The July Art on the Bricks Art Walk is featuring the collaboration of galleries showcasing the music and art of individuals with Autism, sensory processing disorders and intellectual disabilities. “Art on the Spectrum” is coming to Downtown Rogers galleries, Into+View Art Gallery & Studios and Studio 300, both located at 300 N 2nd St., Suites A & B, and Rogers Experimental House, located at 121 W Walnut St. The galleries will highlight the creative works of these individuals. Additional pop-up galleries will be showcasing a wide range of art by regional artists throughout Downtown Rogers. The monthly event is set for Thursday, July 8, with art exhibits on display from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. and live music from 4:30 – 7:30 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Into+View Art Gallery & Studios and Rogers Experimental House are showcasing the art of clients from Life Styles Inc. of Fayetteville. The Life Styles art program provides students the opportunity to learn fine art skills, to produce beautiful work, and to also communicate their thoughts, feelings, emotions, hopes, and dreams. The Life Styles, Inc. Blair Center is an art center with gifted instructors who help each and every client express themselves through multiple mediums. The clients partake in painting, drawing, mixed media, lapidary and 3D art.
Adult Development Director Lindsay Broshears and Art Instructor Rosalind Waiwaiole assisted in the team effort to bring the works to Downtown Rogers. Broshear explained the importance of art in the lives of their clients. “Art is a universal language. We interact with people on a daily basis and communicate with them in a variety of ways, whether through verbal or written communication, physical actions, etc.,” explained Broshear. “When communication is not as easy, when it can be a barrier, art is often the 'action' to minimize that barrier.” The organization provides a space where they feel safe and empowered to do so, regardless of any disability they may have, any sensory disorder that may limit them in other situations. “Our students are prolific artists because they are allowed to express themselves in the most authentic ways,” Broshear concluded.
Adam Mangold, a 29-year-old with high-functioning Autism, began learning to play piano at the age of eight. He is performing during the July 8 Art Walk from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Studio 300. Mangold has studied piano for more than 21 years and is now poised to be a student teacher under the supervision of the Institute of Music and Worship through the Arts of Bella Vista. Adam has won numerous awards for music performance including first place for solo piano in Arkansas and second place nationally. “Music has given Adam more confidence in himself both socially and personally,” explains Jim Mangold, Adam’s father who is a retired architect and also an artist. “His proficiency at piano allows him to succeed in areas that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible,” he continued. “As a result, he smiles more and now enjoys life with a purpose.” Adam will begin offering beginner to intermediate piano lessons at Studio 300 in Rogers beginning in July and encourages the families of individuals with special needs to sign up for classes.
Studio 300 is also exhibiting photos by 17-year-old Quin Warsaw. He moved to Bella Vista with his family in 2017 when he first took up photography. He spends 10 – 12 hours each week in scenic spots including: Osage Park, Lake Atalanta, Charlie Craig State Fish Hatchery, Bogle Park, Coler Trail, Crystal Bridges, Hobbs State Park, Pea Ridge Military Park, and throughout Bella Vista. Warsaw exhibits and sells his nature photography in art shows, galleries, contests and online. He has amassed a following of fans through “Snappy’s View,” a private Facebook Group that he and his mother, Michelle Warsaw, administer. When asked about his participation in previous Art on the Bricks Art Walks, Michelle Warsaw replied, “Quin met more of his Facebook followers and what warmed my heart most of all was one of them asked Quin a series of questions about his photography,” described Warsaw. “This time he didn’t look at me to answer or freeze, he confidently answered them,” she replied proudly. “Art on the Bricks is making a difference for Quin.”
