Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/Chicago
- 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
These are the previously published dates. Check the organizer for a new edition.
Check the organizer’s latest schedule ↗Art Start at AMFA: Mo Willems and Watercolor Birds, Nov. 11
The bird in this Art Start has a habitat story behind it. Nathalie Miebach’s installation considers how people and birds adapt when environmental conditions change; on Wednesday, Nov. 11, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts connects that exhibition to a Mo Willems read-aloud and a watercolor activity for young children and their caregivers.
A bird prompt with a habitat behind it
Boston-based artist Nathalie Miebach builds sculptural, woven works from research into weather and natural disasters. For Under A Restless Sky, she translates information including records from historic tornadoes and drone footage of storm damage into three-dimensional forms made with materials such as painted paper, wood and rope.
The Arkansas-focused installation looks at how people and birds move and adjust as the environment shifts. It also introduces the idea of a refugium: a place that offers shelter when conditions become difficult. The Swainson’s Warbler, for example, can take refuge in areas left by people after extreme weather. Miebach uses that example to raise a further question about where humans might find shelter.
That context makes the watercolor bird more than a stand-alone subject to copy. The activity draws on an exhibition about changing habitats, survival and the patterns that follow a storm.
Further reading: Nathalie Miebach: Under A Restless Sky – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Art Start – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
A story-and-making hour for young children
AMFA describes Art Start as a program for toddlers and preschoolers to explore art with families and caregivers. Its usual structure combines a story, song and art-making with a featured letter or instrument. For the Nov. 11 session, the listing specifies the book and watercolor activity, but does not name that day’s song or letter or instrument.
AMFA’s Windgate FAQ says supplies are provided for youth classes and workshop experiences unless the class description says otherwise. The Nov. 11 listing gives no session-specific supply list.
Further reading: Art Start – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Youth & Families – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Hours & Information – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
The Nov. 11 story and art activity
The session pairs a reading of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems with painting a watercolor bird inspired by Nathalie Miebach: Under A Restless Sky.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 · Windgate Art School
- Story: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems, followed by painting a watercolor bird inspired by Nathalie Miebach: Under A Restless Sky.
The practical details
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
Art Start runs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Windgate Art School
The event is at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, 501 East Ninth Street, Little Rock, AR 72202.
Art Start – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Hours & Information – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
Free
The event listing says admission is free. The museum also lists general admission as free.
Art Start – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Hours & Information – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
Toddlers and preschoolers with families or caregivers
AMFA identifies toddlers and preschoolers as the intended audience, with families and caregivers taking part together. The museum does not state a more exact age range.
For youth classes, Windgate requires guardians to escort children to the classroom and pick them up when class ends; faculty cannot escort them. For safety, closed-toe shoes are required in all studios—sandals and Crocs are not allowed. Long hair must be tied back around powered equipment. Wear comfortable clothing that is not too loose, and do not wear loose jewelry; even rings can interfere with work in some studios.
Art Start – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Youth & Families – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
Check on registration or capacity if needed
The event listing invites visitors to drop by but does not specify whether advance registration is required or whether capacity is limited. For confirmation, contact AMFA Guest Services at 501.372.4000 or [email protected].
Getting to Windgate Art School
Address, parking and transit
The event is at Windgate Art School, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, 501 East Ninth Street, Little Rock, AR 72202. AMFA lists free on-site parking and Little Rock METRO Route 6 service at Commerce Street.
For Windgate Art School classes, the museum’s FAQ lists the Firehouse Museum & Hostel lot at 1201 Commerce Street and street parking along Commerce, Rock or 11th Streets as alternatives if the AMFA lot is full. Those alternatives are class guidance; parking availability is not specified.
Art Start – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Hours & Information – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · FAQ – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
Windgate entrance
AMFA’s Windgate Art School FAQ directs class visitors to use the Windgate Art School entrance: follow the covered walkway to the double doors on the left and press the call-box button. Security will ask which class you are attending and open the door. The museum lists this entrance as open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Access
The museum lists accessible entrances, elevators and restrooms, and wheelchairs are available at Guest Services on a first-come, first-served basis. For questions about the Windgate entrance or event-specific assistance, contact AMFA before visiting.
Accessibility Accommodations – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · FAQ – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Hours & Information – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
Before you make a plan
What happens during the Nov. 11 Art Start?
The session features a reading of Mo Willems’s Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! followed by painting a watercolor bird inspired by Under A Restless Sky.
Is Art Start free?
Yes. The event listing says it is free, and general museum admission is also free.
Art Start – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Hours & Information – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
Do families need to register?
The listing invites visitors to drop by but does not state whether registration is required or capacity is limited. Contact Guest Services at 501.372.4000 or [email protected] to check.
Art Start – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Hours & Information – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
Where can I park or take transit?
AMFA lists free on-site parking and Little Rock METRO Route 6 at Commerce Street. The Windgate Art School FAQ also lists nearby overflow options for class visitors if the museum lot is full.
Hours & Information – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · FAQ – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
Are nursing facilities available?
Yes. AMFA has three family restrooms; the 1937 Lobby restroom has nursing seating. Nursing is welcome throughout the museum, and staff can direct visitors to a more private space.
Location & Google Maps
Windgate Art School, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
501 East Ninth Street, Little Rock, AR 72202
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.