card. are also available. Come in and play
exhibitions and hosts interactive learning With your library account you have dominoes, monopoly, or other board
opportunities for aspiring artists. Just access to thousands of print books and games during the weekly Games and Gab
an hour away is the renowned Crystal eBooks, audio and eAudio books, DVDs, or help put together a community jigsaw
Bridges Museum in Bentonville. The magazines and eMagazines, and many Continued on page 28

PRE-PLANNING

TRADITIONAL FUNERALS

CREMATION SERVICES

MEMORIAL SERVICES

1805 NORTH A ST - FORT SMITH, AR 72901 | CALL: 479.551.0981 | VISIT: RIVERGLENN.COM
26 Van Buren Chamber 2026 Community Profile vanburenchamber.org