During the bleak weeks in winter where darkness exceeds daylight, many people suffer from anxiety and depressive disorders commonly known as The Winter Blues. Some find the winter blues can be alleviated through artificial light, making up for a shortness in daylight. Thursday, January 12, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., a ray of light will be found through collaboration students and faculty of the Arkansas Arts Academy and other visual and performance artists during Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks Art Walk.

After more than two years of pandemic-induced solitude, followed by frigid December temperatures, we welcome an unseasonably warm January to kick off the 2023 Art on the Bricks Art Walk. The community is invited to surround themselves with people and creativity while "Finding Light in the Dark of Winter." The monthly Downtown Rogers art walk is highlighting a collaboration with Arkansas Arts Academy students and curriculum that brings into view creatives who overcame darkness through their art. Inspired by the conceptual artist Yoko Ono, this is an invitation to “imagine peace." 

The Rogers Experimental House, 121 W Walnut Street, will be transformed into a cavernous, darkened space with:

• Beams of light and 3D sculpture and design inspired by California-born sculpture artist Ruth Asawa (1926 - 2013). 
• The Peace Bubble, --a chrysalis-like environment--provides an escape from the hustle and bustle—offering a moment of peace.
• AAA students exhibit written works related to the significance of light and dark.
• Patrons are invited to add a small imaginal “everyday peace indicator” of their own to the exhibition.

Works by local artists will also provide an unforgettable interactive experience for attendees.

• Craig Colorusso will perform meditative sound to accompany this immersive, experiential installation. 
• Orson Weems, Executive Director, and Cofounder of The Music Education Initiative, will share two life cast face masks—similar to those by Ruth Asawa—but created by visually impaired artist Sharon McConnell-Dickerson. 
• R.J. Lawlor is an artist and retired art teacher. She is exhibiting the strong contrast of black and white eliminates distractions and brings clarity to the formal elements of design.
• Hatsuko German, an 86 year old artist, first turned to art to cope with the sorrow and pain of divorce. Her limited finances caused her to use brown paper sacks for her early paintings. Several of her works of art are on display at Rogers Experimental House. 
• Dustin Miller is an artist and art teacher. He uses the talent God gave him in art to create the beauty of nature, animals, objects, and people. His goal is to inspire people to become interested in taking the time to really look at and appreciate art.

Art on the Bricks provides a place of welcoming refuge where the community is invited to come together in public places, on neutral ground, where people can gather and interact.

3D Sculptures inspired by artist Ruth Asawa Casting Shadows

 The Peace Bubble, an escape from the hustle and bustle

Art experiences demonstrating the significance of light and dark

Craig Coloruso performs meditative Music

Face mask created by visually impaired artist Sharon McConnell-Dickerson.

R.J. Lawlor exhibits the strong contrast of black and white. 

Hatsuko German turned to art to cope with the sorrow and pain of divorce.

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