School of Art Opens Applications for Free Professional Development Sessions for Arkansas Educators
Novo Studio
The School of Art in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is now accepting applications for its second annual Arkansas Art Educator ArtLab, an immersive professional development experience for art educators from across Arkansas and beyond. Participants can receive up to 24 hours of professional development credit. Additional information about the full program is available on the School of Art website.
Building on the success of its inaugural year, the 2026 Summer ArtLab returns with an expanded format and a new partnership with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
The program will be offered across three separate sessions, including:
1. June 24-26 at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
2. July 8-10 at the U of A
3. July 15-17 at the U of
Educators can apply online at no cost. Each three-day session will feature hands-on workshops, collaborative learning opportunities and engagement with nationally recognized artists, educators and scholars. While themes and materials may vary slightly between sessions, all participants will experience the School of Art's commitment to creative inquiry, community engagement and innovative teaching practices.
The June session will be held in partnership with Crystal Bridges on the museum's campus. Participants in that session will take part in a hybrid experience, attending sessions with a cohort of educators from across the U.S. as part of the museum's national educators conference while also engaging in programming led by the School of Art. Lodging will be provided for participants traveling to Northwest Arkansas, with accommodations located near the museum in Bentonville.
The July sessions will take place on the U of A campus in School of Art facilities. Those sessions will include guest speakers, faculty-led workshops and a dedicated day of programming at Crystal Bridges. Participants will have access to the School of Art's studios and facilities and will receive instruction from faculty artists working across a variety of disciplines. Lodging will be provided for out-of-town participants.
"Our state's art educators are often the first mentors in a young artist's life," said Alexis Freeman-Pickett, director of recruitment and outreach for the School of Art. "ArtLab is our investment in those mentors. It creates space for connection, idea-sharing and hands-on exploration, so new approaches can take root here and spread into classrooms across the state."
Applications for Summer ArtLab are open now through April 17 at 11:59 p.m. Session assignments and additional details will be shared in early May. If spots fill, the school will communicate a waitlist. Applicants may indicate session preferences and availability as part of the application process. The application can be access online on the school's site.
Educators are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Questions may be directed to Alexis Freeman-Pickett at axf018@uark.edu.
