As the temperatures becomes more moderate, the days become shorter, thoughts turn to autumn colors and holiday shopping and downtown Rogers’ businesses gear up to attract patrons to shop and dine local. New and seasoned artists and business owners are collaborating to offer the monthly Art on the Bricks Art Walk beginning at 4:30 p.m. this Thursday, September 9. The theme, “Fall in Love with Arkansas Art,” sets the mood for visual artists and musicians to showcase their talent for shoppers who want to explore Downtown Rogers.
During the September 9 Art Walk, bibliophiles will get a glimpse of a new bookstore and event space opening soon in Downtown Rogers. Music and art will attract visitors to the business opening later this fall. Owner Beth Dubbell Welborn, a Rogers native, will open Brick Lane, a locally owned bookstore that offers books, gifts and a gathering space at 113 S. 2nd Street. Within this enchanting courtyard, visual Artist R.J. Lawlor of Rogers will exhibit her abstract oil paintings and collages. Joining her, recent Chicago transplant, Detlef Koertge of epigram studio, will offer live headshot sessions demonstrating his unique portraiture talents. Musicians Roby Pantall and Ron Pennington will add sound to sight with jazz music in the garden.
Welborn’s arrival in historic Downtown Rogers is grounded by deep roots. Her mother opened The Curiosity Bookstore less than 2 blocks away on N. 2nd Street in the fall of 1974, but quickly outgrew that space and moved her store to the Vinson Square building the following year. “I’m excited to be following in my mom’s footsteps by opening my own bookstore,” explained Welborn. “In fact, I’m following in the footsteps of numerous family members who’ve had businesses in downtown Rogers since the early 1900’s.” Welborn’s great grandfather on her mother’s side, W.C. Putman, opened Putman Clothing Company in 1908 at 112 W Walnut Street. Welborn’s great grandfather, on her father’s side, H.F. Pelphrey, founded the company now known as Pel-Freez in California which later moved to Rogers, Arkansas in 1951. The company was operated by her grandfather and later her father and her uncle. The nationally recognized biological product business is still headquartered in Downtown Rogers and is the music sponsor for live music during the monthly art walk. As a tribute to her family roots, Welborn will display a photo wall of family businesses and ties to Downtown Rogers in her new bookstore. “We’re so happy to be participating in September’s Art Walk,” continued Welborn. “We’ve all grown accustomed to believing that the best stories only live in books. But actually, any artistic discipline can be used for great storytelling – whether that’s through paintings, portraits or songs. All of those things will be on display in our garden this Thursday, and I hope this is the first of many great events we’ll host that showcase the importance of connecting people through stories.”
Another organization with deep NWA roots has been around for almost 20 years, but only recently opened their first brick and mortar location in Downtown Rogers. Artists of Northwest Arkansas is celebrating their new space during the September 9 Art walk. In addition to an all member artist reception and show, they will have a ribbon cutting event provided by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce at 5 p.m. Thursday, September 9. The non-profit arts organization dates back to their first meeting in October of 1991 at the Fayetteville Public Library. The organization provides opportunities for artists to meet and share experiences while increasing awareness of the diversity of artists talent in the area. They opened a gallery at 121 W Walnut Street in the historic Elks Lodge and share space with the Rogers Experimental House. The Artists of Northwest Arkansas meet monthly to host speakers, workshops, etc.
Other music and art highlights:
- Mavis Wine Co. 718 N 2nd Street will be showing work by painter David Gomez from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. and will have a live jazz duo (sax & guitar) Michael Hanna and Jake Hertzog on the patio from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
- Studio 300, 300 N 2nd Street, is exhibiting the visual art of a dozen artists and Adam Mangold will be playing piano, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- B. Styled, 110 W Walnut Street, regional artists exhibiting their work, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Brick & Mortar, 120 W Walnut Street, will exhibit the Art of Janie Baber and the music talents of Hunter Patterson. 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Envision Nutrition, 204 W Walnut Street, regional artists exhibiting their work, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Gateway Mortgage, 214 W Walnut Street, will showcase the art of Amy Eichler from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
