Page 12 - 2024 Community Profile

QUALITY OF PLACE

Arts & History

In surveys taken around the country, highlighting regional artists and traveling summer art camps, in-studio art classes,
communities are continually evaluated by shows. It features workspaces, including a children’s theatre, and homeschool and
citizens as to how they treat the arts and pottery studio, culinary kitchen, outdoor afterschool programs.
how they respect area history. In Van Buren, sculpture garden, and classrooms to host Professional and teaching artists can
art and history go hand-in-hand, with nods children’s art courses and adult workshops. enrich their experiences through the “Have
to the city’s rich past reflected in iconic It also has dedicated business and casual Talents Will Travel,” “Art Spaces In Work
buildings, classic architecture, and beautiful meetings spaces, and a second floor veranda. Places,” and “Home Gallery” programs.
murals displayed throughout the area. Van Classes and events are offered for a Individuals, families, and groups are
Buren proudly celebrates both its heritage wide range of age and experience levels in encouraged to visit the galleries and view
and the arts and has a deep appreciation visual arts, culinary arts, and performing arts. Arts on Main’s many exhibits. The exhibitions
for the value both add to the community. Patrons can browse and book appointments include a wide range of media, subjects and
Arts on Main or classes using the organization’s website, styles—oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media,
Arts on Main opened its new facility in the which includes a complete list of courses, pastel, drawing, landscapes, fabric art,
spring of 2022. The organization transformed events, and exhibits, as well as costs and woodcarving, ceramics, animals, sculpture,
a historic property adjacent to the legendary necessary supplies. still life, photography, portraiture, abstracts,
King Opera House on Main Street to meet Walking through the picturesque venue, and more.
the region’s growing need for additional art it is easy for amateur and professional A new interactive learning space in the
experiences and create an artistic hub for the artists to be inspired. Visitors can browse children’s studio provides fun and engaging
community. art or improve their skills by taking part lessons using a myriad of teaching tools and
In its nearly 50 years of existence as in one of the Center’s workshops. The learning activities for all ages.
the Center for Art and Education, the Center routinely hosts classes presented by “Art Night Out” provides a personalized
organization proudly served the region, accomplished local and regional artists. Arts art experience for guests and private groups.
enriching the community with creative on Main also provides nightlife activities with It is a unique and ideal way to celebrate a
programming and classes. It has also regularly scheduled evening and weekend special occasion.
helped promote art appreciation through programs and entertainment for novices and Members receive 10-20% discounts on
its galleries, showcases, and collections professionals alike. program fees, as well as exclusive invitations
throughout town. Young artists can continue to private artist studio tours, partner
The 17,000 square foot facility their art education through the annual museums, and cultural sites. Participants can
provides expansive galleries suitable for River Valley Student Art Competition, also choose a program and access the studio
during designated hours to work on their
craft at their own pace.
To learn more about Arts On Main,
visit www.artsonmainvb.com or call 479-474-
7767.
King Opera House
Van Buren’s famed King Opera House
(KOH) is a place where art and history truly
come together. A cornerstone of Main Street
for more than 130 years, the beautifully
restored theater originally opened in 1891,
hosting some of the greatest performances
of the era. The historic building features a
grand foyer, balcony seating, and a large
performance hall. King Opera House
has undergone numerous changes over
the years, but stands today as the site of
countless community theater and music
events.
The establishment of Arts on Main and
decision to move it downtown helped
prompt the city to assign management
of King Opera House to the art center. In
doing so, leaders aimed to create new
Photo courtesy Arts on Main. opportunities for shows and performances
12 Van Buren Chamber 2024 Directory vanburenchamber.org