The 2024 Arkadelphia Festival of the Arts (AFOTA) is set to inspire creativity by offering a variety of free classes for all attendees.
Scheduled for October 12, this year’s expanded Art Workshop Program features classes in music writing, textile design, juggling, acting, and more.
The Art Workshop Program is a series of free classes led by industry professionals. This year, classes will include:
- Music writing with Fonky Donkey’s Ben Brenner
- Acting with Arkadelphia Little Theatre
- Painting with White’s Artworks
- Knitting with Knit Unto Others
- Circus performing with Arkansas Circus Arts
“The Art Workshop Program is a great way for community members to get involved, create some art, and learn a new hobby or skill,” City of Arkadelphia Special Events Manager Halle Mann said. “We’re opening [the workshops] up to everybody this year, not just kids. We’re excited to see what everyone creates!”
The Art Workshop Program, formerly known as the “Youth Art Workshop Program,” has evolved due to its success in 2023 and growing interest from a diverse age group. The revamped program aims to foster artistic expression and skill development for everyone.
The 2024 Art Workshop Program schedule for October 12 is as follows:
| Workshop | Instructor | Activity | Songwriting |
| Acting | Arkadelphia Little Theatre | Learn acting techniques and perform a skit live on stage! | 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. |
| Painting | White’s Artworks | Create a masterpiece with White’s Artworks! | 11:00 – 11:45 p.m. |
| Song writing | Fonky Donkey’s Ben Brenner | Learn how to write your own music! | 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. |
| Knitting | Knit Unto Others | Learn how to create your own textiles! | Drop-in hours Stop by their booth to learn more! |
| Circus arts | Arkansas Circus Arts | Learn how to juggle, hula hoop, and perform like Arkansas Circus Arts! | 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. |
| Paint & Sip* *Must be 21+ to participate* | White’s Artworks | Create a custom canvas piece, led by Jason White of White’s Artworks! | 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. |
Excluding the Paint & Sip workshop, all workshops will be hosted on Artist Row at the 2024 AFOTA. The Paint & Sip workshop will be hosted in the event’s beverage tent area.
The 2024 AFOTA is October 11 and 12.