The following is a press release about the Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks artwalk. I used to go out and set up my art and people would go from business to business in the downtown section to see all the artists and hopefully patronize the small businesses in the process. It was a nice symbiotic relationship that Covid has thrown a wrench into. But Karen’s been working hard to turn it into a virtual event. I have some art in this month’s lineup, and so do a lot of other area artists. I hope you’ll check it out!

For Immediate Release Karen Wagaman
Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce
Work: 479-619-3195
Mobile: 785-969-1332
karen@rogerslowell.com October 27, 2020

Art on the Bricks Invites the Public to Shop Local Artists
and Businesses in Support of NWA’s Creative Economy

Rogers, AR–“The Art of Giving” is the theme for the Downtown Rogers holiday Art on the Bricks virtual art walk November 12 – December 24, a program of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. The public is invited to show their support for the local creative economy by viewing, liking, sharing and purchasing original art from talented artists and craftsmen from across Northwest Arkansas and adjacent areas.

The Virtual Exhibit resides on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ArtOnTheBricks. There are also more than two dozen businesses now continue to exhibit and sell the works of local artists, artisans and makers in Downtown Rogers. (See list below)

Each year, the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce encourages holiday shoppers to “Shop Local” during this holiday season. One unique way to do so is to view the works of more than 30 featured artists on the Art on the Bricks Facebook Page. Starting November 12 and continuing through December 24, online patrons may scroll through posts that showcase original works of art. From there, they may connect directly with artists to inquire about the purchase of special gifts that come from the heart –  not only the gift giver’s but also the creator’s.

Local artists create unique works that are ideal for gift giving during the holidays and contribute to the creative economy in Northwest Arkansas. There are far-reaching advantages to deciding to “Shop Local.” Karen Wagaman, Vice President of Downtown Development with the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce is a cheerleader for locally owned businesses and coordinator of the Chamber’s Art on the Bricks art walk.

“By supporting local businesses, you are making a bigger impact in your local economy than when you shop online or with big corporations,” she explained. “When you shop local, significantly more money stays in your community as compared to shopping with nationally-owned businesses. The money you spend generates tax revenue that fixes roads, pays for parks, supports schools, retains jobs, and so much more,” she continued. “When small businesses thrive, they are able to support local charities, sponsor your child’s sports team, donate to non-profits and invest back into their businesses, employees, and the community.”

While the current art walk is virtual, prior to COVID-19, more than 25 downtown Rogers businesses participated in the second Thursday Art on the Bricks art walk. The monthly pop-up art show allowed patrons to discover local businesses and meet local artists that populated the shops and restaurants along the brick lined streets. The event provided a popular interactive experience that has continued to serve the artists now that it is offered virtually on Facebook @ArtOnTheBricks. 

The gift of art is personal, thoughtful and timeless and purchasing from a local artist provides a community connection that gives and even greater meaning to art. Additionally, having a strong arts scene is good for the well-being of the city as a whole.

Even during the pandemic, at least dozen downtown Rogers businesses exhibit and sell the work of local makers, artists, artisan and crafters. We encourage you to support these businesses and shop local this holiday season.

About Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks—Currently, Art on the Bricks art walk, a program of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, is offered virtually to showcase the art of regional artists while enhancing the artistic and cultural opportunities of Downtown Rogers. During “normal” times, the 2^nd Thursday of every month offers a broad mix of talented artists, craftsmen and musicians to our community. They bring their talent in the form of handcrafted items to the shops, offices and restaurants and provide an exciting opportunity for the public to explore the businesses and meet the artists. Businesses located on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Streets as well as Arkansas Street, Walnut Street and Elm Street host pop-up galleries throughout Downtown Rogers. The list of businesses and artists change from month to month, but the art experiences in downtown Rogers will consistently provide new and interesting opportunities for the public to connect with the arts community.

Art on the Bricks looks forward to again showcasing Downtown Rogers as a destination location for nightlife, dining, shopping and art experiences as the current health situation is resolved. This free, family friendly experience is supported by presenting sponsor: Arvest Bank; print media sponsors: CitiScapes Magazine; and Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette; digital media sponsor: Fox 24 KFTA and KNWA News; print media sponsors: Broadaway Printing and Printova Signs and Graphics. Additional sponsors include Tyson Foods, Visit Rogers, Ozark Regional Transit, Java Dudes Coffee Co., and Rogers Experimental House. The event is coordinated by Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with downtown Rogers business owners and area non-profit organizations and guest artists from across NW Arkansas. 

About Arvest-Presenting Sponsor

Arvest Bank, named by Forbes magazine as one of the “World’s Best Banks” for 2019, operates more than 260 bank branches in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas through a group of 14 locally managed banks, each with its own board and management team. These banks serve customers in more than 135 communities, with extended weekday banking hours at many locations. Arvest also provides a wide range of banking services including loans, deposits, treasury management, credit cards, mortgage loans and mortgage servicing. Arvest is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC.

Sincerely,

Karen Wagaman
Vice President of Downtown Development

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce
317 West Walnut
Rogers, AR 72756

Office: 4797-636-1240
Direct: 479-619-3195

Mobile: 785-969-1332

karen@rogerslowell.com
www.RogersLowell.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenwagaman/