A new mural in Downtown Rogers was installed near the intersection of 2^nd and Walnut streets on Tuesday, July 25. The installation complements the arts, culture and quality of life experiences in Downtown Rogers.

·         Stevie Stevens, a mixed media glass artisan based in Bella Vista, was awarded a Third Space Grant by the Rogers Lowell Chamber to create a public art piece to expand the arts, culture and quality of life experiences that correspond with the Downtown Rogers creative community.  

Making it happen: Stevens met with business owners, Rogers Historical Museum employees and other artists as she developed a concept for the new mural.

• Final glass cutting, fabrication and grout layers was be completed inside the Rogers Experimental House, 121 W. Walnut Street, in the days leading up to the installation on the west side of the property which faces N. 2nd Street and Arvest Bank. 

What they’re saying: “The Rogers Lowell Chamber contacted me to create a public art piece in the form of a mural that incorporated Rogers’ history and community engagement,” explained Stevens “While researching the history of Rogers for that project, I became fascinated with the early history of the town and more specifically with the colors and textures associated with the Victorian styles of the period, she continued. “I designed Frisco Connects as a mural that is vibrant and current, yet the glass color selections reflect the period in which Downtown Rogers was created.” 

Connecting to community: “I’m excited about creating a portion of the mural inside the Experimental House so that the public can come in, watch, and engage in the work being created,” explained Stevens.  “This aspect of the project really spoke to my desire for connection.” 

• The community was invited to visit 121 W Walnut Street, Rogers, AR to meet the artist and see the work as it progressed. 

All the sparkle: The mosaic is made up of three panels using glass, mirrors, glass objects and gems. The design incorporates images from Downtown Rogers’ history: The Frisco Train and Frisco “pelt” logo, Rogers’ historic water tower, an apple tree, and petunias (the city flower.)

• The mural includes the name “Rogers Arkansas” for memory making photo ops. The location, design and materials for the mural were approved by the City of Rogers Historic District Commission with support from the Runway Group.
• The finished piece will be 62” wide and 129” tall and be installed on the west facing side of 121 W Walnut Street.

NWA’s creative community: Downtown Rogers (DTR) has earned a reputation as a creative economy and community of makers. The monthly Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks Art Walk showcases regional artists, musicians, dancers, and other performance art to enhance the artistic and cultural opportunities in Rogers, Arkansas.

• The creative economy in DTR extends well beyond one day each month with artists, makers and merchants who make and sell handcrafted products, bringing the creative economy to life all month long.

But wait, there’s more: The RLC Third Space Grant provides two additional public art installations including a series of lightning bug sculptures by found-object metal artist, Tom Flynn and the NWA Love Project community art collaboration with founder of 29 Pieces, Karen Blessen.

• In addition to the public art installations, art exhibitions, classes and workshops are being offered. The RLC Third Space grants are made possible through a grant by the Walmart Foundation which was provided to create art experiences and cultural activities that bring people to the cultural and historical center of the city of Rogers and showcase Northwest Arkansas’ creative talent.

The Third Space: Downtown Rogers seeks to provide a welcoming and diverse Third Space to members of our community.

• Your First Space refers to your home, your Second Space is your place of work, and your Third Space may be one or a collection of locations where you enjoy spending time between the two.
• Third spaces can be parks, galleries, bookstores, churches, restaurants, bars, waterways--any place where you can relax, recharge and connect with likeminded individuals or spend time alone.

Pick your spot: Downtown Rogers is awash with Third Space destinations. Dozens of public spaces and locally owned businesses that offer a blend of old and new, traditional and edgy with bustling restaurants and retail surrounded by beautiful parks and trails.

It’s our mission-work:  Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks, a program of the Rogers Lowell Chamber, is one brand we use to attract interest and investment in our historic core of our city. We seek to provide a welcoming and diverse Third Space to members of our community. We also promote Downtown Rogers as a Third Space destination location for arts, music, theater, nightlife, dining, shopping, and other interactive experiences.