What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1326793
JANUARY 10-16, 2021 WHAT'S UP! 9 FEATURE concert on the Arvest Bank Courtyard since reopening. Both John and the audience were almost in tears at the start, suddenly hit by the realization that we had all missed this so much. Live music and theater is not just about the songs, it is about coming together in a shared social experience. It was uplifting to remember what we are set out to do! Beth Bobbitt Public Relations Director, Crystal Bridges Museum Like many, I've turned to nature to stay centered. Being close to trees, water and wildlife give you a new perspective, and it's been so important for my overall well-being. Aside from the nourishment of nature, I've found joy and, in some cases, a lot of convenience in new kinds of gatherings like online workshops, happy hours, Facebook Live concerts, drive-in church and birthday car parades. I've been delighted to see sparks of creativity come from these challenging times. One recent example is the way a local photographer, Emily McArthur, adapted to the holidays in covid times. She offered a live Zoom call with Santa instead of a typical photo session. She sent a questionnaire in advance to help Santa learn about our child, delivered a basket of goodies to our door and provided a professional photo of the call with Santa. Though none of this was in-person, it felt so much more personalized and made me realize that it's not where you gather, but why that's important. My hope is that we all come away being more intentional about gatherings, and overall have more meaningful connections to each other and our natural surroundings. Joseph Farmer Executive Director, Arkansas Public Theatre at the Victory I love podcasts and have always wanted to do voiceover work, so being part of APT's serial audio drama "Amanda Kill" was a bright spot during the pandemic. Watching Northwest Arkansas Ballet Theatre's virtual production of "The Nutcracker" [also] provided much joy. [And] getting married during uncertain times definitely brought a much needed sense of security. Missy Gipson Founder of Pilot Arts and local actor, writer, director, choreographer I have really enjoyed online pop-up live streams from artists like Stephen Kellogg, Todd Snider and Johnnyswim. I also produced a totally online theatrical experience for the first time with Pilot Arts. That was a great opportunity to learn how much I don't know, but get some education along the way. Hands down, a favorite memory is that the Meals on Wheels program didn't stop for one day during the pandemic. So many things stopped or shut down, but they still served 250 meals per day, and their volunteer drivers still showed up. Pretty incredible act of service for our seniors and homebound neighbors. Antoinette Grajeda Reporter and producer, NPR affiliate KUAF and co-host, RefleXions podcast For over a decade I've participated Beth Bobbitt (Courtesy Photo/Meredith Wagner) Joseph Farmer Antoinette Grajeda Missy Gipson "Improv allows us acceptance of ourselves and each other, an emotional outlet, a break from reality, a place to just have fun and laugh," Julia Trupp says of Rodeo Book Club — a group of actors and improvisers who put on an outdoor Halloween improv show at Gulley Park in Fayetteville after not performing together since February. "That old saying is true — laughter really is the best medicine!" (Courtesy Photo/Rodeo Book Club) See Moments Page 38