To help local merchants increase sales during these challenging times, the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and its Visit Rogers and Downtown Rogers Inc. divisions launched the #ShopNWA social media campaign in November. This month, as a part of #ShopNWA, Downtown Rogers merchants are teaming up with the Rogers Experimental House (located at 121 W. Walnut Street) and Art on the Bricks Art Walk to exhibit merchandise from participating merchants in a massive window display designed to inspire ideas for gift giving.

Chamber member businesses participating include: Anna Grace Formals, Avenue Design Co., B.Styled, Gamo Outdoor USA/Daisy, Fresh Harvest Tasting Room, Golden’s Designer Jewelry, Mollie Love, Morris Crown Creations, Ozark Beer Company, The Frame Shoppe, The Gathering in Rogers, Urban Bath and Body Co. and Woof & Wander. Other participating businesses include Somewhere in Time Antiques, The Copper Crown and The Rusty Chair and Curvy Chicks. 

Art Brings Local Businesses Together
Like so many things, Art on the Bricks Art Walk had to change in response to the pandemic. For more than two years, the monthly art walk provided an opportunity for downtown shop owners to host artists, art patrons and supporters of all things Downtown Rogers.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic took away the 2nd Thursday art exhibitions and artist receptions, but it didn’t take away the opportunity to showcase the regional artists, downtown shops and restaurants virtually. The virtual art walks this year have helped to increase awareness of the creative economy that lives and breathes in Downtown Rogers.

Typically, the December Art Walk brings dozens of artists and hundreds of art patrons to the Rogers Experimental House (RXH) and other downtown businesses that participate in the monthly exhibition. This year, however, using an abundance of caution, the nonprofit creative community decided to support their neighbors that have been so supportive of the local economy. The #ShopNWA – Support Local window display at the RXH is a result of artists and merchants working together to support each other.

Downtown Rogers holiday Art on the Bricks virtual art walk continues online through December 24. Its theme - “The Art of Giving” - showcases photos of original products from talented artists and craftsmen from across Northwest Arkansas and adjacent areas. The virtual exhibit resides on Facebook and on Instagram. And, if you want to see original creations up close and in person, there are also more than two dozen businesses continuing to exhibit and sell the works of local artists, artisans and makers in Downtown Rogers.

Impacting the Local Economy
When you direct your holiday shopping dollars to a local artist or a locally owned business, you are having a significant impact on the local economy. Shopping local means more money stays in your community. The money spent generates tax revenue that fixes roads, pays for parks, supports schools, retains jobs, and so much more.

The region is very fortunate to have a local arts community with a rich tapestry of cultural offerings that draw tourists and businesses and provide a tremendous economic impact. Whether it’s a community in crisis following a natural or man-made disaster, or unfathomable challenges of a pandemic that impact the community, the arts are cathartic, promoting healing and unity.