Historic Downtown Rogers continues to evolve as it attracts and supports creative entrepreneurs. As unique, locally owned businesses move into beautiful spaces on the bricks, we celebrate the stories and enthusiasm that these business owners bring. They fill a niche in the marketplace and pursue their dreams.

Brick Lane

Bibliophiles will have a chance to discover a new hangout at Brick Lane, a new, locally owned bookstore that will offer not only offer books and gifts but also an outdoor space that includes a beautiful courtyard doubling as an event space. This new bookstore and event space is opening soon and brings with it a long history of Downtown Rogers entrepreneurs. Owner Beth Dubbell Welborn, a Rogers native, is opening the retail and event space at 113 S. 2^nd St. This enchanting shop and courtyard serves light bites and beverages, is located across from Arkansas Public Theatre at the Victory Theater and will provide a new venue for gatherings and private events.

Welborn’s arrival in historic Downtown Rogers is grounded by deep roots with a lineage of several Downtown Rogers business owners. Her mother opened The Curiosity Bookstore less than two blocks away at 108 N. 2^nd St. in the fall of 1974, but quickly outgrew that space and moved her store to the Vinson Square building the following year.

Welborn’s great grandfather on her mother’s side, W.C. Putman, opened Putman Clothing Company in 1943 at 112 W. Walnut St. Welborn’s great grandfather, on her father’s side, H.F. Pelphrey, founded the company now known as Pel-Freez in California which later moved to Rogers in 1951. The company was operated by her grandfather and later her father and her uncle. The nationally recognized biological product business is still headquartered in Downtown Rogers and is the music sponsor for live jazz music that performed in Welborn’s courtyard during the September Art on the Bricks Art Walk.

“I’m excited to be following in my mom’s footsteps by opening my own bookstore. In fact, I’m also following in the footsteps of other family members who’ve had businesses in downtown Rogers since the early 1900’s,” said Welborn. “My store will offer an inviting shopping experience focused on the enjoyment of reading and the pleasure of gift-giving. Additionally, our outdoor garden area will be used for private parties and our own ticketed events,” she continued. “Brick Lane is a place where people can connect and belong, learn and share ideas, and relax and be entertained.”

As a tribute to her family roots, Welborn is displaying a photo wall of family businesses and ties to Downtown Rogers in her new bookstore.

“We’re so happy to be participating in September’s Art Walk,” continued Welborn. “We’ve all grown accustomed to believing that the best stories only live in books. But actually, any artistic discipline can be used for great storytelling – whether that’s through paintings, portraits, or songs. All of those things will be on display in our garden this Thursday, and I hope this is the first of many great events we’ll host that showcase the importance of connecting people through stories.”

Artists of Northwest Arkansas

This is an organization with deep local roots and is celebrating being around for 30 years this month, but only recently opened their first brick and mortar location in Downtown Rogers. Artists of Northwest Arkansas (ANA) celebrated their new space during the September 9 Art on the Bricks Art Walk. The ANA Gallery showcased 156 works of art by 61 artists in their quarterly member show.

The nonprofit arts organization dates back to its first meeting in October of 1991 at the Fayetteville Public Library. They provide opportunities for artists to meet and share experiences while increasing awareness of the diversity of artists talent in the area. They opened a gallery at 121 W. Walnut St. in the historic Elks Lodge and share space with the Rogers Experimental House. The Artists of Northwest Arkansas has 124 members and meet monthly to host speakers, workshops, artist demonstrations and other creative experiences.

The ANA is a volunteer, member-based organization of Northwest Arkansas visual artists who conduct member art shows as well as monthly art education meetings where artists share information and socialize. A dozen artists exhibit their work in their gallery 12 months a year and they host all member or regional shows four times a year. They are open Thursday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Sunday Noon until 4:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.artistsnwarkansas.com.