Key Takeaways
- The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is hosting a Kwanzaa celebration on December 31, featuring a traditional Karamu feast, candle-lighting, and family-friendly activities.
- The African Children’s Choir will perform in Hot Springs and North Little Rock, with free admission and donations accepted.
- The Windgate Center of Art + Design is hosting three exhibitions as part of the "Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026" initiative, featuring works by Myra Mimlitsch-Gray, Vivian Chiu, and Nicole Seisler.
- The exhibitions will showcase handmade art in metal, wood, and clay, and will be on display from January 20 to March 29.
- Admission to the exhibitions and the Kwanzaa celebration is free, with donations accepted for the African Children’s Choir performances.
Introduction to Kwanzaa Celebration
The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock is hosting a community celebration of Kwanzaa, a weeklong cultural holiday that honors Black American heritage and celebrates seven core principles known as the Nguzo Saba. The celebration will take place on December 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature a traditional Karamu feast, a candle-lighting, and family-friendly activities for all ages. The event is free and open to the public, and attendees can expect to learn about the principles of Kwanzaa and enjoy a festive atmosphere. The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is a significant cultural institution in Little Rock, and this event is a great opportunity to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage.
African Children’s Choir Performance
The African Children’s Choir, a group of 17 youngsters from vulnerable backgrounds across Africa, will perform in Hot Springs and North Little Rock. The choir is part of the international Christian organization Music for Life, and their performances will feature a mix of traditional African music and contemporary styles. The concerts will take place on January 18 at Trinity Church in Hot Springs and on January 18 at Fellowship Church North in North Little Rock. Admission to both concerts is free, although donations will be accepted to support the choir’s mission. The African Children’s Choir has been performing for over 30 years, and their energetic and uplifting performances are not to be missed.
Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026
The Windgate Center of Art + Design at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is hosting three exhibitions as part of the "Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026" initiative. The initiative is a nationwide celebration of handmade art in advance of America’s 250th birthday, and the Windgate Center’s exhibitions will feature works by nationally recognized artists working in metal, wood, and clay. The exhibitions include "On Purpose" by Myra Mimlitsch-Gray, "Facing" by Vivian Chiu, and "Some Truths About Clay" by Nicole Seisler. The exhibitions will be on display from January 20 to March 29, and admission is free. The Windgate Center of Art + Design is a premier cultural institution in Little Rock, and these exhibitions are a great opportunity to experience the best of American craft.
Exhibition Details
The exhibitions at the Windgate Center of Art + Design will showcase a range of handmade art, from metalwork to wood carvings to ceramics. Myra Mimlitsch-Gray’s "On Purpose" exhibition will feature conceptual works that challenge traditional functions and perceptions, while Vivian Chiu’s "Facing" exhibition will explore perception, illusion, and structure through repetition and precise craftsmanship. Nicole Seisler’s "Some Truths About Clay" exhibition will invite viewers to experience clay as a collaborative and evolving process. The exhibitions will be on display in the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery, the Brad Cushman Gallery, and the North and South Galleries, and will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can also schedule appointments to view the exhibitions outside of regular hours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center’s Kwanzaa celebration, the African Children’s Choir performances, and the Windgate Center of Art + Design’s exhibitions are all exciting cultural events that showcase the best of Little Rock’s cultural scene. From traditional African music to handmade American craft, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in learning about Kwanzaa, experiencing the energy of the African Children’s Choir, or exploring the latest in American craft, these events are not to be missed. With free admission and donations accepted, they are also accessible to everyone, making them a great way to experience the city’s cultural heritage without breaking the bank.