Artistic Endeavors

Rogers brings art to community, community to art

Fiber art and photography and bead works and ceramics and quilting and wreaths — oh my! The second Art on the Bricks pop-up art walk takes over historic downtown Rogers on Dec. 14 — and the second Thursday of every month — as artists of varying media showcase their creations at some 30 shops, restaurants, bars, nonprofits and service providers.

What started with Gateway Mortgage Group on West Walnut Street — the company moved into a former gallery space and decided to continue displaying artwork by hosting local artists — grew to include businesses across downtown when the Chamber of Commerce sought to piggyback off Gateway’s idea of holding artist receptions each month.

“It was an overwhelming response; I think everybody who participated was really taken aback,” says Kathy McClure of the tremendous turnout for the first official Art on the Bricks, held last month. McClure works at Gateway and says the whole thing grew from a simple idea: “To get [people] here and show them what we have.”

That “here” being downtown Rogers. McClure says since her company doesn’t sell a product, it’s easy to create an inviting space for people to come in and appreciate art without feeling pressure to buy during the event.

“Art can be viewed in any setting,” she says. “I think it gives people a comfort level going to a place they feel comfortable eating or drinking or shopping and also [be able to] look at art. It helps you look at art in a different way.”

Families, dates and those shopping for gifts for loved ones (or to keep) can choose from wood works to stamped silver and pastel compositions to paper wares at local businesses including Brick Street Brews, The Rusty Chair, Woof & Wander, Arkansas Public Theatre, Hapa’s Hawaiian Bar & Grill, Urbanbleu Hairsalon and more for three hours on the evening of Dec. 14. But participating businesses and artists may change from monthto-month, so keep an eye out for new connections in 2018.