The community is invited to kick off the 2025 Art on the Bricks Art Walk with an inspiring and thought-provoking exhibit shedding light on the issue of human trafficking. Themed “Resilience & Renewal,” this event aims to raise awareness, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire collective action in our community.

Featured Story and Exhibit:
We are honored to feature Alice Cunningham, an artist, author, and survivor, who courageously shares her personal journey through her art and memoir, Abducted: My Struggle to Remember. At just 8-years-old, Alice was kidnapped and trafficked by an organized crime syndicate but ultimately survived to tell her powerful story of healing and hope.

"I believe my artwork is channeling my eight-year-old self. The images are child like. All are based on memories and dreams."      -Alice Cunningham, artist and survivor of human trafficking

Alice’s framed artwork will be displayed and book will be available for purchase. Her reflections offer a moving and intimate look into her experiences. During the Art Walk, she will be available to discuss her story, sign books, and connect with the community.

A3 Gallery Exhibit Details:
🎨 Featured Exhibit: Art on the Bricks Art Walk
📅 Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
⏰ Time: 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Arkansas Arts Academy’s A3 Gallery, 228 S 1st Street, Rogers, AR

Hub of Hope's Community Impact:
In collaboration with Hub of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing and addressing human trafficking, this event also provides an opportunity to learn about local prevention, education, and support services.

• National Human Trafficking Awareness Day:
  The event precedes National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11, serving as a call to action for all of us to come together to combat this issue and support survivors in their journey to healing.
• Support Resources:
  If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact the Hub of Hope HELPline at 405-582-0759 for assistance.

Cover Ups: 
Johnny Bielawski, artist and owner of Saved by Grace Tattoo, has collaborated with Hub of Hope human trafficking survivors. He has used his talents to cover up tattoos associated with their painful past experiences.  

Arkansas Arts Academy Hosts Alice Cunningham’s Exhibit in Support of Art’s Role in Healing

Arkansas Arts Academy is honored to host Alice Cunningham’s compelling art exhibit and book presentation, an event that exemplifies the transformative power of the arts in education. This partnership is a reflection of the Academy’s commitment to fostering resilience and emotional healing through creative expression.

• The exhibit, displayed in the A3 Gallery, underscores the Academy’s belief in the/ arts as a vital tool for processing and overcoming traumatic experiences. By showcasing Alice Cunningham’s story of survival and renewal, the Academy hopes to inspire students, educators, and the art community alike to explore how artistic expression can bring light to even the darkest chapters of life.
• The event also aligns with the Academy’s mission to nurture and support artists addressing deeply personal and often painful experiences. Arkansas Arts Academy is proud to stand with artists who use their creative voices to advocate for healing and awareness.

Looking Ahead: Showcasing Arts Integration in Education
Following this impactful exhibit, the Academy will transition the A3 Gallery to highlight another important initiative: a new show opening on January 16, 2025, which will showcase the Academy’s arts integration pedagogy at the elementary level. Through artful learning, students explore core academic concepts with creativity and innovation, underscoring the Academy’s belief in the arts as a cornerstone of a comprehensive and impactful education.

Join Us:
Celebrate the power of art to transform lives by attending Alice Cunningham’s exhibit and book presentation on January 9, 2025. Then, return to experience Arkansas Arts Academy’s groundbreaking arts integration approach in the January 16 showcase.

And that is not all:
Each month Art on the Bricks Art walk selects a theme that is socially or culturally significant. But there are other artists, musicians and businesses that participate and share a wide range of art, ranging from visual art, music, dance and poetry. Check out the interactive Google Map to see all of the activities.