The Forum Wichita Falls

01/28/2025

John Hirschi was an incredible supporter, leader, and friend to the Wichita Falls community and to the Arts Council. We are so proud to have received tremendous encouragement from him throughout this organizations history, and his memory will live on within The Forum and Kemp Center in all he did to help us continue providing these beautiful spaces for the public.

A celebration of life will be held this Sunday, February 2, from 3:00 PM to 5:00pm at The Forum.

John Mark Hirschi, a lifelong resident of Wichita Falls, passed away on January 15, 2025, at the age of 91. John devoted his life to building and serving the city he loved. John was born October 7, 1933, to Gene Brite Hirschi and John Raymond Hirschi. He graduated from Wichita

01/28/2025

Get in the Valentine’s Day spirit with Art Lab: Studio Saturday. This Saturday, Teaching Artist Mona Stegal will guide you through creating a beautiful quilled heart. Using colorful strips of paper, you’ll design intricate heart shapes and patterns—perfect as a keepsake or gift for someone special.

This free drop-in class is ideal for young families, grandparents with their grandkids, and anyone who loves making art together. No prior experience is needed, and all materials are provided.

Studio Saturdays are inclusive and welcoming for all. Come as you are, and let your creativity shine!

Date: Saturday, February 1st
Time: 10am - 12pm
Location: Kemp Center for the Arts

01/25/2025

This Monday morning during Art Lab: Mini Makers, we'll be making adorable Polar Bear Portraits! 🐻‍❄️ This class is perfect for those little ones, ages 0-5. It's free for kiddos and their adults to come enjoy, but donations are always appreciated!

01/23/2025

Bake sale fundraiser!
This Saturday, January 25 starting at 10AM
Sam Gibbs Music
4117 Old Jacksboro Hwy

Bake sale will end when they run out of items or at 5PM—whichever comes first!
Proceeds help support the Arts Council WF Education Rentals Program at The Forum Wichita Falls and the Kemp Center for the Arts. This program offers free and low-cost rental opportunities to education performance groups and schools.

01/22/2025

Volunteers needed for the Arts Alive Home and Garden Festival! 🌼

Did you know the Home & Garden Festival is a fundraiser that supports the Arts Council WF and its educational programs, as well as two historic landmarks: the Kemp Center for the Arts and The Forum Wichita Falls?

We need VOLUNTEERS to make this event a success! If you’re interested in helping out, we’d love to have you on board!

Here’s how you can help:
• 2-3 hour shifts
• Ticketing & Front Entry
• Vendor Hospitality
• Parking Lot Golf Cart Drivers

To sign up or get more information, please email [email protected], call (940) 767-2787 ext. 200, or message us here!

01/21/2025

Join us for a fun lunch and style show at Harvest Drug & Gift on Feb. 11th and treat yourself or your girlfriends to some great Valentine shopping! ❤️Tickets are $25 per person and it includes a light lunch. Contact Harvest to reserve your spot!

Grab your gals and secure your seat at our Galentine Lunch & Style Show.
We will provide lunch and then we will have live models to show off our lastest Spring Fashion arrivals. Ticket holders will recieve 20% OFF to shop that day and a $25.00 coupon to use on their next visit to the store. (Exclusions apply)
❤️February 11th, 2025❤️
11:30am-1:30pm
$25.00 per ticket
🌟All proceeds go to The Arts Council of Wichita Falls.🌟
Call 940-691-7081 to reserve your seat over the phone or go to
www.harvestdrugandgift.com and search "Valentine" to purchase on line.

01/20/2025

Celebrate love in all its forms this Valentine’s Day with our Art Lab: Paint Your Partner (or Pal!) 🥰

Whether you're attending with a romantic partner, best friend, or family member, this creative and fun workshop is the perfect way to connect, laugh, and make lasting memories together.

Pairs will take turns painting each other's portraits, guided by a professional teaching artist. Learn simple techniques to capture facial features, add personality to your artwork, and express emotion through color. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your loved one and a sense of adventure!

What's Included:
❤Step-by-step guidance from an experienced teaching artist
❤All materials to create two portraits, including canvases, brushes, and paints
❤Complimentary charcuterie
❤BYOB (beer and wine only)—sip while you paint!
❤Take home your personalized portrait as a keepsake

About Your Instructor:
Chris Mayfield is the head of the Art Department at Wichita Falls Memorial High School. He has decades of teaching experience and excels at encouraging accomplished and beginner artists alike.

Date: Thursday, February 13
Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Fee: $50/2 people (all supplies included)
Instructor: Chris Mayfield
Location: Kemp Center for the Arts

01/20/2025

In case you missed the reception last week, there is still time to view Jessica Guillory Wellington's exhibit at The Forum until February 21st! Can't make it in? All artwork is online: https://bit.ly/ACWFgalleries

"Drawing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Horses have always captivated me; their beauty, grace, and freedom inspire much of my work. As a self-taught artist, my journey has been one of trial and error, learning and evolving with each piece I create.

I began my artistic exploration with pencil and paper, but after being gifted an iPad, I discovered a new world of possibilities through digital art. Using the Procreate app and an Apple Pencil, I now create with the same techniques I would use traditionally, yet with the freedom to choose my background and enhance my work in ways that paper never allowed.

Art brings me profound joy—hours can pass in the blink of an eye when I’m immersed in a piece. My aim is always to capture the essence of beauty, emotion, and the interplay of light and shadow in every work I create." ~Jessica Guillory Wellington

01/19/2025

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — A celebration of art, culture, and family is now on display at the Kemp Center for the Arts, featuring the multi-generational talents of the Herrera family. Spanning gen…

01/18/2025

It’s wedding planning season! 💍💒🥂
If you’re planning your wedding (big or small) or needing a venue for a shower, we’ve got a space for you that works for your budget. Stop by and see Courtney today at Texomashomepage.com - KFDX, KJTL Bridal Market at the Delta Marriott hotel downtown until 4pm!

01/16/2025

Arts Council WF is pleased to announce it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Grants for Arts Projects award of $15,000! This grant will support our arts education programming for students in rural schools across the North Texas region.

The NEA will award 1,127 Grants for Arts Projects awards nationwide totaling more than $31.8 million as part of the recent announcement of fiscal year 2025 grants.

More info and a full listing of grant recipients: https://bit.ly/NEAawards2025

01/14/2025

✨ Gallery Reception with Jessica Michelle Guillory: Free Rein ✨

We’re excited to invite you to a special evening with artist Jessica Michelle Guillory at The Forum Wichita Falls on Thursday, January 16th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM! This is a free, come-and-go event, and everyone is welcome to attend!

Don’t miss the chance to meet the artist and explore her stunning work in person!

01/11/2025

Cheers to these wonderful artists! Today, we celebrated the closing of the “Convergence” exhibit with Grace Ainsworth, Emily Smith, and Cheryl Hazelton with a reception for their families and friends. We can’t thank them enough for sharing their work and talent with us and our community.

01/11/2025

Come Create With Us!❄

Join us on Monday, January 13th, for a morning of artful exploration at our Art Lab: Mini Makers drop-in class at the Kemp Center for the Arts!

This Monday we will be creating a Red Bird in the Snow! Little ones will turn their handprint into a vibrant red cardinal.

Perfect for ages 0-5, this hands-on class is all about discovery and fun! Together, you and your little ones will dive into exciting art and sensory activities designed to spark imagination and creativity. Grown-ups get to be part of the magic too—guiding and collaborating as your mini makers explore and learn.

We can't wait to create with you—see you there!

01/10/2025

Looking to add a creative touch to your child's birthday? Host a fun, hands-on party with Creative Celebrations at the Kemp Center for the Arts!🎉

Choose from exciting themes, and our skilled teaching artist will guide the kids through two engaging art projects, making sure the day is both creative and memorable.

What’s included?
🎨 Choice of one of five themes
👩‍🏫 A teaching artist to lead two crafts
🖍️ All project supplies provided
👫 Up to 10 guests (including the guest of honor)
🕒 2-hour party + additional setup and cleanup time

Please note: Party decorations are not included. But don't worry—our fun-filled art projects will make the day unforgettable!

📅 When: Thursday Evenings & Saturdays (Book at least one week in advance)
💲 Cost: $250 ($50 refundable deposit required at time of booking)
📍 Where: The Kemp

Make your child’s birthday a masterpiece with Creative Celebrations! Reserve your spot now and let’s craft some colorful memories together! https://artscouncilwf.org/creative-celebrations/parties

01/10/2025

With 2025 in full swing, we're making a few changes to our beloved drop-in Studio Saturdays! Whether you're coming in with kids, grandkids or just bringing yourself for some creative time, there's something for you. Here's what to expect:

First Saturday of Every Month – Teacher-Led Craft Class:
Join our talented Teaching Artist, Mona Stegal, for a guided arts and craft session designed to be fun and accessible for all ages..

Other Saturdays – Self-Directed Studio Time:
Come enjoy a relaxed, self-guided art session! We’ll provide all the supplies and a pre-recorded demonstration video to inspire your creative journey. You can follow along or let your imagination take the lead.

Art Lab: Studio Saturdays is every Saturday from 10:00am -12:00pm at the Kemp Center for the Arts.
No registration needed – just drop by and create! We can’t wait to see what you make!

01/10/2025

Calling outdoor sculpture artists! 📣
Our entries are open until January 31st for the 21st Annual Sculpture Garden Exhibit at the Kemp Center for the Arts. Get all the details and apply through CaFÉ - Call For Entry: https://bit.ly/sg2025cfe

All forms of outdoor sculpture will be considered, provided it meets the requirements of the prospectus. The juror for this event is noted Texas sculptor, Bill FitzGibbons. billfitzgibbons.com/

Artist stipend: $1500 total (half on completed installation / half on completed deinstallation)
Award Prizes: 1st Place - $2500, 2nd Place - $1500, 3rd Place - $500

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.

01/08/2025

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