ESSA Studio Strolls
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Location:
Eureka Springs School of the Arts Price:
FREE |
ESSA Studio Strolls in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Experience art in motion at ESSA Studio Strolls, an open studio event at the Eureka Springs School of the Arts in the heart of the Ozarks. Explore working art studios, view student artwork, watch live demonstrations, and meet artists and instructors while experiencing one of Arkansas’s most vibrant creative communities.
Held throughout the year on ESSA’s wooded campus in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Studio Strolls give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at workshops in blacksmithing, woodworking, ceramics, stained glass, fiber arts, jewelry making, and more.
Studio Strolls begin at 4 PM and conclude at 5:30 PM. Light refreshments will be provided.
What Are Studio Strolls?
ESSA Studio Strolls are free recurring open studio events where visitors can explore ESSA’s creative campus, meet instructors and students, and see art and fine craft in progress across multiple studios.
Each Studio Stroll features different workshops, demonstrations, and artistic disciplines, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience the creative process up close while learning more about upcoming classes and workshops at ESSA.
Upcoming Studio Strolls
Is there a workshop you’re interested in but it’s currently sold out? Call our office at 479-253-5384 to be put on a waiting list!
Saturday, June 27 | 4 PM to 5:30 PM
Explore ESSA’s Windgate Iron & Wood Studios and Stained Glass Studio during the June 27 Studio Stroll while viewing student work, watching instructor demonstrations, asking questions, and connecting with ESSA’s creative community. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet ESSA’s 2026 Spring/Summer Ceramics Residency recipients, Erin Harris and Kaitlyn Cirielli, view works in progress, watch artist demonstrations, and participate in a special artist Q&A.
Visitors can continue celebrating ESSA’s Artists in Residence during the Ceramics Residency Artist Reception on July 18, 2026, featuring additional opportunities to view resident artwork and connect with the artists behind the work.
Planning to attend? RSVP on Facebook to receive event reminders, updates, and sneak peeks from featured workshops and artists.
Intro to Plasma Cutting: Slicing Metal with Fire
with Bobby Babcock
Learn the basics of plasma cutting and metal fabrication while creating whimsical, durable metal art for your home or garden.
Intro to Stained Glass
with Dennis Heter
Discover the fundamentals of stained glass using the Tiffany-style foil method while cutting, foiling, and soldering glass to create a small night light.
Turning Fine Platters
with Ray Taylor
Turn square and round platters on the lathe while exploring embellishment techniques like carving, painting, and staining; some woodturning experience required.
Saturday, September 12 | 4 PM to 5:30 PM
Explore ESSA’s Windgate Wood Studio, Ceramics Studio, and Small Metals Studio while viewing student work, watching instructor demonstrations, asking questions, and connecting with ESSA’s creative community. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet ESSA’s 2026 2D Artist in Residence, part of ESSA’s residency partnership with the Mid-America Arts Alliance and the National Endowment for the Arts. Visitors can learn more about the artist’s work and creative practice while experiencing ESSA’s dynamic studio environment in the heart of the Ozarks.
Inlaid Boxes
with Doug Stowe
Learn to make and use hardwood inlays and bandings to create beautiful heirloom boxes. A variety of designs will be illustrated.
Ceramics Studio: A Primer
with Jessica Ames-Russell
Learn beginner wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques while creating functional pottery like mugs, bowls, plates, and cups using wheel, slab, coil, and pinch methods.
Transformations with Robert Dancik
Turn scraps, found objects, and unfinished projects into fresh works of art and adornment while learning creative techniques for combining, altering, and transforming everyday materials into successful new pieces.
Saturday, October 24 | 4 PM to 5:30 PM
Intro to Drawing
with Mary Springer
Urban Sketching with a Whimsical Perspective
with Dave Darpinian
Woodturning: Lidded Containers
with Joe Doster
Sculpting the Portrait in Clay
with Michael Warrick
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Studio Strolls are free and open to the public.
Studio Strolls take place at the Eureka Springs School of the Arts in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, just five miles west of downtown Eureka Springs.
Visitors can explore working studios, view student artwork, watch demonstrations, and meet instructors and artists.
No. Studio Strolls are observational open studio events designed to showcase ESSA workshops, studios, and creative processes.
No experience is necessary. Studio Strolls are open to artists, visitors, travelers, and curious community members of all backgrounds.
Free parking is available on ESSA’s campus. Visitors are encouraged to follow event signage and staff directions upon arrival.
Yes. Families and visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy ESSA’s creative campus and community atmosphere at ESSA during Studio Strolls.
Past Studio Strolls
Check out these blog posts to view the action from past Studio Strolls!
The Magic of a Summer Evening at ESSA It started with the scent of fresh-cut wood and the kind of […]
On Saturday, June 21st of 2025, the Eureka Springs School of the Arts opened its doors and studios for our […]
On Saturday, September 28th, Eureka Springs School of the Arts (ESSA) welcomed visitors for its highly anticipated Fall Studio Stroll, […]