What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
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8 WHAT'S UP! APRIL 5-11, 2020 FEATURE 'Convene The Community' Virtual Art on the Bricks sparks imagination, eases isolation BECCA MARTIN-BROWN NWA Democrat-Gazette A rtists are often among those most affected in a crisis like covid-19 — dealing with canceled income and trying to make plans during disruptive times," muses Karen Wagaman, vice president of downtown development for the Rogers- Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. As one of the coordinators of the Art on the Bricks monthly art walk in downtown Rogers, she knows only too well that "in the wake of the pandemic quarantining and social distancing, museums and exhibitions are closing, and jobs that artists rely upon are temporarily drying up." However, Wagaman says, "the spirit of creativity is alive and well," and some 250 artists are showcasing their work in a Virtual Art Walk put together by Wagaman. Best of all, this art walk continues through April 10 instead of showing for one night only. "Downtown Rogers hasn't missed a month since launching the family friendly Art Walk in November 2017," Wagaman says proudly of the concept she spearheaded along with Kathy McClure of Gateway Mortgage. And she wasn't about to miss one now. "Art on the Bricks started with an amazing 23 pop-up art galleries with only three weeks of planning," she remembers. "It was obvious there was a pent-up demand for this addition to the arts economy in downtown Rogers. The event has grown beyond just visual art to include live music, dance, theater and interactive experiences. At times, holidays or community events have inspired themes. Popular topics have been 'Downtown Rogers Is Going to the Dogs,' where art by those who paint/photograph/sculpt dogs is showcased and patrons are invited to bring their fur babies to the art walk. Other themes have included Black History Month, Women's History Month, Indigenous Peoples Day and Dance Like EVERYONE is Watching. "Additionally, businesses are starting to recognize this event as a resource for fine art," Wagaman adds. "In mid-2019, Aloft Hotel Rogers-Bentonville reached out to the Chamber of Commerce to secure a list of artists that produce contemporary art to hang in their lobby." The Virtual Art Walk invited artists to upload three images of their artwork to the Facebook event Wagaman created. "Our local artists are stepping up to convene the community, even though it's a virtual gathering, to bring beauty and spark imaginations as an escape from the isolation, uncertainty and stress of the moment," she says. "Art truly brings people together and inspires our hearts and minds," Wagaman adds. "Our community supports art with a passion and understands its value. And for the artists of the Virtual Art Walk, they look at it as giving back to the community and showing their appreciation at a time when togetherness is being challenged in new ways and is more important than ever." Wagaman says the second-Thursday Art on the Bricks will resume "as quickly as the Centers for Disease Control and the State of Arkansas Health Department give people the 'all clear' to participate in social gatherings." Meanwhile, the Virtual Art Walk can be found at facebook.com/events/1093861984283892. Among participating artists are: Denise Sagan Fayetteville Mixed media with encaustic How long have you been making art? I've been doing art ever since I can remember as a kid. I went on to get a degree in art, worked as a graphic artist for 20 years and now work full time as a fine artist. What was the first thing that inspired you to make art? I have always been drawn to people's faces and their expressions but also the textures, shapes and colors I see in nature. Let's just say that all of God's creation is inspiration for me. What does your art give you? Art for me is a gift that God gave me to share with people. It gives me my sense of identity and purpose. And what do you hope it gives other people? Joy! Where can people see and buy your art now? denisesagan.com And where is it on show when life gets back to normal? Currently, I am a represented artist with Art Ventures in Fayetteville. Fayetteville artist Denise Sagan works in mixed media with encaustic. (Courtesy Image) FAQ Art on the Bricks WHEN — Through April 10 WHERE — On Facebook at facebook. com/events/1093861984283892 COST — Art is for sale INFO — Email karen@rogerslowell.com