River Valley Arts Center

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River Valley Arts Center Arkansas River Valley Arts Center Foundation, Inc., your community non-profit arts education center! was formed.

1936
WPA built the rock building that would eventually house the River Valley Arts Center.
1981
After a June planning meeting, a $5,000 grant from the Junior Auxiliary, and commitments from community leaders for over $10,000, the River Valley Arts Center Foundation, Inc. The Arts Center officially opened its doors to the public at an all day celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony on October 7th in the borrowed building on West Main Street. Articles of Incorporation prepared by Lu Hardin were signed in December 1981. A Board of Directors was formed and Richard Barton served as the first Executive Director.
1984
After three years the borrowed building was sold and the arts center needed a new home. The City of Russellville agreed to lease the rock building built by the WPA in 1936 which had formerly been the public pool bathhouse located in the City Park. The building was renovated with community donations and labor as well as the assistance of Van Horn construction.
1999
A Memorial Garden was designed and added to honor the six residents who were lost in an airline crash, including then Arts Center president Gordon McLerran. now
The Main building now houses a main gallery space with monthly exhibits, a smaller gallery called the New Age Gallery, a classroom, gift shop, office, restrooms, galley kitchen and a receptionist area. The original pool chemical storage building was a challenging renovation, but now functions as a kiln room. A small building was donated by City Corporation and moved to its current location to house the pottery studio. Most of the operating budget for the River Valley Arts Center comes from memberships and support of area residents, with some funding from small corporate and foundation grants and the support of the Arkansas Arts Council. Class fees go towards supplies and paid instructors. A full time Executive Director and a part time administrative assistant, and a part time artist in residence comprise the staff of the Arts Center. With the help of the Board of Directors, community volunteers, and partnerships with area organizations we are able to provide an array of visual and performing arts programs and venues which enriches the Arkansas River Valley communities.

10/13/2026

🎨⚠️Watercolor Classes will resume on Tuesdays starting October 27th!

🎃➡Come and see October's show!An all ages art show featuring spooky art for Halloween!👻🎨Come join us on the 24th at 5pm ...
10/13/2026

🎃➡Come and see October's show!

An all ages art show featuring spooky art for Halloween!👻🎨
Come join us on the 24th at 5pm for the reception and the ribbon presentation!

Show reception: Otcober 24th, 5-7pm
Gallery hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 1-5pm

📣 OPEN CALL FOR LOCAL ARTISTS! 🏙We are currently looking for entries for next months show (TBN) centering around archite...
10/08/2026

📣 OPEN CALL FOR LOCAL ARTISTS! 🏙
We are currently looking for entries for next months show (TBN) centering around architecture and design.

Art of any mediums are allowed. One entry per artist, and zero entry fee. Adult submissions only!
Come by the River Valley Arts Center to submit your work in person.

HOURS: 1-5PM TUE, WED, THUR.
📆DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 1ST
MORE INFO:
https://www.rivervalleyartscenter.org/

Artists of all ages!📆🎃 Final day to submit your Halloween art work (of any medium) into the Spooktacular art show!Come b...
10/08/2026

Artists of all ages!
📆🎃 Final day to submit your Halloween art work (of any medium) into the Spooktacular art show!
Come by the River Valley Arts Center before 5pm to turn in your piece!

⚠️ One entry per person!

🎃 ATTN: ARTISTS OF ALL AGES 🎨
DEADLINE EXTENSION!!

Submit any ~spooky~ 2D, sculpture/ceramic or digital art in to the Spooktacular October show! One entry per person! Come by the art center in person to submit your work during buisness hours!

📆NEW DEADLINE: OCTOBER 8TH
OPEN: Tue. Wed. Thurs., 1-5pm
🔗MORE INFO: https://www.rivervalleyartscenter.org/upcomingevents

🎃 ATTN: ARTISTS OF ALL AGES 🎨DEADLINE EXTENSION!!Submit any ~spooky~ 2D, sculpture/ceramic or digital art in to the Spoo...
10/01/2026

🎃 ATTN: ARTISTS OF ALL AGES 🎨
DEADLINE EXTENSION!!

Submit any ~spooky~ 2D, sculpture/ceramic or digital art in to the Spooktacular October show! One entry per person! Come by the art center in person to submit your work during buisness hours!

📆NEW DEADLINE: OCTOBER 8TH
OPEN: Tue. Wed. Thurs., 1-5pm
🔗MORE INFO: https://www.rivervalleyartscenter.org/upcomingevents

09/19/2026

Address

1001 East B Street
Russellville, AR
72801

Opening Hours

Tuesday 1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 1pm - 5pm
Thursday 1pm - 5pm

Telephone

+14799682452

Website

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