Walton Arts Center is bringing a mix of free and low-cost events and performances right to your backyard as part of the annual Artosphere: Arkansas’ Arts + Nature Festival May 1-18. The multi-week festival features some special performances as well as concerts in sacred spaces throughout the region, including several events in Fayetteville.
Artosphere celebrates art, music and nature by spotlighting artists and performers from around the world who are inspired by nature. The festival also provides a creative framework for the community to discuss issues of sustainability and environmental awareness.
Inspired by local herbal and botanical ingredients, join us for Cocktails in the Garden on Saturday, May 3 at 4 pm and learn how to make two nature-themed cocktails while enjoying light snacks. This class is part of the Artosphere Arts + Nature Festival and will take place outdoors in the beautiful Bradberry Rose Garden. Must be 21 or older to participate and tickets are $45.
Explore a buzzing, humming hive of activity as human-sized bees with Polyglot Theatre’s Bees at Fayetteville Public Library. Watch as these bees busy themselves in the community creation alongside children who can transform into bees as they play. Inspired by the mysterious life and work of bees, this re-imagining of public space involves the slow uncovering of an intricate unseen world. Bees is free and open to the public at 9:30 am and 11 am on Wednesday, May 14, 4 pm on Thursday, May 15 and at 2 pm on Friday, May 16. Bees will also make an appearance at Family Arts in the Park on Saturday, May 17 at Luther George Park in Springdale, along with food trucks, a face painter and live music.
Friends and songwriting partners, Trout Fishing in America’s Keith Grimwood and Ezra are performing as part of Artosphere on Tuesday, May 6 at 6:30 pm. This nationally touring duo has traveled over a million miles and performed in all 50 states, parts of Canada and Europe. They write music for people who take their fun seriously, and their dynamic sound, relatable lyrics and unique stage presence offer something for everyone. Register for free online, bring your lawn chairs and blankets and join us for a family-friendly concert on BGO’s Great Lawn.
Artosphere’s signature event is back with live art, music and activities for kids and families on Friday, May 9! The Upper and Lower Ramble are the home of Trail Mix this year, exploring the convergence of art and nature in the forest canopy and pathways through Tanglewood Creek, Fay Jones Woods and the newly constructed public space, Upper Ramble. Trail Mix is a free event that features Backyard Bugs, Sarah Reed and Michael Hannah woodwind duo, Fayetteville High School Steel Pan Band, Dandelion Heart, University of Arkansas World Music Ensemble, energetic musical group Squonk and entertainers from Inspyral Circus.
With both bird watching and live music, Taking Flight: Woodwind Quartet and Bird Watching on Friday, May 16 at 6 pm emphasizes meaningful observation and mindfulness. NWA Land Trust will lead guided bird watching, providing binoculars to the first 40 people who register. Local musicians will perform Haydn's String quartet in C major Opus 33 No. 3 "The Bird."
To see a full lineup of Artosphere events, including live music and shows for kids, please visit waltonartscenter.org/artosphere. Except where noted below, additional information, tickets or reservations for these events are available now at artospherefestival.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am-5 pm or in person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am-2 pm.