This Wheel's Still On Fire Exhibit

Walton Arts Center is showing “This Wheel’s Still On Fire: The Legacy of Levon Helm” at the Alexander Gallery in Fayetteville through Sept. 6, 2026, extending a summer run that began June 16. The free exhibition focuses on the Arkansas-born drummer, singer and actor through artifacts, photographs, instruments and multimedia materials tied to his life and work. Baxter Bulletin’s regional entertainment calendar listed the show as open this week, and Walton Arts Center’s exhibition page says it remains on view through Labor Day weekend. ### Where is the exhibit, and when can people see it? Alexander Gallery at Porter Art Warehouse is at 212 N. West Ave. in Fayetteville, according to Walton Arts Center. The venue lists gallery hours as Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with additional evening hours Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 6 is the closing date listed by Walton Arts Center, while Baxter Bulletin’s Aug. 5 calendar entry described the exhibition as running “Today, Aug. 5–Sunday, Sept. 6.” Admission is free, according to both listings. (waltonartscenter.org) ### What does “This Wheel’s Still On Fire” include? Walton Arts Center describes the exhibition as “a celebration of a life well-lived, a connected community and Levon Helm’s artistic legacy.” The show traces Helm from his early years in Turkey Scratch, Arkansas, through his career with The Band and later work in roots music, according to the center’s exhibition page. (waltonartscenter.org) (baxterbulletin.com) Fayetteville Flyer reported in April that the exhibition was curated by the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame and includes personal photographs, instruments from members of The Band, tour memorabilia and awards. KUAF reported in June that visitors can also see Helm’s original drum kit and a hands-on drum display, along with rare footage. (waltonartscenter.org) ### Why is Levon Helm the focus of a Fayetteville show? Levon Helm grew up in Turkey Scratch, Arkansas, and became the drummer and one of the singers for The Band, the group known for songs including “The Weight” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.” Walton Arts Center and local tourism officials both frame the exhibition around Helm’s Arkansas roots as well as his place in American roots music. (fayettevilleflyer.com) Fayetteville Flyer reported that the exhibition arrived in Fayetteville after a four-month run in Boston. The same report said local organizer Bernice Hembree described it as the first time a retrospective of Helm’s life had been assembled in this way, drawing on instruments and other items preserved by people connected to Helm’s circle. (waltonartscenter.org) ### Who helped shape the exhibit in Arkansas? KUAF’s June 19 report identified Deana McCloud as the curator who walked listeners through the exhibition at Alexander Gallery. Fayetteville Flyer reported that Bernice Hembree, a Fayetteville Roots Festival co-founder, became involved after Amy Helm asked him to review a collection of items linked to her father. (fayettevilleflyer.com) July 1 brought an added oral-history component, according to Fayetteville Flyer. That report said the archive expanded the exhibition with recorded memories and first-person accounts tied to Helm’s life and career. ### What should a visitor know before going? Walton Arts Center opened the exhibition with a June 16 reception, and its current listings show the main exhibition continuing without a ticket charge. (kuaf.com) The center’s website places the show under its visual arts program and directs visitors to the Alexander Gallery page for hours and location details. Sept. 25 is the start date Walton Arts Center lists for the next Alexander Gallery exhibition, the Sixth Annual Exhibition Celebrating Northwest Arkansas Visual Artists. (fayettevilleflyer.com) That leaves “This Wheel’s Still On Fire” on view in Fayetteville through Sept. 6 at Porter Art Warehouse. (waltonartscenter.org) (tickets.waltonartscenter.org)