Rogers-Lowell Area News

Downtown Rogers Art Walk is Going to the Dogs

Downtown Rogers is known as a dog friendly urban center with more than 50 locally owned small businesses that allow K-9s to accompany customers when they shop, dine on outdoor patios or conduct business. The March Art on the Bricks Art Walk is celebrating our community’s love of fur babies with several art exhibits that feature dogs. The monthly art walk scheduled for Thursday, March 14 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. will showcase art and live music in multiple locations in Downtown Rogers. This event offers free admission to pop-up art galleries where patrons may see and purchase art, see art demos, listen to live music by students from Arkansas Arts Academy, enjoy receptions and meet artists from across NW Arkansas.

The dog themed art walk is also raising awareness of the Downtown Rogers, Inc. 2019 Barks & Brews event scheduled for March 23 at the DTR Market. This event, in its 9th year, benefits the Rogers Animal Shelter through funds raised from a dog show, silent auction, sales of hot dogs and beer and curated vendor booths. Some of the art from the art walk will be included in the silent auction.

The Rogers Experimental House, 121 W Walnut Street, is featuring a series of Celebrity Dogs by Jane Wier Garrison Davidian. The artist creates oil paintings that depict dogs taking on the human form of famous celebrities. Some of her images are inspired by celebrity chefs like Martha Stewart and Guy Fieri, and legendary Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn and popular musicians including Bette Midler, George Strait and Keith Urban.

When asked how she was inspired to transform celebrities into K-9s, she responded, “One day, about 10 years ago, while standing in line at Walmart looking at the tabloids, I decided I would much rather read about dogs instead of celebrities,” she explained. “I went home that day and painted my first celebrity dog!” Painting since the age of 5, Jane’s talents run deep. In addition to celebrity dog portraits, she has painted human portraits, locally recognized landscapes and cityscapes, murals, cathedral ceilings, television backdrops and more. She has completed commissioned work for clients across the U.S. and as far away as Rome, Italy.

Additional regionally and nationally recognized artists participating include Amy Eichler and Beth Lenderman with vibrant paintings of dogs, farm animals and other subjects, and Jim Johnson and his series of presidents and celebrities and Steven B Schneider with his calming Ozark landscapes. Participating younger artists include visual artists from Heritage High School and musical performers from Arkansas Arts Academy. Maps of the art walk will be available throughout downtown at participating locations and will be available online at https://www.godowntownrogers.com/exhibit-list.  

About Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks
Art on the Bricks Art Walk showcases the art of regional artists while enhancing the artistic and cultural opportunities of Downtown Rogers. The 2nd Thursday of each month locally owned businesses host pop-up galleries and provide a free, family friendly experience. Presented by Go Downtown Rogers in partnership with business owners and area non-profit organizations, guest artists from across NW Arkansas are given the opportunity to exhibit, demonstrate and sell their work. Talented artists, craftsmen and musicians bring their products to the shops and restaurants and provide an exciting opportunity for the public to explore the businesses and meet the artists. Participating businesses are located on 1st, 2nd and 3rd Streets as well as Arkansas Street, Walnut Street and Elm Street in 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 to connect with the arts community and support locally owned businesses. Art on the Bricks is honored to showcase Downtown Rogers as a destination location for nightlife and art experiences.