Arts, Culture & History

Each season consists of six full-run productions. Each is assigned approximately four rehearsal weeks before providing a minimum of eight performances over two weeks. To obtain proper theatrical licensing, each season is set by the Board of Directo…

Belgium artist ROA is known for painting monochrome animals, typically painting rodents native to the area he is painting. His second and final peace, ROA installed "The Otter" in his trademark black and white style during The Unexpected's inaugural…

The Chaffee Crossing Historic District is a walkable showcase of history that echoes the vital role that Fort Chaffee played in American military history beginning in WWII. Visitors are able to walk the grounds and tour original buildings where thous…

Known for her humanoid creatures, Ana Maria's were some of the most noticeable mural installations during The Unexpected's inaugural mural festival in 2015. Her second and final installation of 2015 can be seen on Rogers Avenue, directly across from…

The Unexpected is a downtown revitalization project created by 64.6 Downtown. The project began in 2015 and has transformed downtown Fort Smith into a world-class destination for urban and contemporary public art. The growing collection of permanent/…

The Cherokee Heritage Center is the premier cultural center for Cherokee tribal history, culture, and the arts, located in the heart of the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. It was established in 1963 by the Board of Trustees of the Cherokee…

Added to the Arkansas Register of Historic Places on November 7, 2001, Massard Prairie was a popular grazing grassland for Union troops and locals during the Civil War. On July 27, 1864, Confederate troops led a surprise attack against the Union sold…

Australian artist Guido Van Helten has created art in Australia, London, Iceland, Scotland...and now in Fort Smith, Arkansas! He paints nostalgic art – similar to watercolor paintings – using culturally authentic photographs for inspiration. He grew…

“Hair today, gone tomorrow!" - Elvis Presley, March 25, 1958, upon being asked what he thought of giving up his famous sideburns to be inducted into the U.S. Army. On March 24, 1958, an international rock and roll star named Elvis Presley suspended h…