Art on the Bricks Art Walk highlights the art of shopping local in NWA December 8

Downtown Rogers has earned the reputation of supporting the creative community and is home to dozens of businesses that offer locally made products and interactive experiences as part of the creative economy. The 2nd Thursday of every month, artists, craftsmen, and musicians, partner with downtown merchants to provide an opportunity to explore businesses and meet the artists in pop-up galleries. Participating locations and artists change from month to month, and art experiences consistently provide new and interesting opportunities for the public to connect with their third space and support the creative economy.

• One such organization, The Artists of Northwest Arkansas, made Downtown Rogers home in early 2019.
• This 501C3 organization has a history dating back to 1991, but never had its own brick and mortar location until it chose to move into a shared space with the Rogers Experimental House.
• The organization’s members are participating in the Chamber’s December 8 Art on the Bricks Art Walk themed “The Art of Shopping Local.”

• More than 125 paintings by 65 artists from across Northwest Arkansas will be exhibited for sale in the quarterly all-member show. Regional artists also donated 170 6” x 6” original paintings to be sold to the highest bidder in the organization’s silent auction and fundraiser.

• Marketing Main Street recently moved to their first brick & mortar business with Jingle & Mingle, a Drop-in event from 5pm - 9pm. The community is invited to enjoy a charcuterie buffet, a variety of hot chocolate and cider from 5pm - 9 p.m. and pictures with Santa from 5:30pm - 7:30 pm.

• A dozen shops and galleries will host local artists to exhibit and sell their art in locations throughout Downtown Rogers.  

• In addition to pop-up art exhibits, several Downtown Businesses are extending their hours to provide patrons the opportunity to shop local during the holiday season.

Why it matters: When the concept of creativity and art is combined with community and economic development, it creates vibrancy, activity, and prosperity for all.

• The Downtown Rogers creative economy supports local artists and craftsmen and promotes our quality of life and cultural diversity.
• Innovation by downtown business owners find activating their spaces with creative 3rd space experiences--like art exhibits, and cooking classes, live music and theater performances, beer and wine-tasting--are bring a unique vitality to the community.

More about the art walk: The 2nd Thursday of every month, artists, craftsmen, and musicians, partner with downtown merchants to provide an opportunity to explore businesses and meet the artists in pop-up galleries. Locations and artists change from month to month, and art experiences consistently provide new and interesting opportunities for the public to connect with and support the creative economy. 

CLICK HERE for an interactive map of the December 8th Art Walk. 

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