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For many of us, Christmas is a special time to come together with family to share happy memories and build on longstanding traditions. But young people who have aged out of the Foster Care program are often left without traditions or a family support system as they transition from youth to adult. It was with these young people in mind that seamstresses and artists in Rogers decided to add some holiday merriment to the Christmas season at Saving Grace, a transitional home serving young women, ages 18-25, who have aged out of foster care or face homelessness.
Sharing Christmas with Saving Grace: More than a dozen Christmas Stockings created for the residents of the Saving Grace community will be displayed during the Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks Art Walk Thursday, December 14 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Rogers Experimental House, 121 W Walnut, Rogers, AR. Stephanie Davis, program manager for Saving Grace, was enthusiastic about the prospect of presenting the personalized stockings to her girls. “As we celebrate Christmas this year, we are so grateful for the community who gathers to teach new traditions to our residents,” commented Davis. “Sometimes our girls celebrate Christmas for the first time in our little house and these stockings remind our girls that they are worthy of nice things, of the precious time that it took for someone to sew together these stockings,” she continued. “For some of our girls, it may be the first stocking they have received. These moments, as little as they may be, create new and good experiences, which heals past experiences. These experiences change generations to come.”
Sharing Christmas with the Community: The December Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks Art Walk seemed to be the perfect opportunity to showcase the talent of these creative makers while raising awareness of a program that provides services to an important but vulnerable population of young women. Art walk organizers, Kathy McClure, Branch Manager, Gateway Mortgage & Karen Wagaman, VP of Downtown Development for the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, approached the staff of Saving Grace, Inc. to inquire about the possibility of making Christmas Stockings for the young women who call Saving Grace home. The response was a joyful, “YES!” They then reached out to area businesses that might have sewing supplies, classroom space, sewing machines and crafty hands. Two interior design companies quickly responded. Tracy Alexander at Avenue Design Company and Jenny Campbell at M. Grace at Home provided a small mountain of designer fabrics to make stockings that are unique and far from traditional.
The makers and mothers who made the stockings: Patty Rodgers, owner of Patty’s Quilting Market rounded up several seamstresses as well as ribbon and buttons and lace and set out to make more than ½ of the number of stockings needed to hang at Saving Grace. When asked why her patrons were so eager to volunteer their time and talent during this busy holiday season, Rodgers replied, “The Patty's Quilting Market family is very blessed to have the opportunity to donate time for the women at Saving Grace. With the gift of these stockings we also extend our prayers for each girl who receives them to experience a wonderful Merry Christmas.”
A second team of seamstresses utilized the expansive classroom space and sewing machines at The Gathering in Rogers to create Christmas Stockings. Tucker Elementary School kindergarten teacher and mother of two, Crystal Harry, was quick to volunteer when she learned about the project. “I know firsthand the impact of giving back, as I was the recipient of such acts throughout childhood and early adulthood,” shared Harry. “Adding a little love through my creative gift is just a small gesture of my appreciation for organizations like Saving Grace NWA.”
The art walk consists of more than 25 pop-up galleries throughout Downtown Rogers every 2nd Thursday. The Saving Grace Christmas Stockings are displayed in the Rogers Experimental House (RXH), 121 W Walnut, Thursday, December 14 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. A dozen fiber artist will display and sell their own handcrafted quilts, scarves, ornaments, hats and afghans. Additionally, Bella Vista resident, Linda Pumphrey, internationally recognized as an author and quilter will participate in the art walk selling autographed copies of her books, “Red & White Quilting” and “Mountain Mist Historical Quilts: 14 Mid-Century Quilts Made New. Seven quilts from her books are displayed in the RXH.
About Saving Grace NWA
Saving Grace is a transitional home serving young women 18-25 who have aged out of foster care or face homelessness. This 501c3 organization offers skills, relationships, and resources to empower generational change.
About Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks
Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks is a monthly art walk held every 2nd Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Approximately 20 Downtown Rogers’ shops, restaurants, bars, non-profits and service providers showcase the work of guest artists and musicians from across Northwest Arkansas. This is the perfect way for art enthusiasts, foodies and fun seekers to enjoy the Bricks of Downtown Rogers! Shop, view and purchase art and frequent the many eating and drinking establishments. Participating businesses are located on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Streets as well as Walnut Street and Elm Street in Downtown Rogers.
The list of businesses and artists may change from month to month, but the art experiences in Downtown Rogers will consistently provide new and interesting opportunities to connect with the arts community.
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