TRAHC

TRAHC Honors Gala
2026-03-21 19:30 - 22:30 (America/Chicago) | Regional Arts Center, 321 West 4th St., Texarkana, TX, 75501, United States
The Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council (TRAHC) will honor the careers of Texarkana-raised entertainment industry professionals, Clay Mills and Ben McGinnis. From Emmy nominations to international acclaim, both have carried the heart of this community onto the world’s most prestigious stages. Their stories remind us that the arts inspire, connect, and open doors to endless possibilities.

On March 21, 2026 at the TRAHC ArtSpace, guests will experience an evening that captures the glamour of Hollywood and the excitement of Broadway while honoring the transformative power of the arts. As a fundraiser, this event supports TRAHC’s mission of growing community and people through the arts.

“These two honorees are not only talented and doing exciting work in the arts and entertainment field, but it’s a fun juxtaposition of Broadway and Hollywood. East coast and West coast. NYC and LA. And, one graduated from Texas High School, one from Arkansas High School – so both states are represented in this year’s honorees.” TRAHC Executive Director Jennifer Unger said. “For the party, expect the unexpected. As a creative organization, we will be letting the creative juices flow. There will be some usual party features, like live music, great food and a party atmosphere, but there will be some interactive experiences as well as surprise and delight moments. You don’t want to miss out. It promises to be the party of the year!”

Sponsor packets for this event are available. Invitations and tickets will be made available in January. Please contact artsinfo@trahc.org or call 903.792.8681 for more information.

Clay Mills

According to his bio, Mills discovered his love of performance and leadership in his role as Drum Major of the Texas High School Tiger Marching band. He earned a BA in Music Performance with minors in Political Science and History from Centenary College of Louisiana. Currently, Mills works in New York as a talent manager at The Katz Company, where he represents artists working across television, film, theater, and digital platforms. His diverse roster includes celebrated performers, influential content creators, and cultural changemakers.

“Texarkana has always nurtured creativity, sending artists of all kinds into the world to do extraordinary things. I’m proud to be one of them, and to receive this recognition. Our creative future depends on investing and preserving the arts. At a time when funding is being stripped away, we must stand together to keep these programs alive. The arts are not a luxury, they are the heartbeat of our communities, and it’s up to us to protect them,” Mills said.

An Emmy-nominated producer, Mills earned a 2022 New York Emmy Award nomination for Swipe Monster, which also drew acclaim on the international festival circuit. His producing credits include the Bistro Award–winning album Kim David Smith: Live from Joe’s Pub. He has produced live performances at 54 Below, Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, and the long-running, globally toured Kevin Smith Kirkwood Is Classic Whitney: Alive!, which recently marked its tenth anniversary.

Ben McGinnis

While getting his degree in Radio – Television – Film from the University of Texas at Austin, Ben McGinnis got his start in the entertainment industry during his senior year, interning for Ridley Scott’s production company, Scott Free Productions and The Ellen Degeneres Show. Following graduation, Ben then started on his current path as a creative producer working alongside Writer, Executive Producer, and Showrunner Ronald D. Moore, first serving as writers’ assistant on Battlestar Galactica and Caprica for the SyFy Network. At Moore’s Tall Ship Productions, he served as Moore’s assistant for many years before becoming a producer on Outlander on Starz and For All Mankind on AppleTV+. As part of the company’s deal with 20th Century Studios, he developed projects for Disney+, Hulu, and FX.

“Growing up in Texarkana set me on my current path in production. From stunt videos with friends around the neighborhood, to numerous weddings, weekly services at First United Methodist Church, and aerial footage at Helicopters Southwest with Don Ruggles, I was always filming something around town. At Arkansas High, Razorback TV became my favorite class, where we produced a daily newscast, as well as various live events and sports for the school. One project that stood out was the annual Halloween show, when we got to write and produce a horror short film. While the final product was funnier than it was scary, I still learned the power of narrative storytelling and cemented my goal of becoming a creative producer.” McGinnis said.
In 2021 and 2023, Ben accepted two Creative Arts Emmy Awards for Outstanding Interactive and Emerging Media Program as lead producer on For All Mankind’s additional content. Currently, back under Tall Ship’s deal with Sony Pictures Television, he is developing several projects and serving as Co-Executive Producer on For All Mankind and the upcoming adaptation of the hit video game series God of War for Amazon.

Spring Metalsmithing with Jerome LeGrand
2026-03-24 18:00 - 21:00 | 612 S Lelia Ave, Texarkana, TX
Come learn to create art with metal using welding, cutting and blacksmithing. Please bring leather gloves and safety glasses. Everything else will be provided.
The spring 2026 session of metalsmithing will take place on six Tuesdays in March and April from 6 – 9pm. Class Dates:
– March 24
– March 31
– April 7
– April 14
– April 21
– April 28
These sessions will take place at 612 S. Lelia Avenue, Texarkana, TX, 75501 (LeGrand & Sons Welding and Iron). Registration is required for this course. Parents and guardians are required for individuals 12-18 years. This class has a six-person maximum. Tuition is only refundable if less than three individuals register. For additional questions, please email marcusz@trahc.org.
Register

Music & Moves (Semester)
2026-03-25 10:00 - 10:30 | TRAHC’s ArtSpace at 518 Pine, 518 Pine St, Texarkana, 75501, United States
Join us for Music & Moves led by local educator Kay Shirley! This class is designed for young children and blends playful movement with rhythms and music. It’s perfect for little learners to sing, dance and explore. Parents or guardians must stay for the duration of the class, but do not need to register. You only need one ticket per child. NOTE: These classes are now being held at TRAHC’s second location at 518 Pine St.
⏱️ 10 – 10:30 AM
Dates for the Spring Semester include:
January 7, 21, 28
February 18, 25
March 4, 11, 25
April 1, 15, 29
May 6, 13

Semester Registration:
Register

Sign up for a drop in date:
Register

Retro Rewind Dance (18+)
2026-03-28 11:00 - 12:00 | TRAHC’s ArtSpace at 518 Pine, 518 Pine St, Texarkana, 75501, United States
You and yours feeling nostalgic? 📼
Retro Rewind Beginner Dance takes participants back a few decades by incorporating some familiar dance moves and trends from the 70s, 80, and 90s into a beginner-friendly one-hour dance experience.
This class will take place Saturday, March 28 from 11-12pm in the Patterson-Troike Performing Arts Studio at TRAHC’s ArtSpace (518 Pine Street, Texarkana, TX 75501). While registration is open to individuals, couples are encouraged!
Tickets are $20 for an individual or $35 for a couple. Tuition is only refundable if less than 10 individuals register. This class is open to individuals 18+. For additional questions, please email marcusz@trahc.org.
Register

Introduction to Abstract Watercolor with Merilynn Johnson
2026-03-28 12:30 - 14:30 | 518 Pine St. Texarkana, TX, 518 Pine St., Texarkana, TX, 75503, United States
Join local artist Merilynn Johnson in a beginner-friendly introduction to abstract watercolor 🎨. Individuals will explore basic watercolor techniques and work through several pieces of 5″ x 7″ watercolor paper.
This class will meet Saturday, March 28 from 12:30 – 2:30pm in the Calhoun Studio at TRAHC’s ArtSpace (518 Pine Street, Texarkana, TX 75501).
This workshop is $45 and materials and tools are provided by the artist and TRAHC. Tuition is nonrefundable only in the event less than six individuals register. This course is open to individuals 12+. For additional questions, please email marcusz@trahc.org.
Register

April Afternoon Wheel Throwing (4 Sessions)
2026-04-02 15:00 - 17:00 | TRAHC’s ArtSpace at 518 Pine, 518 Pine St, Texarkana, 75501, United States
This 4-part class, led by instructor and master potter John Delafield, will guide students on an introduction to wheel throwing, including wedging, pulling/lifting, creating handles, centering, and glazing. This class will meet on four dates in April:

Thursday 4/2 (throwing)
Thursday 4/9 (throwing)
Thursday 4/16 (finishing and glazing) and
Thursday 4/23 (glazing)

Meeting times are 3-5pm each day that class meets. Students are also encouraged to wear clothes that are suitable for working with clay.
This class is $275 and materials and clay/materials/tools are provided by the artist and TRAHC. Tuition is refundable only if less than 5 individuals register. This class will meet in the Clay Eichler Ceramics Studio in TRAHC’s ArtSpace (518 Pine Street, Texarkana, TX). For additional questions, please email marcusz@trahc.org. Items left 60 days after pickup notification will be discarded.
Register

April Evening Wheel Throwing (4 Sessions)
2026-04-02 18:00 - 20:00 | TRAHC’s ArtSpace at 518 Pine, 518 Pine St, Texarkana, 75501, United States
This 4-part class, led by instructor and master potter John Delafield, will guide students on an introduction to wheel throwing, including wedging, pulling/lifting, creating handles, centering, and glazing. This class will meet on four dates in April:

Thursday 4/2 (introduction and throwing)
Thursday 4/9 (throwing)
Thursday 4/16 (throwing/glazing) and
Thursday 4/23 (glazing)

Meeting times are 6-8pm each day that class meets. Students are also encouraged to wear clothes that are suitable for working with clay.
This class is $275 and materials and clay/materials/tools are provided by the artist and TRAHC. Tuition is refundable only if less than 5 individuals register. This class will meet in the Clay Eichler Ceramics Studio in TRAHC’s ArtSpace (518 Pine Street, Texarkana, TX). For additional questions, please email marcusz@trahc.org.
Register

Wall Shrine Workshop with Chris Thomas
2026-04-07 18:00 - 20:00 | TRAHC’s ArtSpace at 518 Pine, 518 Pine St, Texarkana, 75501, United States
Great for your home or garden 🏠 🪴
Join Chris Thomas in creating a customized ceramic wall shrine using micaceous clay and hand-applied/hand-done embellishments. Students will create one shrine that finishes to approximately 8-10″ tall.
This class will meet Tuesday, April 7 from 6 – 8pm in the Calhoun Studio (518 Pine Street, Texarkana, TX 75501) at TRAHC’s ArtSpace. Students are expected to return to the ArtSpace for pickup upon notification. Works left 30 days after the pickup notification will be discarded.
Materials and tools are provided by the artist and TRAHC. Tuition is nonrefundable, but registration may be transferred to another student. This course is open to individuals 18+. For additional questions, please email marcusz@trahc.org.
Register

Wall Shrine Workshop with Chris Thomas
2026-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 | TRAHC’s ArtSpace at 518 Pine, 518 Pine St, Texarkana, 75501, United States
Great for your home or garden 🏠
Join Chris Thomas in creating a customized ceramic wall shrine using micaceous clay and hand-applied/hand-done embellishments. Students will create one shrine that finishes to approximately 8-10″ tall.
This class will meet Tuesday, April 9 from 6 – 8pm in the Calhoun Studio (518 Pine Street, Texarkana, TX 75501) at TRAHC’s ArtSpace. Students are expected to return to the ArtSpace for pickup upon notification. Works left 30 days after the pickup notification will be discarded.
Materials and tools are provided by the artist and TRAHC. Tuition is nonrefundable, but registration may be transferred to another student. This course is open to individuals 18+. For additional questions, please email marcusz@trahc.org.
Register

Artist INC Express Workshop
2026-04-11 10:00 - 15:00 | 518 Pine St. Texarkana, TX, 518 Pine St., Texarkana, TX, 75503, United States
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 10:00am-3:00pm CDT
Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 12:00pm-5:00pm CDT
Location: Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council
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Artist INC Express, a career development program of Mid-America Arts Alliance, has partnered with the Arkansas Arts Council and the Texas Commission on the Arts to help artists, of any discipline, develop the building blocks for a thriving and enduring arts practice.

Led by a team of experienced, working artists, this in-person, ten-hour, hands-on workshop helps artists address specific needs and challenges that artists face throughout their careers. Through discussions, activities, and hands-on exercises, artist-facilitators, and a new network of peer artists, will help participating artists set goals for their practice, write about their work, and build a personal brand.

Artist INC Express is a slimmed down, yet still highly active, version of the popular eight-week Artist INC program (www.artistinc.art), which has been completed by more than 2,000 artists since 2009. Artist INC Express explores those same core concepts of how to build a lasting arts practice in a shorter, more flexible format, to help reach a broader audience of artists.

Artist INC Express is not your standard classroom experience. If you sign on for Artist INC Express, you are asked to commit to the entire ten-hour workshop, as exercises build on one another and as participants develop deep relationships with their fellow artists over the three sessions. Be ready to participate throughout in group discussions, hands-on exercises, and small group work.

Right away, Artist INC Express activates a network of artists in your community, leading to more peer-to-peer resource sharing, collaborations, and support long after the workshop concludes.

So worth it. I feel so empowered, seen, supported, hopeful and ready to launch what I learned. The difference in me from before to after is palpable.
– Artist INC program participant

Interested artists may register now:
https://www.maaa.org/event/artist-inc-express-texarkana-in-person/

The program is free and open to artists of all disciplines and skill levels.

Now in its fifteenth year, Artist INC has been completed by more than 2,000 artists. Artist INC is supported in part by grants from the Windgate Foundation, the Hallmark Corporate Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Learn more about Artist INC at www.artistinc.art.

About Arkansas Arts Council
The Arkansas Arts Council advances and empowers the arts by providing services and funding for programming that encourages and assists literary, performing and visual artists in achieving standards of professional excellence. The Arkansas Arts Council also provides technical and financial assistance to Arkansas arts organizations and other providers of cultural and educational programs. This statewide programming and assistance ultimately provides cultural, educational and economic opportunities for the benefit of all Arkansans.

About Texas Commission on the Arts
The mission of the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) is to advance our state economically and culturally by investing in a creative Texas. TCA supports a richly varied and innovative arts community in Texas, throughout the nation and internationally by providing resources to enhance economic development, arts education, cultural tourism and artist sustainability initiatives.

About Mid-America Arts Alliance
Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) strengthens and supports artists, cultural organizations, and communities throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond. To learn more about M-AAA grants, programs, exhibitions, and fellowships, visit www.maaa.org and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Beginner Line Dance (18+)
2026-04-16 18:00 - 19:00 | 518 Pine St. Texarkana, TX, 518 Pine St., Texarkana, TX, 75503, United States
Time to dance your socks off 🧦
In a beginner-friendly one-hour dance experience, participants will be taught a variation of moves and dances including the Electric Slide, Cotton-Eyed Joe, Cha Cha Slide, and the Watermelon Crawl. Dance classes can boost your mood, increase your energy, engage whole body coordination, and you might just gain some new skills and personal confidence in dancing.
This class will take place Thursday, April 16 from 6-7pm in the Patterson-Troike Performing Arts Studio at TRAHC’s ArtSpace (518 Pine Street, Texarkana, TX 75501). While registration is open to individuals, couples are encouraged!
Tickets are $20 for an individual or $35 for a couple. Tuition is only refundable if less than 10 individuals register. This class is open to individuals 18+. For additional questions, please email marcusz@trahc.org.
Register

Beginner Coil Pot Workshop
2026-04-18 12:00 - 14:00 | 518 Pine St. Texarkana, TX, 518 Pine St., Texarkana, TX, 75503, United States
Just in time for potted plants!
Join instructor Nicole Leonti and TRAHC staff for a two-part clay coil workshop geared towards youth.
The workshop will take place on two Saturdays with different goals:

Saturday, April 18 from 12-2pm: students will design their coil pots
Saturday, April 25 from 12-1pm: students will glaze their bisque coil pots

This class will take place in the Clay Eichler Ceramics Studio in TRAHC’s ArtSpace (518 Pine Street). All materials are provided by TRAHC. Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing for working with ceramics. Tuition is only refundable in the event less than four individuals register. Notifications will be sent out once pieces are glazed and ready for pick up. Items left 60 days after notification will be discarded.
*if participants are unable to attend the second session, they may still register and staff will notate how the participant wants their piece glazed
This event is designed for youth but all ages are welcome!

Watercolor Florals Workshop (18+)
2026-04-18 12:00 - 15:00 | 518 Pine St. Texarkana, TX, 518 Pine St., Texarkana, TX, 75503, United States
Join skilled local watercolorist Linda Larey for a three-hour workshop centering on beautiful florals and flower painting using watercolor paint 🌺🖌.
This class will meet Saturday, April 18 from 12-3pm in the Calhoun Studio at TRAHC’s ArtSpace (518 Pine Street, Texarkana, TX 75501). Students should bring high-quality printed out photos for reference. Ms. Larey will lead students in sketching their floral design and then completing a 9″ x 12″ work on watercolor paper. This workshop is $60 and materials and tools are provided by the artist and TRAHC. Tuition is nonrefundable only in the event less than eight individuals register. This course is open to individuals 18+. For additional questions, please email marcusz@trahc.org.
Register

Beginner Line Dance (18+)
2026-04-25 12:00 - 13:00 | 518 Pine St. Texarkana, TX, 518 Pine St., Texarkana, TX, 75503, United States
Time to dance your socks off 🧦
In a beginner-friendly one-hour dance experience, participants will be taught a variation of moves and dances including the Electric Slide, Cotton-Eyed Joe, Cha Cha Slide, and the Watermelon Crawl. Dance classes can boost your mood, increase your energy, engage whole body coordination, and you might just gain some new skills and personal confidence in dancing.
This class will take place Saturday, April 25 from 12-1pm in the Patterson-Troike Performing Arts Studio at TRAHC’s ArtSpace (518 Pine Street, Texarkana, TX 75501). While registration is open to individuals, couples are encouraged!
Tickets are $20 for an individual or $35 for a couple. Tuition is only refundable if less than 10 individuals register. This class is open to individuals 18+. For additional questions, please email marcusz@trahc.org.
Register

Art Wall Camp: Take Flight!
2026-05-26 10:00 - 2026-05-29 14:30 | TRAHC’s ArtSpace at 518 Pine, 518 Pine St, Texarkana, 75501, United States
Think mighty and flight-y! ✈️
In this exciting kids’ art camp, young artists will design and paint panels that will be displayed on the outdoor public art wall in downtown Texarkana. This year’s theme, Take Flight!, complements the 2026 Texarkana Airshow, taking place June 27, 2026 at the Texarkana Regional Airport.
Campers will design and create themed imagery and forms involving flight and the skies (birds, clouds, space and cosmic bodies, aviation, hot air balloons, and air travel), and work on developing composition, shape, color, and other large-scale painting techniques. Not only will they get to express their creativity, but their work will also become part of the city’s public art scene—adding beauty to downtown for the whole community to enjoy, just in time for the Airshow!
Dates for this camp are Tuesday, May 26 – Friday, May 29. Ages 6-9 with Nicole Leonti 10-11:30am. Ages 10-14 with TRAHC staff 12:30-2:30 pm.
This camp will take place in the Calhoun Studio at TRAHC’s ArtSpace.
Register

Clay Lab: Ceramics for Kids with Nicole Leonti
2026-06-08 10:30 - 2026-06-10 12:00 | TRAHC’s ArtSpace at 518 Pine, 518 Pine St, Texarkana, 75501, United States
Kids will experiment with clay using handbuilding techniques to create both sculptural and functional pieces. This studio-style camp encourages creativity, skill-building, and confidence through hands-on making. No prior experience necessary!

Ages 8+
June 8-10
10:30 am to 12 pm
TRAHC’s ArtSpace
Clay Eichler Ceramics Studio
Instructor: Nicole Leonti
$100

Register

Stitch it: Beginner Crochet for Kids
2026-06-08 12:00 - 2026-06-10 14:00 | TRAHC’s ArtSpace at 518 Pine, 518 Pine St, Texarkana, 75501, United States
In this fun and hands-on summer art camp, kids ages 8 and up will learn the basics of crochet in a relaxed, supportive environment. Artists will be introduced to essential tools and materials, practice foundational stitches, and learn how to read simple crochet patterns. As their skills grow, they’ll create small projects to take home. This camp builds fine motor skills, focus, and creativity while encouraging patience and problem-solving. No prior crochet experience is needed!

Ages 8+
June 8-10
12-2 pm
TRAHC’s ArtSpace
Calhoun Studio
Instructor: Valerie Peterman
$75

Register

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
2026-06-15 10:30 - 2026-06-17 12:00 | TRAHC’s ArtSpace at 518 Pine, 518 Pine St, Texarkana, 75501, United States
Calling all young designers and builders! In this imaginative summer art camp, kids ages 6+ will design and create their very own small-scale model home from start to finish. Artists will plan layouts, build structures, and decorate interiors and exteriors using a variety of materials. Along the way, they’ll explore basic design concepts like space, color, texture, and function while learning how architects and designers bring ideas to life. This hands-on camp encourages creativity and problem solving. Each child will leave with a one-of-a-kind model home they designed themselves!

Ages 6+
June 15-17
10:30 am-12 pm
TRAHC’s ArtSpace
Calhoun Studio
Instructor: Kay Shirley
$85

Register

Camp Create
2026-07-13 10:30 - 2026-07-15 12:00 | TRAHC’s ArtSpace at 518 Pine, 518 Pine St, Texarkana, 75501, United States
Camp Create is the perfect opportunity for young artists to explore their creativity through a variety of artistic mediums. Guided by Kay Shirley, students will have the opportunity to develop their skills, experiment with new techniques, and create original works of art. From painting and sculpture to mixed media and more, this hands-on camp encourages self-expression and artistic growth in a fun, supportive environment!

Ages 6+
July 13-15
10:30 am-12 pm
TRAHC’s ArtSpace
Calhoun Studio
Instructor: Kay Shirley
$75

Register

Last Splash with Kay Thomas
2026-07-20 12:00 - 2026-07-22 14:00 | TRAHC’s ArtSpace at 518 Pine, 518 Pine St, Texarkana, 75501, United States
Last Splash is the ultimate end-of-summer art camp, where creativity flows like water! In this fun and vibrant camp with National Teaching Artist Kay Thomas, young artists will dive into a variety of water and summer inspired art projects. Using bold colors, fluid techniques, and imaginative designs, campers will create stunning artworks that celebrate the beauty of the end of summer. Last Splash is the perfect way to make waves before summer ends!

Ages 8+
July 20-22
12-2 pm
TRAHC’s ArtSpace
Calhoun Studio
Instructor: Kay Thomas
$75

Register
