Arts and Entertainment
August 16, 2023
Outdoor Entertainment
Autumn in South Arkansas is indeed a magical time of year, where the changing leaves and the excitement of football season create an irresistible atmosphere. It's the perfect opportunity to embrace the outdoors, gather with friends, and revel in the cooler temperatures bestowed upon us by Mother Nature. The El Dorado Insider recently hosted an outdoor gathering with the assistance of our staff, friends, and a very generous homeowner and their dog, Marley. We sought to capture what we like to call Southern hospitality and offer our own open air good times to the party.
Arts In Autumn
Each fall, the South Arkansas Arts Center kicks off a new season of programming, packing the calendar with activities for all ages. Centrally located on 5th Street for almost 60 years, SAAC is the hub of the area’s creative community. Their regularly changing lineup of classes, art exhibitions, and theatrical performances keep our community engaged and entertained. Most notably this fall is the full reopening of the building, after almost a year of construction.
Public Schools Art
"Everyone can learn art with some basic skills,” says Nancy Reynolds, Barton Junior High School art teacher. This is a common belief among El Dorado School District visual art teachers, and this is why they come to work every day. The school district employs 11 art teachers: two high school, two junior high, two middle school, and one at each elementary school. This shows the importance of visual arts in education. Each art teacher works from a set of state standards set by the Arkansas Department of Education, but they use their own personalities and knowledge to create individualized lessons for their students and classrooms.
Governor's Arts Award
Few things mark one’s life like the influence of a particular teacher. El Dorado is incredibly fortunate to have two resident artists offering their skills and abilities through teaching. Maria and Jorge Villegas have taught thousands of El Dorado students over the past four decades through their work as Arts in Education roster artists, teachers in the after-school arts academy at the South Arkansas Arts Center, teachers within our public school district, and as full-time working artists in the South Arkansas community. In March, their dedicated presence and passion for the arts within our community was recognized and honored at the 2023 Governor’s Arts Award Ceremony.
Public Arts On Display
In a city that takes pride in the arts, it is only fitting that there is a display of visual art in one of our community’s most elegant settings.
Guests to the Haywood are delighted to discover that each floor of the Hilton Tapestry Collection hotel boosts a display of original artworks for public display.
Upcoming Events
SouthArk Outdoor Expo
September 9th • 9 AM - 4 PM
El Dorado Conference Center
The SouthArk Outdooor Expo is an annual celebration packed full of events for the whole family. Experience new vendors, Rib Cook-offs, art shows, and more....
For more info, visit
SouthArk Outdoors Expo
El Dorado Shoot Out
September 18th - 24th
Mystic Creek Golf Course
The eighth annual Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout will return to Mystic Creek Golf Club in El Dorado, Arkansas. Come see the top rising stars in women’s golf compete for $225,000 in prize money at the only Epson Tour stop in the four-state region of Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.
For more info, visit
South Arkansas
Symphony Orchestra
Beauty and the Beast Ballet
September 9th • 2 PM & 7 PM
El Dorado Municipal Auditorium
The tale as old as time, "Beauty and the Beast" is brought to life through stunning dance and the original captivating melodies composed by Kermit Poling. With performances at both 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, you have two opportunities to experience this exquisite fusion of art forms.
For tickets, visit
Union County Fair
September 19th-23rd
Union County Fairgrounds
Mark your calendars because the Union County Fair is just around the corner, and it's going to be a blast for the whole family! The Union County Fair promises something for everyone, from delicious fair food to beauty pageants and games that will keep you entertained for hours.
For more info, visit
myunioncountyarfaihttps://myunioncounty
Foghat
September 20th • 7 PM
First Financial Music Hall
Murphy USA presents Foghat with
special guest deFrance, Wednesday, September 20th in the First Financial Music Hall. Seating is reserved.
For tickets, visit
eldomad.com
The King Lives
A Tribute to Elvis
September 30th • 7 PM
First Financial Music Hall
The King Lives!
Don’t miss the ultimate tribute to Elvis Presley, starring award-winning
artist Kraig Parker, with the
Royal Tribute Band!
For tickets, visit
eldomad.com
It's Free to register your local event at goeldorado.com.
Click Here to view the El Dorado Insider News - August 14, 2023