Hands On ESSA brings community together for a day of creativity, connection and giving

Eureka Springs School of the Arts welcomed the community into its Windgate Iron and Wood Studio during this year’s Hands On ESSA, a free, all-ages event and ESSA’s annual spring fundraiser celebrating creativity, connection and access to the arts.

Held annually on the first Saturday in April, this year’s event drew a diverse crowd of families, visitors, and first-time guests, many of whom were experiencing ESSA’s campus for the very first time. Throughout the afternoon, the studio buzzed with activity as attendees of all ages explored hands-on art-making and tried new creative processes: shaping clay, working with metal, printmaking, woodturning, felting, painting and more.

For many, Hands On ESSA was more than just an event. It was an introduction to the possibilities of making.

“Welcoming so many new faces to ESSA was incredibly meaningful,” said ESSA Executive Director Kelly McDonough. “We saw people light up as they tried something new. That sense of discovery and connection is exactly what ESSA is all about.”

The event emphasized access to the arts and shared experience, creating space for kids, parents, and grandparents to create side by side. Smiling faces, busy hands, and moments of curiosity filled the studio, reflecting the power of art to bring people together across generations.

A major highlight of the event was the Hands On ESSA Online Art Auction, which saw enthusiastic participation both in person and online. Featuring generously donated works and creative offerings from ESSA instructors, artists, and supporters, the auction was a resounding success. Proceeds will directly support ESSA’s teaching studios, free public programs, and scholarship initiatives, helping ensure that financial barriers do not prevent access to high-quality arts education.

Hands On ESSA plays a vital role in advancing ESSA’s mission to provide inclusive, immersive arts experiences. By welcoming the public into its creative space and encouraging participation at every level, the event fosters creativity, connection, and lifelong learning.

As the day came to a close, one thing was clear: Hands On ESSA is not just an event, but a celebration of community, creativity, and the joy of making together.