The Forum Wichita Falls

03/21/2025

Happy National Flower Day! 🌼 This summer art will be in bloom during our annual interactive kids' Artzeum exhibit. This year's "Secret Garden" theme will bring a world of flowers and garden creatures to life.

It's totally FREE and open to all ages to come in and enjoy the activity stations. Come once, come everyday, come for a few minutes, or stay a while!

The exhibit opens June 7th and will be open Monday through Saturday until August 9th.

03/20/2025

Our very own Gallery Tech, Jeannette Herrera, is in NYC right now showing her amazing artwork in the ❗️Cheers to her and selling to new collectors. 🙌 We are so proud {and lucky!!!} to have her on our team.

PS. We heard she had to sing for her supper while out at dinner there. 🎤 Be sure and ask her what song it was next time you see her! She will love the attention! Just like she’s probably loving this post right now.

03/17/2025

Thank you, Wichita Falls SW Rotary, for supporting our Art on the Go program! 🤝 Art On The Go offers art camps and classes throughout the community, available to any area non-profit organization FREE of charge. The ACWF sprovides teaching artists, supplies and lessons; the partner organization provides the students and the location. 😃

Art on the Go is an educational program of Arts Council WF that brings the art to the children, and we love being part of that

03/14/2025

Now Open: Alana Reeder: Embracing Her: A Celebration of the Motherhood Journey

Alana, a self-taught acrylic artist and local talent, brings a powerful collection of vibrant works that explore the full spectrum of human emotion. Her art speaks to the joys, sorrows, and everything in between, encouraging us to embrace our own emotional journeys.

📅 Gallery Reception with Alana Reeder: Embracing Her - A Celebration of the Motherhood Journey Thursday, March 27th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the Kemp Center for the Arts

Join us for the reception to meet Alana in person, hear about her creative process, and celebrate the beautiful balance between motherhood, artistry, and the pursuit of dreams. Alana’s work is a tribute to the complexities of life, and a reminder that through art, we can find solace, connection, and understanding.

03/13/2025

Looking for a fun and creative way to celebrate Easter? Join us for a special Pysanky class, where you'll learn the ancient Ukrainian art of decorating eggs using beeswax and dye! 🖌️✨

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll decorate TWO beautiful chicken eggs and master the essential skills to create your own pysanky masterpieces at home. No experience needed—just come ready to get creative!

Class Options:
Art Lab: Pysanky (Adults, Teens, & Partners)
🗓️ Friday, April 11th | 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
💲 $45 per person or $75 per couple

Art Lab: Pysanky (Ages 12 & Up*)
🗓️ Saturday, April 12th | 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
💲 $40 per person
*Children ages 12-16 must be accompanied by a paid adult.

What’s Included:
-Step-by-step guidance from skilled teaching artist, Abigail Squyres
-All materials to create two gorgeous dyed eggs
-Techniques you can use at home to keep the pysanky tradition alive!

Sign up today and reserve your spot: https://www.artscouncilwf.org/classes-camps

03/11/2025

For the first time ever, we're excited to announce our Small Works Exhibit at the Arts Council WF! Call for Entries is NOW OPEN! This juried exhibit will feature original artworks in various media, all measuring 5” x 7” or smaller, by talented artists from across the country.

𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐞𝐞: $25 (up to 3 pieces)
𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: Friday, May 16, 2025
𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Friday, May 23, 2025
𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬: First ($500), Second ($250), and Third Place ($100)
𝐉𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐫: Arts Council Wichita Falls galleries staff
𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞: Marianela de la Hoz

Marianela de la Hoz paints using the ancient technique known as Egg Tempera, with a contemporary look into current images. The works are extremely detailed, delicate and precise. She seeks to offer insights into the hidden character of her subjects through visual codes and exaggerated features using black humor and fantasy to depict the darker side of humanity.

Marianela de la Hoz artwork has been exhibited in prestigious galleries as well as in several museums, universities and cultural institutes in her native Mexico, in the USA where she resides since 2001, in Canada, Arab Emirates, Japan and Germany.

𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒙𝒉𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏!
🔗 Submit Now: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=15093
🔗 Exhibit Details: www.artscouncilwf.org/exhibits/smallworks2025

03/10/2025

Last month our Distance Learning students learned about force, motion, and surface design by creating their own Flapping Butterflies. 🦋 Ms. Mitchell's Grade 4 and 5 students at Fowler Elementary School in Wichita Falls showed off their skills!

03/09/2025

🌈 Art Lab: Mini Makers - Paper Plate Rainbow Art Project 🎨

Get ready to create a colorful masterpiece! Join us on Monday, March 10th, as we dot our way through the colors of the rainbow and add fluffy cotton ball clouds for a dreamy, sky-high creation. 🌤️🌈

Join us for a morning filled with creativity, color, and crafty fun—perfect for little artists and their grown-ups!

🗓 When: Monday, March 10th
📍 Where: Kemp Center for the Arts
⏰ Time: 10:15-11:00AM
No registration required—just drop in and get crafty with us! 🖌✨

03/09/2025

Celebrating these amazing ladies {Charlene, Jordan, Brittany, Kristine, Kristen, Lisa} on and every other day too! We aren’t leaving out the hard work of Jeannette and Nadia, but they better make the annual group photo at Arts Alive Home and Garden Festival next year! 🥸😉

03/07/2025

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.

Adan Chavez
Ruben Duarte
Adam Knisely
Bryan Harnsberger
Shawn Freeman

03/04/2025

Next time you’re at the Kemp Center, be sure to check out the latest exhibit downstairs, featuring artwork from the awesome kiddos at Camp Fire North Texas❗Their students applied their creativity to their affirmations of Self-Discovery, Community, Connection, and Engagement with Nature within these posters and they even mounted them themselves for presentation. It is our honor to share this artful expression with Camp Fire.

03/02/2025

It was a great event, full of even better people! Thanks for supporting us for 28 amazing years. We are so grateful for everyone who made last weekend a success and we’ll see you again next February!

03/02/2025

✨ Art Lab: Mini Makers - Shamrock Stamping 🍀
Get ready for some festive fun! On Monday, March 3rd, our Mini Makers will stamp, paint, and decorate their very own lucky shamrocks with vibrant shades of green and yellow! Once their shamrocks are dry, they'll cut them out to create a charming decoration just in time for St. Patrick's Day. 🍀🎨

Join us for a morning filled with creativity, color, and crafty fun—perfect for little artists and their grown-ups!

🗓 When: Monday, March 3rd
📍 Where: Kemp Center for the Arts
⏰ Time: 10:15-11:00AM
No registration required—just drop in and get crafty with us! 🖌✨

02/27/2025

Want to own a really cool piece of art that was created for our Sacred Art: American Traditional exhibit by high school students? We partnered with artist Josh Williams, owner of Factory City Tattoo and students in Chris Mayfield's A.P. Art class at Wichita Falls Memorial High School in Wichita Falls. Under Josh's mentorship, the students collectively created 14 works of art inspired by and incorporating elements of American Traditional tattoo style.

Check out the remaining pieces available for purchase and support these young artists! Purchase online at artscouncilwf.org/exhibits/sacredart2024.

01/10/2025

Due to current weather conditions, our offices are CLOSED today.

We hope everyone has a safe and warm weekend!

For questions or emergencies please email [email protected] or call (940)-767-2787 ext. 111.

01/09/2025

Brrrr our offices are CLOSED today!

Unfortunately, due to poor weather conditions, we've made the decision to cancel tonight's Gallery Reception with Grace Ainsworth, Cheryl Hazelton, & Emily Smith: Convergence. The reception will now take place on Saturday, January 11th, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

We hope everyone stays safe and warm, and we look forward to welcoming everyone at the rescheduled event.

For questions or emergencies please email [email protected] or call (940)-767-2787 ext. 111.

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