LITTLE ROCK, AR. —The Museum of Discovery invites guests of all ages to experience the power of storytelling through its newest summer series: Hand Drums and Storytelling with Zinse Agginie. This summer program will be offered to all general admission guests on a first come first serve basis. Through the generous support of the Arkansas Arts Council, Agginie has provided Arts in Education workshops to classrooms across the state since the 1990s. Inspired by African folklore traditions, these interactive performances combine lively storytelling, memorable characters, rhythm, humor, and meaningful life lessons designed to engage audiences of all ages.
Originally from Ghana in West Africa, Agginie is a recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award and an internationally recognized Arts in Education artist. Through storytelling and the use of African drumming, Agginie has spent decades helping students discover creativity, confidence, communication skills and cultural understanding. His acclaimed “Drum Ballet” program has been featured nationally, including in the documentary “Class Acts” one of the country’s most effective arts programs in schools.
Throughout the series, guests will gather to imagine, laugh and explore stories rooted in African folklore and creativity. Using expressive storytelling techniques and hand drums, Agginie creates an engaging experience that encourages participation while sharing lessons about honesty, kindness, respect, community and responsibility.
Each storytelling event includes three daily sessions at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. Sessions are free for all museum guests and member families. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the museum on the day of each event. Space is limited to 25 guests per session.
The Museum of Discovery thanks the Arkansas Arts Council for its support of this programming and Arts in Education across the Natural State.
“We, at the Museum of Discovery, are incredibly thankful for our partnership with Mr. Agginie through the Arkansas Arts Council. We are overjoyed and eager to introduce this new program to interested guests and members this summer,” says Brooks Toney, the Museum of Discovery’s Community Engagement Coordinator.
Museum of Discovery Sustain The Rock Awards honor environmental leadership
The City of Little Rock’s Sustainability Office promotes our broad, holistic array of programs and initiatives to support environmental stewardship across Arkansas’s capital city. These efforts take all of us working together as we build a more sustainable City for future generations, and each year we recognize our partners in doing just that.
At the 14th annual “Sustain The Rock” awards last month, we highlighted the individuals, businesses, and organizations leading the way. Our Sustain The Rock award winners for 2026 make a positive impact on long-term sustainability through conservation efforts, renewable energy initiatives, sustainability education, social and environmental justice, and community engagement.
The 2026 Sustain The Rock award winners are:
Chloe Chapman, Our Little Rock: Chapman is the founder of Our Little Rock, which is driving people-centered urban design through community conversations, tactical urbanism, and a vision for a more walkable Little Rock.
Crystal Boerner, MetroGnome LR: The grassroots nonprofit organization has adopted 26 blocks in Little Rock’s SoMa neighborhood since 2024, using volunteer cleanups to clear litter, drains and overgrowth.
Dominique Kelleybrew, Nathan Miller, and Everett Gooch, Pedal Party LR: This free, weekly community bike ride allows riders to explore Little Rock together. Up to 185 cyclists have participated to champion sustainable transportation for all.
Jerry Shurgar and Page Shurgar, Trinity Tree Project: Following the March 31, 2023, tornado, they raised $250,000 and planted more than 200 trees at no cost to residents. This will help restore the tree canopy in the Kingwood neighborhood.
Gabe El-Bey, Turtle Island G.K.: This urban garden in the South End neighborhood offers free produce and hands-on nutrition workshops, demonstrating how one person with a vision can transform a neighborhood.
Vanessa Scroggins, Central Arkansas Library System Seed Library (McMath Library branch): Through the CALS Seed Library, Ms. Scroggins offers free hydroponics, seed swaps, and year-round gardening programs. This makes green space and food knowledge accessible to all.
Award winners are selected annually based on nominations received by the Little Rock Sustainability Commission. Nominees must be Little Rock residents or have their organization or principal place of business located in the City. Learn more about our sustainability programs on our website.
City of Little Rock
Photo Caption:
Artist Zinse Agginie