Rogers, AR— The soaring white walls on the second floor of Ozark Beer Company are surrounded with art by two artists, but one of the two never touches the canvas, paint or brushes used to create the art. A collaboration by two women who met 15 years ago, then lost touch, and reconnected through Facebook.

Backgrounder: At the age of 87, former Arkansas artist, Beverly McLarty Burrows, shares her vision for each painting by collaborating with Dr. Dana Hill using digital technology. Hill was first introduced to painting by the senior artist about 15 years ago.

• The two met through their church choir when Beverly McLarty (Now Beverly McLarty Burrows) suggested--people who have musical talent often have artistic talent--so she offered to give her lessons.
• Hill learned as much as she could over the next few months, receiving guidance in multiple mediums. She completed her mentor’s challenges, explored dozens of techniques and did the assigned homework. When McLarty moved out of state after only a few months, they lost touch for a time, but her interest in art was ignited.

Reunited: A few years went by, and the two artists reconnected with the help of Facebook. Hill painted when she found time and reached out to her mentor remotely for critiques, seeking ways to improve her work. McLarty Burrows, who now lives in Tennessee, is no longer able to execute art in the form of paintings, but her desire to create beautiful art hasn’t gone away.

• In February, during one of the virtual critiques, McLarty Burrows suggested her protégé might be interested in collaborating to create art. Once she described how the process might work, collaborating online, passing photos of the art back and forth, discussing color and composition, Hill agreed to become a ghost painter. Burrows suggests the initial designs using Facebook Messenger, and Hill uses the recommended colors and textures and techniques to bring the artistic vision to life. Using a phone app or Adobe Photoshop, McLarty Burrows will scribble new shapes or add different colors to advance the work to completion. When the art meets with both of their approval, they declare the works complete and sign them Bevdana.

What they’re saying: “We have been going non-stop since February and have created 17 finished paintings,” explained Hill as she arranged the art in the massive space above the Ozark Beer tap room. “She isn’t easy on me, and the painting isn’t finished until Beverly is satisfied. She continues helping me by critiquing my own work and her suggestions made all the difference.”

• The artists have four works of art entitled “The Diva Series” on exhibit at the Rogers Experimental House through the month of July.

About Dr. Dana Hill: Hill is an Arkansas native residing and creating art in Bella Vista, Arkansas. An online professor for graduate coursework in both nursing and public health, she works full time as an associate professor for the University of Arizona Global Campus.

• Inspiration for her pieces come from many places, including nature, color, light, random thoughts, and mood. Dana’s greatest joy is when others find interest and joy in her artwork.

Enter our 3rd Space: The community is invited to see this exhibit at OBC throughout the month on July. This installation is one of more than a dozen pop-up galleries participating in Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks Art Walk theme, “Digitally Yours, A celebration of Art Made of Bits and Bytes,” 

• We are excited to showcase the talent of additional artists who work in the digital realm including animators, illustrators, photographers, and techies dabbling in AI art generators. 

Experience Art on the Bricks Art Walk 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 13. in locations throughout Downtown Rogers. More than a dozen galleries, shops and restaurants will partner with area artists to highlight the creative talent of members of our community.

• Meet artists and crafters of all mediums and support the local creative economy in Downtown Rogers.

2023 Art on the Bricks Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: T-Mobile, Partner: Tyson, Art Sustainer: Rogers Experimental House, Community Sponsor: Arvest Bank, and Washington Regional Urgent Care-Rogers, Media Sponsors: KNWA/Fox 24 News, iHeartMedia, Signage Sponsor: Minuteman Press and Lamar Advertising. The monthly event is coordinated by Rogers Lowell Chamber in partnership with Destination Rogers and business owners and area non-profit organizations and participating artists from across NW Arkansas and beyond.

CLICK HERE for the interactive map.

It’s our mission-work:  The Rogers Lowell Chamber attracts new investment to our historic downtown community while supporting small business growth.

What’s happening:  Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks Art Walk seeks to provide a welcoming and diverse 3^rd Space within our community. (1^st Space = Home, 2^nd Space = Work, 3^rd Space = Your Downtown Rogers Faves!) We also promote downtown Rogers as a destination location for arts, music, dance and other interactive experiences.

How it works:  In addition to extended hours in retail shops, art galleries and pop-up art exhibits are scheduled from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on the 2^nd Thursday of every month. Most pop-up and gallery exhibit hours are 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.