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 during the 2nd Thursday art walk from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Veteran’s Day, November 11. Music, art and crafts will be on exhibit to commemorate the service and talent of military veterans. A reception, sponsored by Kirk Pearson, US Air Force Veteran and owner of, LaborMax Staffing, will be provided. Additionally, several Downtown Rogers businesses will also host pop-up galleries with art by a variety of artists.
Art as a form of therapy describes a different way of looking at and connecting with art. The Veterans Administration is shifting its model of care from a system focusing primarily on diseased based health care delivery to a system focusing on empowering and equipping Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being, and art is an area that many Veterans use to add to their quality of life. The Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO) promotes this relationship-based care called Whole Health with Veterans by asking them “What do you want your health for?” and “What is most important to you?” VHSO offers Whole Health Coaching, Taking Charge of My Life and Health Classes, Veteran-led Yoga and Tai Chi, and other mindfulness-based groups that partner with the Veterans already established medical, specialty, and mental health care. VHSO continues to implement a Whole Health System of Care throughout the main campus and its CBOC’s (Community Based Outpatient Clinics). Veterans are welcome to contact Laura Pogue, the Whole Health Program Manager at (479) 443-4301 ext. 65733 for more information.
Music serves as a form of therapy and means of connecting with others. Also participating in the art walk are Veteran musicians. Soldiers Songs and Voices Northwest Arkansas is a nonprofit organization that provides free instruments and songwriting lessons to veterans as a form of post-conflict care. They are performing vocals and a variety of instruments from 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. at the Rogers Experimental House. This non-profit organization provides free guitar and songwriting lessons to veterans as a form of post-conflict care. This assembly 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.
Artist information and a sample of the art to be exhibited is found online www.ArtOnTheBricks.com. The event is free, family friendly and open to the public.
