Local notes: Pet center’s Spring Market set in Bentonville | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

BEST FRIENDS PET RESOURCE CENTER

The Best Friends Pet Resource Center will hold its inaugural Spring Market from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. today at the center at 1312 Melissa Drive in Bentonville

People can explore more than a dozen local vendors offering goods and services that embody the spirit of spring renewal, according to a news release. The market will include handcrafted items and wellness products, fresh seasonal finds and adoptable dogs and cats.

Vendors include Third Space Coffee, The Bakers House, Boujee Buns, The Family Crumb, Mt. Oakley Threads, Terra Home Co., Fernwerk Designs, Warehouse 479, Melspace Creative, Yarn Alchemy, The Cozy Librarian, Heads or Snails Shop, Kaleidoscope Creative and Fancy Stitches.

Visit bestfriends.libcal.com/event/14023277 for more information.

THE MEDIUM

The Medium recently announced the third round of the Creative Exchange Fund, a program designed to support artists, creatives and cultural organizers by providing funding and free space to take bold creative risks.

With support from the Tyson Family Foundation, the fund continues to expand its impact, offering five unique funding opportunities to help bring performances, community events, artist residencies and exhibitions to life at The Medium, according to a news release. Updates for this round include an additional opportunity in the Platform category (three $15,000 opportunities and three weeks in Medium's theater space), increased funding for large-scale outdoor Spectra exhibitions and a new eligibility selection process for Producers and Mixtape Music Series grants.

“The Creative Exchange Fund is more than just financial support; it's a crucial resource for Northwest Arkansas' artists and a catalyst for the creative energy transforming the downtown Springdale Arts District. CXF is about giving artists the space and resources to experiment, collaborate, and grow,” said Amber Perrodin, artist and community manager at The Medium.” Our team is excited and ready to welcome the next cohort and see the incredible impact they will bring.”

Since its launch in 2022, the fund has embodied The Medium's commitment to empowering emerging and underrepresented artists, the release states. Past recipients have leveraged the program to stage performances, host community events and explore new creative territory.

The Medium will host six online info sessions to help artists, creatives and cultural organizers navigate the 2025/2026 Creative Exchange Fund application process. Sessions cover eligibility, funding and how the fund supports bold, creative projects. Registration for all info sessions is available at themedium.art/cxf/.

Scheduled information sessions are:

General information — 11 a.m. April 7.

Producers information for event organizers — 11 a.m. April 8.

Mixtape Music Series for musicians — 1 p.m. April 8.

Medium Artist Residencies information for visual artists — 11 a.m. April 9.

Platform information for performers & theater artists — 1 p.m. April 9.

Spectra Series for visual art exhibitions — 3 p.m. April 10.

Applications will open April 17 and close at 5 p.m. May 5.

OLLI

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arkansas has announced the following classes:

April 7: Following Darwin: A Photographic Tour of the Galapagos Islands — Follow avid photographer, traveler and OLLI member, Doug Talbott on a tour of the Galapagos Islands. 10 a.m.-noon. OLLI Office. Members $19, nonmembers $34.

Tuesdays, April 8-May 13: Cinema in Transition: Exploring Change Through Classes Films — Watch several classes films followed by discussion to unpack the film in terms of style, story, filmmaking technique and how it fits with the theme of change. Noon-1:30 p.m. Zoom. Members only $65.

Tuesdays, April 8-May 13: Revealing the Wonders of Romanesque and Gothic Architecture: An Expedition Through Time, 1100-1500. 6-7:30 p.m. Zoom. Members only $65.

April 9: QR Curious. 9:30 to 11 a.m. Ciel of Fayetteville. Members $19, nonmembers $34.

Wednesdays, April 9-May 14: Car Crazy: 1950s Onward. 6-7:30 p.m. Zoom. Members only $65.

April 10: James Webb Space Telescope: Changing Our View of the Universe. 1-3 p.m. OLLI office. Members $25, nonmembers $40.

Thursdays, April 10-May 15: Neurology in a Nutshell: The Brain Explained. 2-3:30 p.m. Zoom. Members only $65.

Fridays, April 11-May 16: Bella Napoli: Italy's (Other) Eternal City. Noon-1:30 p.m. Zoom. Members only $65.

Fridays, April 11 & 25: Unlocking Restful Sleep: Understanding Changes and Strategies for Seniors. 2 to 4 p.m. Butterfield Trail Village. Members $25, nonmembers $40.

Information: olli.uark.edu/participate or (479) 575-4545.

ELKFEST

The fourth annual Elkfest returns to Elkins from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 12 at Bunch Park and the Elkins Community Center located at 162 Doolin Drive.

“We will have fun for the whole family,” said Shanna Sells, organizer. “This year will be our biggest and best yet.”

The winning queens of the Miss Elkfest Pageant were crowned March 29 and will be celebrated at the main event, organizer Raina Frederick said. “This pageant awards yearly scholarships to each year's queens. It's an event many look forward to every year. I can't wait to further the tradition each year in our community,” she said.

The Rust & Rubies Car Club is hosting this year's event from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Elkins Elementary School, 380 N. Center St. The show will feature 11 unique trophy categories, including the Club Choice award.

The event will also have a vendor show, live performances, a safety fair, kids zone and food trucks.

Elkfest Sponsors are Discover Real Estate, Nellie B's Bakery, Harps Foods, Crystal Cow Creative Studio, Casey Hanna Premiere Cleaning, Farrar Heat & Air, Odyssey Canvas and Boatwork, city of Elkins and Healthy Home Mold Inspection.

MOUNT SEQUOYAH CENTER

Mount Sequoyah Center will hold the grand opening of its newly expanded Clay Studio from 2-6 p.m. April 12 at 150 N. Skyline Drive in Fayetteville. The significant expansion, made possible by a grant from the Windgate Foundation, doubles the studio's capacity and enhances its ability to serve the thriving Northwest Arkansas ceramics community, according to a news release.

Launched in 2022, the Mount Sequoyah Clay Studio quickly became an essential resource. The overwhelming demand, evidenced by membership waitlists and limited workshop space, highlighted the need for expansion. This project addresses those limitations by creating dedicated areas for hand-building and wheel-throwing, enhancing efficiency and safety.

“The response to our Clay Studio has been phenomenal,” said Jordan Meyers, studio manager. “This expansion allows us to welcome more artists, offer a wider range of workshops and further cultivate a vibrant creative community. We are incredibly grateful to the Windgate Foundation for their support in making this vision a reality.”

The expansion included doubling the studio's size and centralizing its location to the heart of campus, increasing membership capacity from 30 to 60; upgrading electrical and plumbing infrastructure to meet current standards; and acquiring equipment for clay recycling and expanded operations.

The grand opening celebration will feature open studio tours, a pottery sale showcasing the work of local ceramicists, food and drinks and fun community activations.

“This expansion not only benefits established and emerging ceramicists but also serves as a model for sustainable arts programming at Mount Sequoyah,” said Emily Gentry, Mount Sequoyah CEO.

Information: (479) 443-4531 or mountsequoyah.org

MUSIC IN COMMON

Atlanta-based nonprofit, Music in Common, recently announced an April tour to launch its latest show, “Songs & Stories.” The tour hits Northwest Arkansas with performances at 6 p.m. April 12 at Casa Magnolia, 414 Holcomb St. in Springdale, and 2 p.m. April 13 at the Fayetteville Public Library, 401 W. Mountain St. Both shows are free and open to all. Donations are welcomed.

“Songs & Stories” is a two-person show featuring Todd Mack, Music in Common founder and executive director, and Trey Carlisle, MIC program and projects manager, both seasoned musicians who have led much of Music in Common's programming over the past 20 years. “Songs & Stories” is a multidiscipline presentation that integrates multimedia and spoken word with musical performance. The show highlights Music in Common's 20-year history, sharing the stories of some of the more than 10,000 people met along the way.

Since 2005, Music in Common has been curating experiences for people across social divides to find common ground through facilitated conversation and music. MIC programs have brought together Black and white Americans; Israelis and Palestinians; Muslims, Christians, and Jews; and American-born, immigrant and refugee youth among others. To date, Music in Common has worked in more than 400 communities worldwide and has directly served more than 10,000 people. Nearly 75 songs have been written in MIC programs with powerful messages of hope, unity and peace. “Songs & Stories” features a selection of these songs performed in an intimate acoustic format.

Contact Simone Alse at (404) 458-7982 or simone@musicincommon.org for more information.

HOPE CANCER RESOURCES

Hope Cancer Resources annual skin cancer screening will be from 6-8 p.m April 17 at 5835 W. Sunset Ave. in Springdale. During each five-minute appointment, a certified dermatologist will check moles and skin for any concerning changes. Most participants are in and out in less than 15 minutes.

Early detection is key to treating skin cancer successfully. This screening not only promotes sun safety and early detection, but could also save lives by identifying skin cancers in their most treatable stages.

The Hope Cancer Resources screening event is free. Appointments are required and may be made at HopeScreen.givesmart.com or calling (479) 361-5847.

BELLA VISTA PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Bella Vista Public Library will host a special presentation spotlighting Bentonville's Museum of Native American History.

Jazlyn Sanderson, museum director, will speak at 1 p.m. Arpil 23 at the library at 11 Dickens Place. The presentation is part of the library's Adult Speaker Series.

Sanderson has been instrumental in refocusing the museum's vision. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in art history from the University of Arkansas School of Art, where she focused her research in pre-Columbian meso-American art. With a distinguished career dedicated to the preservation and propagation of Indigenous American art, history and culture, Sanderson is a well-respected leader in the field.

Reservations are not required for this free presentation, but seating is limited.

Information: (479) 876-1255 or bvpl.org

PRAIRIE GROVE BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park will host Picnic in the Park Day beginning at 9 a.m. April 26 for a free community gathering. The park is located at 506 E. Douglas St.

The day will begin with a Park Day Spring Cleanup from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. This cleanup is part of two nationwide volunteer events, the Great American Cleanup, sponsored by Keep Arkansas Beautiful, Park Day and the American Battlefield Trust. Volunteers are needed for various tasks around the park, such as trash pickup, fence maintenance, springtime planting and flowerbed and landscaping maintenance. Supplies will be provided for volunteers. This is a drop-in event, and participants may spend as much time cleaning up the park as they would like. Upon arrival, volunteers are asked to check in at Hindman Hall Museum.

The Community Resource and Involvement Fair will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. around the Latta Barn. This fair will have information from local nonprofit and area volunteer organizations to help residents find ways to plug into the community and discover opportunities to serve and be served.

A free old-fashioned picnic from noon to 2 p.m. will feature lunch and sweet treats will be provided by local sponsors. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy food while listening to live music and playing outdoor games.

Following the picnic, “Pioneer Games” at 2 p.m. at the Schoolhouse will give guests the opportunity to learn about school in the 1800s.

The rain date for the Community Resource and Involvement Fair' and picnic lunch will be May 3. The Park Day Spring Cleanup will continue as planned, rain or shine.

Check out other interpretive programs and events at arkansastateparks.com for upcoming ways to get involved. For more information about the event, or to include your non-profit group, call the park at (479) 846-2990 or stop by Hindman Hall Museum at the park.