The Forum Wichita Falls

04/24/2025

Wow, what a wonderful group of amazing moms and a fabulous event honoring them! Congrats to these nominees, including one of our own, Kristen Shiplet.

🌟 We received over 38 wonderful nominations, with many ladies nominating more than one amazing mom for our Working Mom Awards!

Do you spot anyone you know?

Tag them and purchase your tickets today to join us in celebrating their achievements at the Arthur Bea Williams Luncheon on May 8th at 12:00 PM at The Forum! ✨

🎟️: https://childcarewf.org/parents/events/



Blush & Honey Boutique
Red River Hospital
River Bend Nature Center
First Step of Wichita Falls, Inc
Arts Council WF
Bishop Realtor Group
Hospice of Wichita Falls
Senior Care Health and Rehabilitation
Hirschi Realtors
Region 9 Education Service Center
Christ Academy
Kids Central Learning Center
Royal Estates of Wichita Falls
Meals on Wheels Wichita County
Healing Hands Healthcare
Junior League of Wichita Falls
Zavala Hispanic Cultural Initiative
News Channel 6 KAUZ

04/24/2025

If you haven’t been by The Forum in while, we invite you to stop in and take a look! Over the last several years, we have been committed to improving the space by enhancing accessibility and functionality, while preserving its historical integrity. This year, through gracious community support, we were able to put in additional lighting around the perimeter of the building and entrance, and also increased lighting options in the Auditorium. Last year, we cleaned up the flower beds and made improvements to the landscaping. Next up, a new bridal suite and meeting space that will be available very soon!

We are so thankful for those who choose to support us and host their events here, and we look forward to many more events in the future. 🤍

2027 will mark 100 years of this incredible building and we can’t wait to celebrate it!

04/23/2025

We absolutely love supporting young artists in our community and are grateful to Iowa Park CISD High School Fine Art students and their teacher, Mrs. Audra Miller, for bringing their exhibit to the Kemp Center last night!

04/23/2025

The actress playing Elsa shows the Texomashomepage.com - KFDX, KJTL news crew how she works with the projection booth to make her ice castle grow in the tech rehearsal of Frozen Junior at The Wichita Theatre. This month’s Virtual Tour teaches students all about the technical work needed to put on a stage production. Stay tuned for the link of the final video post, coming soon!

We provide several virtual tour opportunities throughout the year, bringing regional schools an in-depth exposure to Wichita Falls arts organizations and events.

04/19/2025

✨ Staff Highlight: Nadia Martinez✨

Meet Nadia Martinez, our Forum Rentals Coordinator! For just over two years, Nadia has been the behind-the-scenes superstar making sure events run smoothly and are set up to the customers satisfaction. If you’ve had a rental with us recently, chances are you’ve had the pleasure of working with Nadia! She brings a can-do attitude to every event she coordinates. From making sure tables are perfectly placed to ensuring your event vision comes to life, she’s there to support and make your event a success.

1.What do you like about working with the ACWF or what is the most fulfilling part of your job?
"I love working with the ACWF because I enjoy learning about all the interesting art classes they provide for the children in our community. I love being able to see all the different artists and their artwork that come through our doors. The best part about my job is that I get to meet a lot of wonderful different people and can communicate with them about their different exciting events."

2. What is one thing you want the community to know about the ACWF?
"I would like the community to know about all the different classes we offer at the Kemp building as well as how reasonable we are at the Forum, our rentals facility."

3. Who are some of your biggest influences?
"I know a few wonderful women who are major influences on me, and they are Lisa Williams. She is a wonderful strong and always involved in our community. Kristen Shiplet, she is one of the most amazing women I have ever met in my life. She manages to be a mother of 3 and be the best CEO for the ACWF. She is always smiling and is always ready to take on whatever comes her way."

04/18/2025

This week’s Distance Learning lesson dug deep into STEAM learning to combine art and physics, working with the principals of force. Students created a pop-up card and learned how contact force can be applied to create dimensional artwork. Ms Schobert’s Grade 4 students at Petrolia Elementary made these great cards!

Distance Learning provides live, interactive lessons with a professional artist and are taught weekly to over 700 students throughout the 12-county area.

04/18/2025

04/18/2025

🫶🫶🫶🫶

🎨 10 Reasons to Support the Arts in Wichita Falls in 2025 🎭

The arts do more than inspire—they build stronger communities, boost our local economy, and improve well-being. This year, invest in what matters. Support local artists, organizations, and programs that make Wichita Falls a place where creativity thrives.

Read all 10 reasons here: https://bit.ly/3RIuRlb

04/18/2025

🐣 Happy Easter Weekend! 🐰
Our offices are closed today, Friday, April 18th!

If you need assistance during this time, please contact us at [email protected] or call (940)-767-2787 ext. 111.

04/17/2025

These talented artists won last month's drawing contest at the Wichita County Jail. The monthly contest is a part of our Art In Transition program, which provides art lessons and supplies to Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities in Wichita County. The AIT program is made possible in part through continued support and volunteer work by the Wichita County Sheriff's Office staff and the talented artists who participate.

Joel Broyles
Jermaine Jones
Richard Presser
Joseph Humphreys
Adan Chavez

04/16/2025

We can’t wait to see all of the students artwork showcased at the Kemp Center for the Arts next week!

🎨 The IPHS Art Exhibit will be held at the Kemp Center for the Arts on Tuesday, April 22nd from 5:30-7 pm!

04/15/2025

Create cute florals just in time for spring and Mother's Day! Check out Christina's Kreative Kids Art classes coming up at the Kemp Center for the Arts that are perfect for kids, teens and adults.

👩‍🎨💐 It’s National Sibling Day… and we’ve got the perfect creative way to celebrate!

Grab your kiddos — or better yet, bring a sibling duo — and let them paint a heartfelt gift for mom together (for less than $20)! 🎨💛

🌸 Flowers for Mom – Kids Painting Class
Ages 6–12 | $12 each or 2 for $20
📅 Wednesday, April 17 | 5–7 PM
📍 The Kemp Center

Let them create something beautiful, together — and make memories they’ll cherish!
👉 Sign up here: https://www.facebook.com/share/19we6RcLjv

04/14/2025

Our team is growing and we're hiring!

Kemp Center Guest Services • Full-time position
https://bit.ly/kempguestservices
Programming Assistant • Part-time position
https://bit.ly/acwfprogramming

Interested applicants can email [email protected] with their resume or for more information.

04/12/2025

Our Pysanky egg dying class was a blast. We learned so much from Amarillo guest artist Abigail Squyres and everyone’s eggs turned out gorgeous!

04/12/2025

✨ Instructor Highlight: Christina Scruggs✨

Say hello to Christina, our amazing Mini Makers teacher! Since November, Christina has been sharing her passion for art with our young creators. A retired teacher, she’s taught many subjects, but art is her favorite. Christina also runs Kreative Kids Art, offering fun painting classes at the Kemp Center. Our staff recently experienced one of her door hanger classes, and it was a blast! We’re so lucky to have Christina on our team, inspiring creativity in both kids and adults!

1. What do you like about working with the ACWF or what is the most fulfilling part of your job?
“I love teaching the Mini-Makers class each Monday morning—it keeps my love of teaching alive, and I enjoy seeing the kids and moms get excited about our projects. Everyone has been so welcoming here at the ACWF.”

2. Do you want to share anything specific about your background or education that is relevant to your position and duties at the ACWF?
“I am a retired teacher with 34 years of experience. I taught many subjects, but art has always been my all-time favorite. My college degree is a Bachelor’s in Education with a minor in Art. I've taught Pre-K through 6th grade.”

3. What is one thing you want the community to know about the ACWF?
“The community really should come check out the galleries and classes offered. It’s a great place to bring your kids to see visual art and experience it up close. I believe it will spark the creative side in everyone.”

4. Any personal info you want followers to know? (Relationship, kids, pets, favorite food, etc.)
“I've been married to Jeff for 34 years this summer. I have two grown children, Dillon and Erin, and two fur baby dogs, Jake and Bo. I love to cook for my family. We enjoy playing games and watching movies. My favorite foods are Chinese and Mexican.”

5. Do you create art outside of the ACWF?
“I also love creating art outside of teaching classes. Lately, I've been experimenting with painting using a palette knife—it's definitely been a learning curve! I also enjoy sewing and creating memory projects with t-shirts. My new venture is my business, Kreative Kids Art LLC. Being retired has given me the time to teach classes and help spark that creative side in others. I love to see that creative lightbulb shine bright in people.”

04/11/2025

We're excited to announce TWO new exhibition opportunities highlighting small artwork.

The Small Works exhibit is a juried show and now open for applications until May 16th. Entry cost is $25. (www.artscouncilwf.org/exhibits/smallworks2025)

Our new 6x6 ROYGBIV Exhibit and Auction fundraiser, with donated artwork from talented artists, will be held in lieu of Mystery Art this year. No application fees, artists donate their work to help the Arts Council bring gallery and art programming to the community. (www.artscouncilwf.org/exhibits/6x62025)

Both exhibits offer cash award prizes and show just how much can be said with a small piece of art.

04/09/2025

Last call to sign up for this class happening Friday evening! We still have a few spots open, so grab a pal and come join us to learn this traditional technique. You’ll get to take home two decorated eggs that will last for years to come.

Check out what’s happening at the Arts Council! Our mission is to nurture & strengthen the artistic, cultural & educational quality of the community & surrounding area

04/09/2025

Tonight Ann Peterson Truemper was celebrated by many for her gallery exhibit, titled “Roses and Rings”, now showing at the Forum until June 6. Our congratulations to Ann on her beautifully created artwork!

Ann is a Wichita Falls artist currently working in abstract collage and mixed media on paper. To view artwork and purchase online visit artscouncilwf.org/exhibits/truemper2025.

“I chose collage and mixed media as my medium after spending many years as a ceramic artist. Upon thoughts of retirement, I decided to give up “playing in the clay” and start a new journey filled with joy and fun using paper, paint and whatever else I find interesting. My passion for creating each unique piece guides me through every detail as the work dances with shapes, lines and colors using various materials and textures to become an expression of this colorful adventure. I hope to spread a little happiness through my art and inspire others to embrace their creativity as well.”

01/08/2025

We're moving our updates to the Arts Council WF Facebook and Instagram pages! Be sure to follow us there for all the latest news and happenings within our organization and the buildings.

We still want to see your moments! Keep tagging The Forum Wichita Falls and the Kemp Center for the Arts in your posts—we enjoy seeing how people engage with the space and the memories you create!

12/30/2024

In celebration of 2025, The Arts Council WF is offering a special 25% discount on room rentals at The Forum Wichita Falls and the Kemp Center for the Arts!

To take advantage of this offer, simply book and pay your deposit by Friday, January 10th, and host your event anytime before December 31, 2025. The discount applies to the room total if you book multiple rooms!

Email [email protected] or call (940) 767-2787 ext. 200 to reserve your date today!

11/25/2024

As we reflect on this season of gratitude, we want to take a moment to express how thankful we are for our incredible community of supporters, artists, and friends. Wishing you all a joyful Thanksgiving holiday! 🦃🍁

Please note that our business offices at the Kemp Center for the Arts and the The Forum Wichita Falls will be closed from Wednesday, Nov. 27th through Sunday, Dec. 1st. Additionally, Art Lab: Studio Saturday *FREE* on November 30th is cancelled.

If you need us during this time, feel free to email [email protected] or call (940) 767-2787 ext. 111.

10/30/2024

Swing by and join local artist Aaron Soto at her gallery reception at The Forum this Friday, November 1st, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM! It’s a free event, so come chat with Aaron and explore her fantastic artwork. Whether you stay for a bit or just pop in, we can't wait to see you there!

10/10/2024

10/05/2024

Mystery Art Exhibit & Auction is now open! Visit the Kemp Center for the Arts to see the artwork in person—we're open Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. You can also explore the collection online and start bidding at givebutter.com/c/mysteryart2024/auction.

A heartfelt thank you to all the artists who have generously contributed their work to our exhibit and supported our programming! Take a shot at solving the "mystery" by guessing which artist created each piece!

We have some exciting events planned to celebrate the exhibit!
Save the dates:

▪️ Poetry Night in the Gallery: Thursday, October 10th, with readings starting at 6:00 PM.
▪️ Artist Reception & Live Auction: Thursday, October 17th, beginning at 5:30 PM. Silent Auction Closes at 7:00 PM. Live Auction begins at 7:00 PM.
▪️ Extended Viewing: The exhibit will be open for an extra week after the auction closes, from October 18 to October 24, allowing guests to discover the names of the artists.

09/20/2024

Don’t forget to book your holiday party! We still have available dates at both The Forum Wichita Falls and the Kemp Center for the Arts!

Call us at (940) 767-2787 ext. 201 or email [email protected] to schedule your event today! Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable!

09/04/2024

If you want to support some awesome arts education programming AND the The Forum, be sure make your Texoma Gives donations to the Arts Council WF! texomagives.org/organization/Artscouncilwf

is officially TOMORROW (9/5), but if you want to be an early bird with your donation, we sure won't stop you! 😁 Donate online at texomagives.org/organization/Artscouncilwf.

Here are some examples of how every dollar is used to grow our reach and expand our programming:
💚 A donation of $10 can provide art supplies for Art In Transition lessons in the Wichita County Jail.
💚 A donation of $25 can provide 1 year of books for a child enrolled in the Imagination Library program.
💚 A donation of $50 can provide a Distance Learning lesson to students in rural schools.
💚 A donation of $100 can provide 2 hours of art classes for service organization like Wichita Falls Housing Authority, Big Brothers Big Sisters, or Boys and Girls Club.
💚 A donation of $500 can provide a week of camp for at-risk kids in the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program.

08/31/2024

Happy Labor Day Weekend! 🎉

In observance of Labor Day, the Arts Council WF will be closed from Saturday, August 31st through Monday, September 2nd. We’ll resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 3rd.

Please note that there will be no Studio Saturday class on August 31st.

Enjoy the holiday weekend, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

08/08/2024

We’re thrilled to announce that tickets for Perfect Pair: A Food & Drink Affair are officially SOLD OUT! A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who purchased tickets and supported this wonderful cause.

We’re incredibly excited about the amazing menu and can’t wait to showcase our incredible lineup!

Pelican's - Chef Patrick Street
Chef's Palate - Russell Prickett & Eric Donaldson
Wellborn 2R Steakhouse - Chef Abdiel Laboy
Abington Avenue Pastry - Leigh Lamson-Quay

4R Ranch Vineyards and Winery
Arché Winery & Vineyard
Blue Ostrich Winery
Marker Cellars Winery
Fisher59- Wichita Falls

08/08/2024

It’s not too late to bring a date! Just TWO tickets left for Perfect Pair: A Food + Drink Affair. Enjoy a curated menu from local chefs and select wine and beer pairings, all while supporting a great cause. Grab your tickets before they’re gone!

Tickets are on sale at artscouncilwf.org/PerfectPair2024

08/05/2024

Don’t let FOMO (fear of missing out) get the best of you! Perfect Pair: A Food + Drink Affair tickets are selling fast, and we have only 12 tickets left. Secure your table of 8 before it’s too late! Gather your friends for an enjoyable evening featuring a curated menu crafted by local chefs + select wine and beer pairings.

Tickets are on sale at artscouncilwf.org/PerfectPair2024