The Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VA) is partnering with Art on the Bricks Art Walk in November to feature the Art of U.S. Military Veterans. The Rogers Experimental House, located at 121 W Walnut Street, will showcase the creative works of veterans and other artists, some of which relates to the U.S. Military history. In November, the monthly 2nd Thursday art walk falls on November 11—Veteran’s Day. Music, art and crafts will be featured to commemorate the service and talent of our military veterans. Several Downtown Rogers businesses will also host pop-up galleries with art by a variety of other artists.
The collaboration for a live art walk is in addition to a virtual festival that was created as a new alternative by 2021 organizers at the VA Hospital in Fayetteville. Veterans were invited to submit work for the regional contest to compete to participate in the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. Judges were selected from artists and business owners who participate in the Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks Art Walk and include: Curtis Myers, Curtis Myers Photography; David King, Morris Crown Creations; Jim Mangold, Studio 300; Laura Coello, LBC Studio; and David Gomez, Peace of Heart Studio. The judges were so impressed with the variety and quality of work entered in the competition, they suggested Art on the Bricks organizers might also provide an opportunity for the Veterans to exhibit their art in the Rogers Experimental House throughout the month of November. Pop-up exhibit space is also available on November 11 and an artist reception at 121 W Walnut St. in Rogers.
Musicians affiliated with Soldiers Songs and Voices Northwest Arkansas will be performing vocals and a variety of instruments from 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. This non-profit organization provides free guitar and songwriting lessons to veterans as a form of post-conflict care. This collection of musical veterans is dedicated to the well-being of returning veterans. The mission of this non-profit organization, based in Fayetteville and serving all Northwest Arkansas, is to foster a creative and supportive community of veterans through music instruction, performance, and community outreach. Volunteer veteran musicians donate their time to share their expertise. The NWA Chapter is one of 11 chapters of a national organization. Other chapters are located in Texas, Florida, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee and Massachusetts. There is also a chapter based in Eureka Springs, AR.
Another special stop on the November 11 art walk will include White & Company Jewelry located at 115 W Walnut Street. In addition to jewelry, this locally owned store has a vast collection of military uniforms and memorabilia and historical photos, letters, with some items dating back as far as the Civil War. The collection began with items from owner Rick White’s family, then continued to grow as customers began offering items from their collections, inherited from family members. The White’s Jewelry team is going to be open the afternoon and evening of the Art Walk to share their display with the public.
During the month of November, Rogers Experimental House will feature Bella Vista artist Daniel Hoffbauer who moved to NW Arkansas in 2018 from Southern California. Hoffbauer has been a Civil War enthusiast and student of history all his life. However, for 35 years he experienced an artist’s block when it came to painting. His visit to the Pea Ridge Battlefield on March 8, 2020, inspired him to start painting anew just as the COVID crisis hit our region and he has since completed 7 battle paintings. The first three that followed were scenes from the Battle of Pea Ridge and include the “First Iowa Battery” in action north of Elkhorn Tavern, followed by “Charge” which shows the Confederate cavalry charge at Foster’s Farm, and “Nightfall” which shows the chaos and suffering around Elkhorn Tavern on the night of March 7, 1862. Hoffbauer recently completed a 4th painting based on Clemens Field at Pea Ridge which will be on exhibit in Downtown Rogers in November. See Hoffbauer’s art at: https://artonthebricks.com/battle-of-pea-ridge/
When asked about his interest in art and the Civil War, Hoffbauer responded, “I have been a civil war nut since I was five. Initially I created battle paintings including a huge painting of the Battle at Waterloo,” he explained. “After walking the Pea Ridge Battlefield, I was inspired to start a small painting. Next, I created a 48” x 60” work entitled ‘Charge,’ which was followed by another large work entitled ‘Nightfall.’ There is no shortage of inspiration here.”
Hoffbauer continues to find inspiration in the region. He created two works based on the Battle of Prairie Grove. Today these works are on exhibit at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in Hindman Hall. A piece he recently completed, “Action at Fayetteville 1863” depicts a 4-hour battle that took place around the Headquarters House, a.k.a. Colonel Tebbetts House. During the Civil War, the downtown Fayetteville home changed hands several times between Confederate and Union troops and each used the property as their headquarters. This was the only battle fought in Fayetteville and the original painting will be displayed at Headquarters House a museum at 118 E Dixon Street in Fayetteville. Future scenes of Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove, along with other local battles, are also in the planning stages.
