The August Art on the Bricks Art Walk is celebrating happiness, where participating artists and makers believe happiness can be contagious. Art on the Bricks takes place Thursday, August 11, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. in numerous locations in Downtown Rogers. Community events like the 2nd Thursday Art Walk provide creatives with an opportunity to share what makes them happy and with the hope their visual and performance art will make art walk patrons happy too.
Happiness Happens Month is celebrated annually in August. And because so many people find happiness in surrounding themselves with beautiful or meaningful forms of art, the community is invited you to join artists and performing artists in celebrating art, music, dance and theater in Downtown Rogers. Happiness is contagious and sharing your happiness can bring a smile to someone’s face. Downtown Rogers creatives want to remind you that happiness can be found in even little things and invite you to help spread the joy as they strive to make the world a better place.
Psychologist Robert Epstein, who has been researching creativity for decades, says: “Significant creativity is within everyone's reach—no exceptions. “....greater creativity breeds greater happiness. The creative process is itself a source of joy for most people. And with new creative powers we’re also better able to solve the little problems that beset us daily.” -- Robert Epstein
Jamie Woods, Med, Ed.S, LPC, is a counselor at the Joshua Center, and has been in the counseling field for more than 24 years. She has a background working in the prison systems, school counseling, and educational leadership. Lane shared there is comfort in art’s ability to take people outside their personal struggles and refocus attention to positive sensations of exploration, relaxation, and happiness. “In my practice I have had the opportunity to hear clients of all ages consistently say that art can assist in providing and showing them an intersection of happiness,” she explained. “When expressing painful memories through art, clients report that art making is a source of joy for them despite what their art may help them communicate or process,” she continued. “Art is often a way to take pride in mastery of new skills and discovery of previously unrealized abilities.” In summing up, art making holds the possibility to transform that which is painful into something eventually positive….and happy.
Art on the Bricks provides a reason to gather, and organizations are converging on Downtown Rogers to connect and celebrate the happiness.
ART WALK HIGHLIGHTS:
• Meet artist Stacy Spangler, creator of whimsical, colorful art with lots of texture and layers at Brick & Mortar, 120 W Walnut Street. Spangler enjoys helping others discover their creative talents to bring more joy into the world. You will also meet Cyndie Jacks and Julia Spears, the owners of this charming event space, which serves as a blank slate where clients may create their own vision for the most special days in their lives.
• ANA All Member Show at the Rogers Experimental House, 121 W Walnut Street.
• The Rogers Arkansas Supper Club is an informal group of art appreciating foodies that formed earlier this year. They welcome others from the community to join them each 2nd Thursday to make new friends while visiting local galleries and enjoying dinner together during the Art on the Bricks Art Walk. On August 11 they are meeting at 4:30 p.m. at the ANA Gallery at the Rogers Experimental House, 121 W Walnut Street, visiting nearby galleries and pop-up galleries before enjoying dinner at The Shire GastroPub, 117 W Walnut Street. Contact Martha Cusik at 316-617-470 or visit their Facebook Group, Rogers AR Supper Club.
• Karaoke at The Shire GastroPub and Hapa’s Hawaiian Bar & Grill.
• Envision Nutrition is offering Thursday evening Bachata Classes, level one and level two. Interested guests are welcome to stop between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to see the the class in action and learn about opportunities to sign up for the next series.
Art on the Bricks Art Walk Galleries and Pop-Up Exhibitions | Thursday, July 14, 2022, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Downtown Rogers serves as the true cultural center of the city, with flagship museums, craft breweries, artfully preserved historic buildings, retail art venues, and unique restaurants and bars hosting live music and a vibrant nightlife. A growing creative economy has organically gravitated to the Downtown district, contributing to an authentic creative culture. The public is invited to visit galleries and pop-up exhibits to view art and meet the artists. Twenty plus local businesses contribute to the evolving character of Rogers the second Thursday of every month showcasing original art, hosting live music, offering dance classes and exhibitions to highlight the talent of local, regional, and nationally recognized artists.
The monthly event highlights a spirit of entrepreneurship that flows through our historic downtown offering a vibrant and diverse community with participation by area schools, Arkansas Public Theatre, and businesses hosting live music, performing arts, classes and interactive experiences that offer entertainment and educational opportunities.
See the list of participating locations, view some of the art to be displayed and learn more about this free, family friendly, monthly event at www.artonthebricks.com.
