ASC ART ROCKS: Summer Bash kicks off on June 3-4

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The Arts & Science Center is kicking off summer with a two-day party.

ART ROCKS: Summer Bash is a fundraising event with music, food trucks, games, art demos, art auctions, karaoke, kid-friendly activities, and more. The festivities are set for 5-10 p.m. Friday, June 3, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 4, 2022.

The Summer Bash will be at ASC’s ARTSpace on Main and ART WORKS on Main, 623 and 627 S. Main St. The event is to celebrate the new facilities and to raise money for a renovation project at ASC’s main building at 701 S. Main St.

“We’re so excited about the lineup of activities during the Summer Bash,” said Morgun Henson, ASC’s Communications and Development Coordinator, who is organizing the event.

The Summer Bash is supported by “Rockstar”-level sponsor Relyance Bank, “Platinum”-level sponsor Highland Pellets, and “Encore”-level sponsors Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Co. and Pine Bluff Heat & Air.

“This event is all about celebrating our new facilities, The ARTSpace on Main and ART WORKS,” Henson said. The two buildings opened in 2021 and received several design awards for adaptive reuse. Spaces include a retail gallery; a black box theater; open gallery spaces for exhibitions and events, a workshop, and an outdoor event area.

“These buildings can host such a variety of events,” Henson said. “Instead of cramming the Summer Bash all into one day, we decided to split it up and offer a portion for adults to relax and unwind and another portion for kids and families to enjoy. Each event will give attendees a different taste of what we offer and what is possible with these facilities. These spaces are truly for the community and we want to celebrate accordingly!”

Friday’s festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with live jazz, R&B, and neo-soul fusion by the trio Neighbors. Complimentary beer, wine, and soda will be available to ages 21 and older from 5-7 p.m., courtesy of M.K. Distributors.

Attendees can enjoy the concert while eating dinner from an array of food trucks that will be on site.

They can also watch live artist demos and have an opportunity to bid on the finished pieces of art. Greta Kresse of Little Rock will paint with watercolors. Jefferson County native John Kushmaul, also of Little Rock, will paint a Pine Bluff-area landmark. Troy DeBill of Redfield will be throwing pots on a wheel that will later be fired in the on-site kiln.

Attendees can also purchase unique 6-inch square artworks on canvas that members of the Pine Bluff Art League created specifically for the Summer Bash.

At 7 p.m., the event transitions into a karaoke party before winding down at 10 p.m. “Whether you want to sing your heart out or get a kick out of others, you’re guaranteed a fun time with our wonderful host, Lindsey Collins,” Henson said.

In addition to the art auctions, a raffle will be another opportunity for attendees to support ASC. “You definitely won’t want to miss out on our raffle prize,” Henson said. “We will be raffling off an inflatable kayak full of craft beer from Arkansas breweries.”

Entry to the Friday night festivities is $5 for ASC members and $10 for nonmembers. It is open to all ages, and ages 21 and older can enjoy alcoholic beverages. All attendees will be carded and given wristbands.