March brings an exciting fusion of creativity as crochet and art collide during Art on the Bricks' celebration of National Crochet Month and Youth Art Month, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14. This vibrant event showcases the intersection of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artistic expression, highlighting the diverse talents of local artisans and makers, both young and old.

Art on the Bricks invites the community to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of crochet artistry, where intricate stitches and vibrant colors come together to form stunning works of art. From delicate jewelry to whimsical amigurumi creatures, visitors will have the opportunity to marvel at the intricacy and ingenuity of crochet creations. Patrons will also experience the fancy footwork of Rince Academy of Irish Dance and see the art of 8th grade art students from Greer Lingle Middle School. 

In addition to celebrating the art of crochet, Art on the Bricks also pays homage to a variety of artistic mediums including painting, sculpture, photography and dance. The event provides a platform for artists to showcase their talents and connect with fellow creatives, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the local art scene.

As part of the celebration, visitors can also enjoy the rhythmic movements and cultural richness of Irish dance performances, adding an extra layer of excitement and entertainment to the festivities. Rince Arkansas Academy of Irish Dance performs at Railyard Park at 5 p.m. and Envision Nutition at 6:00 p.m.   

Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or simply curious to explore the world of crochet and art, Art on the Bricks promises an inspiring and memorable experience for all. Join us as we celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and community during this special event in March.

Art on the Bricks and Kaleidoscope Collective welcome Olivia Sullivan, Lisa Turpin, Debra DeVilbiss and Melissa of Melspace Creative, as they represent a diverse and talented group of artists whose works exemplify the beauty, creativity, and resilience of the crochet and fiber arts community. Their contributions to the celebration of National Crochet Month serve as a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire, uplift, and connect us all.

OLIVIA SULLILVAN: At just 17 years old, Olivia Sullivan's story is a testament to resilience and compassion. Found abandoned on a train in China as an infant, Olivia overcame significant health challenges, including hearing impairment and vision loss, through multiple surgeries and unwavering determination. Despite her own struggles, Olivia's heart remains dedicated to helping others, particularly animals in need, through her charity-based craft business. Her pursuit of certifications in crochet instruction, customer service, and artificial intelligence technology showcases her commitment to personal and professional growth. Olivia's crochet creations, displayed at Kaleidoscope Collective, serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who encounter her remarkable story.

LISA TURPIN, director of operations for Arkansas Public Theatre, discovered her lifelong passion for crochet when her beloved "Grammy" introduced her to the craft at the age of seven. Now 53, Turpin's love for creating adorable Amigurumi and other creatures has only grown, fueled by her fascination with the joy and whimsy they bring into the world. Each miniature stuffed creature is a testament to her meticulous attention to detail and her innate ability to infuse yarn with life and personality. During the holiday season, she spread cheer by crafting a pride of cats for each of her theater kids, tailored to reflect their individual identities within the LGBTQIA+2 community. It's her way of showing support, appreciation, and love for those she holds dear.

DEBRA DeVILBISS, a seasoned crochet artisan, brings decades of experience and expertise to the world of crochet. With a lifelong dedication to spreading joy through her craft, Debra's mastery of Clones Irish Crochet and incorporation of fine threads and beading into her designs demonstrate her commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity. As the Creative Director of Bella Vista in Bloom, Debra fosters community and inspiration among fellow crocheters, believing in the transformative power of crochet to uplift spirits and beautify spaces. Through her upcoming classes at Kaleidoscope Collective, Debra continues to inspire others to find joy in the art of crochet and cultivate their own creative passions. DeVilbiss is offering workshops at Kaleidoscope Collective from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 and Tuesday April 9.

MELISSA of “Melspace.Creative,” employs a more high tech approach to creating with yarn. She is a self-taught rug tufter, specializing in pop art and whimsical abstract art. She began her tufting journey in 2021 and quickly fell in love with the textures and creativity the medium provides. Each piece of rug art is one-of-a-kind, so no two pieces are exactly the same. Melissa enjoys designing her own pieces, allowing nostalgia and her love of color to fuel each new piece. As an Arkansas native, you can find her most often in person at local pop-ups and craft markets around Northwest Arkansas. Her curiosity for rug tufting in early 2021 quickly turned into a passion for color palettes and whimsical patterns. That’s when Melspace Creative was born.

Make art with the artists, during upcoming classes available at Kaleidoscope Collective, one of many Downtown Rogers businesses that offer experiences that engage the community and add to the DTR creative economy.

• Pet Portrait Painting Workshop with Kira of Badgirlclubart
• Self Portrait Collage Making Workshop with Mega Knives

Youth Art Month Elements:

• Talented young participants offer some fancy footwork and youthful energy to the March 14 Art Walk as Rince (pronounced rin’-ka) Arkansas Academy of Irish Dance performs at 5:00 p.m. at Turntable Plaza at Railyard Park (weather permitting) and 6:00 p.m. at Envision Nutrition, 204 W Walnut St.
• Greer Lingle Middle School art teacher, Joel Martin, brings seventh and eighth grade art students and their art to Stay True Bike & Barber, 112 W Walnut St. from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.   

About Art on the Bricks--Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks Art Walk seeks to provide a welcoming and diverse Third Space to members of our community.

• 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 2nd Thursday of every month.
• Visit artonthebricks.com for more information and an interactive map.

It’s our mission-work: The Rogers Lowell Chamber attracts new investments to our historic downtown Rogers community while supporting small business growth with programs like Art on the Bricks Art Walk. We also promote Downtown Rogers as a destination location for arts, music, dance, and other interactive experiences.

2024 SPONSORS: Join us in making Art on the Bricks your premier destination for nightlife, dining, shopping, and art. This vibrant and family-friendly experience is made possible by the generous support of businesses in our community.

Presenting Sponsor: T-Mobile; Partner Sponsor: Renewal by Andersen; Art Sustainer: Rogers Experimental House; Media Sponsors: KNWA/Fox 24 News and iHEART Media; Signage Sponsor: Minuteman Press.

This monthly event is brought to you by the Rogers Lowell Chamber in collaboration with Destination Rogers, local business owners, non-profit organizations, and talented artists from across Northwest Arkansas and beyond. Join us as we celebrate creativity and community at Art on the Bricks!

About Kaleidoscope Collective--
Kaleidoscope Collective, located at 109 W Walnut Street in Rogers, Arkansas, is a dynamic retail and studio space that embodies the essence of creativity and community engagement. Serving as a destination location within the vibrant Downtown Rogers area, it contributes significantly to the local creative economy.

At its core, Kaleidoscope Collective features a market where local artisans, makers, and creative thinkers converge to showcase their talents and creations. This market provides a vital platform for artisans to connect with a broader audience, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for handmade craftsmanship.

In addition to its retail offerings, Kaleidoscope Collective boasts a versatile studio space that hosts an array of workshops offering individuals of all skill levels the opportunity to explore their creative From painting and jewelry making to fiber arts and beyond, the studio caters to diverse interests and passions, further enriching the artistic fabric of the community.

By providing a space for artists to showcase their work, Kaleidoscope Collective fosters a sense of community and collaboration, and empowers individuals to engage with the creative process serving as a beacon for artistic innovation and cultural enrichment enriches the cultural fabric of Downtown Rogers, Arkansas.

Rince Arkansas Academy of Irish Dance is performing during the March Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks Art Walk. 5:00 p.m. Turntable Plaza at Railyard Park S. 1st Street and W. Elm Street, Rogers, AR Outdoor performance, weather permitting. 6:00 p.m. Envision Nutrition 204 W Walnut Street, Rogers, AR Rain or shine! What’s Happening: We are celebrating Youth Art Month as we get into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day with this popular Irish Dance Performance. This is one of more than a dozen pop up art and music events taking place during Art on the Bricks Art Walk. Make Art on the Bricks your destination location for nightlife, dining, shopping and art every 2nd Thursday in Downtown Rogers. This is a free, family friendly experience.

Rince (“rin-ka”) Arkansas Academy of Irish Dance is the premier Irish dance school in Northwest Arkansas. Their mission is to provide excellent instruction in traditional and contemporary Irish dance, create a space to promote Irish dance, music and culture, and enrich the community of Northwest Arkansas with performance, outreach and service.