The Ultimate Little Rock Art Crawl: Where Culture and Creativity Collide

Cruising into cooler weather in the Natural State means it’s time to opt outside, and Little Rock is showing out on its art scene.

This article is sponsored, but my opinions are entirely my own

From SoMa to the River Market District and everywhere in between, Little Rock offers a unique blend of local, national and international art laid out across the city in a fun, creative palette. What better way to explore hidden pockets of the city than with an artsy scavenger hunt! You might just stumble across a whole new world. I explored it all and found some very unique pieces you should be on the lookout for. Make a day of it, and see how many of these local arts destinations you can find.

Southwest Little Rock is home to a new Latino culture hub, Plaza Frida. This passion project has completely changed the landscape of the area and now provides a center for the thriving Latin culture in central Arkansas. Eat, shop and dance the day away while you walk this impressive complex and spy art around every corner. Look for the authentic metal sculptures imported from Mexico and snap a pic with the Dia de los Muertos mural from artist Ron Ray.

Pettaway Square Off the beaten path, you’ll find a secret gem hidden in Downtown Little Rock. The Pettaway district has been given new life with Pettaway Coffee, Moody Brews and the wonderful collection at Paper Hearts Bookstore. Paper Hearts is proud to support local artists with an eclectic mix of new and used books, gifts, and art by She Studios and many others!

Look for the “Yasuke” mural inspired by the story of the first and only Black samurai from artist @_boyblue_

SoMa The south section of Main Street is a vibrant home to incredible food, shops and yes, art! You could spend all day in SoMa alone.

Here are some of my favorite places to see in the area: ESSE Purse Museum M2 Gallery Lock Ampersand at The Bernice Garden Flower Intersection The cartoon-y fun of the “Yes We Can” mural Culinary Art at Raduno, BCW (Bread, Cheese, Wine), Loblolly Creamery and The Root Cafe Cocktail Art at Rock Town Distillery Shop for Art at South Main Creative, The Punchbowl, Moxy Modern Mercantile, The Green Corner Store, Sweet Home and M2. Quapaw Quarter The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) debuted its long anticipated transformation in 2023 and offers the artist and the art-lover an impressive home to explore and create. AMFA houses over 14,000 works spanning eight centuries in their permanent collection, and they just unveiled their next exhibition running September 27-January 12 titled “The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art”. They’ve brought together approximately 120 of the finest Art Nouveau treasures from 1890-1915, showing off how Art Nouveau made its impact in interiors across the globe. AMFA is also home to the only professional Children’s Theatre in Arkansas. There is an Artists-in-Residence program and the Windgate Arts School with classes in everything from glass blowing to ceramics for kids, adults and they even offer couples classes! And don’t miss the culinary art at Park Grill.

Wanna see more on the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts? Here’s a video we did! Downtown Keep your eyes open! Little Rock has [Insta-worthy] photo opportunities tucked in pockets all over downtown. Find the Main Street Pocket Park between 7th and 8th streets, and Mr. Rogers is secreted away in Baker’s Alley behind the Arkansas Repertory Theater. Artist Jason Jones’ Rock Wagon mural, “Playtime”, soars on Main Street, and Joel Boyds’ “City Dreamers” beautifies the corner of 6th and Spring.

Discover Asian influence at the H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden next door to the Statehouse Convention Center, and take a scroll through the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden on the banks of the Arkansas River.

The newest piece in Riverfront Park is Inspiration Plaza, created by Denny Haskew, John Kinkade and Mark Leichliter of the National Sculptors' Guild. This public art installation is an incredible addition to the area and is worth a trip to downtown by itself! While you’re in the area, check out our video with all our favorite places to eat! There are so many different opportunities to see Little Rock through the eyes of the artists who have given their talents to show us a different way to look at things. This is your sign to get out and explore the best of what Arkansas has to offer in downtown Little Rock! No matter which neighborhood you choose, you’re guaranteed to find something unique, and that makes Little Rock a pretty special place to explore.