The Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VA) is partnering with Art on the Bricks Art Walk in November to feature the Art of U.S. Military Veterans. Art on the Bricks Art Walk is one element of Downtown Rogers’ vibrant arts and entertainment.  The event showcases regional artists while enhancing the artistic and cultural opportunities of Downtown Rogers. Talented artists, craftsmen and musicians, partner with downtown businesses to provide an opportunity to explore businesses and meet the artists in pop-up galleries.

The Rogers Experimental House, located at 121 W. Walnut Street, will showcase the creative works of veterans and other artists, some of which relates to the U.S. Military history. In November, the monthly 2^nd Thursday art walk falls on November 11—Veteran’s Day. Music, art, and crafts will be featured to commemorate the service and talent of our military veterans. Several Downtown Rogers businesses will also host pop-up galleries with art by a variety of other artists.   

Creating Opportunity for Veterans to Exhibit Art
The collaboration for a live art walk is in addition to a virtual festival that was created as a new alternative by 2021 organizers at the VA Hospital in Fayetteville. Veterans were invited to submit work for the regional contest to compete to participate in the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. Judges were selected from artists and business owners who participate in the Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks Art Walk: Curtis Myers, Curtis Myers Photography; David King, Morris Crown Creations; Jim Mangold, Studio 300; Laura Coello, LBC Studio; and David Gomez, Peace of Heart Studio. The judges were so impressed with the variety and quality of work entered in the competition, they suggested Art on the Bricks organizers might also provide an opportunity for the Veterans to exhibit their art in the Rogers Experimental House throughout the month of November. Pop-up exhibit space is also available on November 11 and an artist reception at 121 W. Walnut Street, Rogers.

Musical Performances from Soldiers Songs and Voices NWA
Musicians affiliated with Soldiers Songs and Voices Northwest Arkansas will be performing vocals and a variety of instruments from 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. This non-profit organization provides free guitar and songwriting lessons to veterans as a form of post-conflict care. This collection of musical veterans is dedicated to the well-being of returning veterans. The mission of this non-profit organization, based in Fayetteville and serving all Northwest Arkansas, is to foster a creative and supportive community of veterans through music instruction, performance, and community outreach. Volunteer veteran musicians donate their time to share their expertise. The NWA Chapter is one of 11 chapters of a national organization. Other chapters are in Texas, Florida, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, and Massachusetts. There is also a chapter based in Eureka Springs.

Collection of Military Uniforms and Memorabilia
Another special stop on the November 11 art walk will include White & Company Jewelry located at 115 W Walnut Street. In addition to jewelry, this locally owned store has a vast collection of military uniforms and memorabilia and historical photos, letters, with some items dating back as far as the Civil War. The collection began with items from owner Rick White’s family, then continued to grow as customers began offering items from their collections, inherited from family members. The White’s Jewelry team is going to be open the afternoon and evening of the Art Walk to share their display with the public.

Pea Ridge Battlefield Inspired Paintings from Daniel Hoffbauer
During the month of November, Rogers Experimental House will feature Bella Vista artist Daniel Hoffbauer who moved to NW Arkansas in 2018 from Southern California. Hoffbauer has been a Civil War enthusiast and student of history all his life. However, for 35 years he experienced an artist’s block when it came to painting. His visit to the Pea Ridge Battlefield on March 8, 2020, inspired him to start painting anew just as the COVID health crisis hit our region and he has since completed seven battle paintings. The first three that followed were scenes from the Battle of Pea Ridge and include the “First Iowa Battery” in action north of Elkhorn Tavern, followed by “Charge” which shows the Confederate cavalry charge at Foster’s Farm, and “Nightfall” which shows the chaos and suffering around Elkhorn Tavern on the night of March 7, 1862. Hoffbauer recently completed a 4^th painting based on Clemens Field at Pea Ridge which will be on exhibit in Downtown Rogers in November. See Hoffbauer’s art at: https://artonthebricks.com/battle-of-pea-ridge/

When asked about his interest in art and the Civil War, Hoffbauer responded, “I have been a civil war nut since I was five. Initially I created battle paintings including a huge painting of the Battle at Waterloo,” he explained. “After walking the Pea Ridge Battlefield, I was inspired to start a small painting. Next, I created a 48” x 60” work entitled ‘Charge,’ which was followed by another large work entitled ‘Nightfall.’ There is no shortage of inspiration here.”  

Get to Know Our Veterans Doing Business Downtown
Military service provides a strong background for entrepreneurs to start, run and grow their business. The Chamber Voice recently interviewed several Vets doing business in Downtown Rogers. 

Kirk Pearson, LaborMax Staffing
Branch of Military: USAF

Did your military service provide you with tools/skills that help you, as a small business owner? Yes. Besides business classes I took while in uniform, there were also many repair-related items I have used in building and setting up new offices.

What qualities do you appreciate in yourself and/or those around you that may have been influenced by military service? Patience, attention to detail, empathy, leadership, levity, and chain of command.

What advice would you give a young person interested in military service? Do your homework and do not choose your branch of service on a whim. Each branch has such great attributes but not every branch of service is for everyone. Look where you can grow in your MOS. Quiz your recruiter on what is truly available and what are the best positions to make a full career. If you plan on exiting early, give yourself time to find the right support system in the civilian world to help you transition.

Any other comments or suggestions? Whatever you do, wherever you go, make the best of it. Make friends and connections that will last you a lifetime. Ask lots of questions before you go in and along the way. Do your best to advance especially if you are enlisted. Always take at least one overseas assignment.

Naomi McLeod, Farmers Insurance
Branch of Military: U.S. Navy

Did your military service provide you with tools/skills that help you, as a small business owner? It gave me the confidence to try things and the skills to do things I may not have done otherwise.

What qualities do you appreciate in yourself and/or those around you that may have been influenced by military service? I find veterans have a strong work ethic.

What advice would you give a young person interested in military service? Find the job you want, then determine what branch of the military gives you the best opportunity.

Rick McLeod, Farmers Insurance – Rick McLeod Agency
Branch of Military: U.S. Army

Did your military service provide you with tools/skills that help you, as a small business owner? Absolutely. Small business owners work through an array of difficult situations, sometimes occurring at the same time. Serving in the military taught me strategies for working through stressful scenarios and a discipline for completing my objectives.

What qualities do you appreciate in yourself and/or those around you that may have been influenced by military service? Some of the traits I value most in people that have served is their persistence, ability to take things in stride, and to simply show up. These characteristics seem to be prevalent in all my family, friends, and colleagues who have been in the military, and I suppose I see them in me as well.

Have you hired other veterans and has that been a good decision? I have hired veterans, and the decision has never worked against me. Veterans tend to show up on time, perform the assigned tasks, and bring a semblance of order to their routines. They can think outside the box and be flexible when necessary.

What advice would you give a young person interested in military service? The decision to serve is not one to take lightly. Military service can be highly rewarding, and will certainly provide opportunities for training, travel, and experiences not found in the civilian sector. While patriotism is certainly one great reason for joining, I recommend young people discussing their future with service recruiters: there are several career fields in the military that translate well in the civilian world after their service is completed. Plus, the ability to have college or technical-school education paid for is a wonderful add-on.