Local notes: 31 Northwest Arkansan artists selected for Artists 360 grants and received $300,000 total

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OLLI

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arkansas has announced the following classes:

Oct. 21: The Art & History of Songwriting -- Walter Schmidt, local musician, songwriter and performer will perform some of his own songs as well as others we know well. This class will explore the origins of song ideas, how melodies are written and the difference between a chorus and a bridge. 10 a.m. to noon. Butterfield Trail Village. Members $29, nonmembers $44.

Oct. 21: 100 Years & Counting: A History of Mount Sequoyah -- Mount Sequoyah was established in 1922 as a summer spiritual retreat. Emily Gentry, Mt. Sequoyah president and CEO, will share the unique history of the site and will focus on what is currently happening and what is planned for the future. 1 to 3 p.m. Mt. Sequoyah. Members $25, nonmembers $40.

Oct. 22: Historic Downtown Fayetteville Square -- Stroll around the heart of Fayetteville, the downtown square. Marilyn Heifner, former mayor and retired executive of the Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission, will discuss the historic buildings, people and events that shaped historic Fayetteville. 2 to 3 p.m. The Fayetteville square. Members $29, nonmembers $44.

Oct. 23: Life in Animation -- John David Wilkes Kersey, a pioneer in digital character realism, will share how the art of animation continues to evolve and define visual storytelling. OLLI Office. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Members $25, nonmembers $40.

Oct. 23: Fantastic Fall Foliage -- A 2-hour, 1-1.5 mile hike to view the changing of the seasons with the colors of fall. Walk the trails of the Ozark Natural Science Center. (This is a Level 2 activity. Participants should have good balance, be able to walk on uneven surfaces and able to hike 1 to 3 miles. 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Ozark Natural Science Center. Members commuter $39/van rider $65, nonmembers commuter $54/van rider van $80.

Oct. 23, 25 & 30: Thai Partner Stretching -- Passively stretch out your partner (a friend or classmate). Learn the history, principles and benefits of Thai massage. This class is taught by a licensed massage therapist and a veteran yoga teacher. 1 to 3 p.m. OLLI office. Members $69, nonmembers $84.

Oct. 24, 31 & Nov. 7: Line Dancing for Beginners -- Line dancing is fun and is a good way to improve your cardiovascular health. Taught by dance professional Ron Foldvary. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Fayetteville Senior Center. Members $39, nonmembers $54.

Oct. 25: Let's Make Fall Wreaths -- Inveterate crafter, Judith Tavano, shares her unique technique for creating wreaths to complement your fall decor. Ciel Senior Living. 10 a.m. to noon. Members $35, nonmembers $50.

To register for a class call (479) 575-4545 or visit olli.uark.edu/participate.

Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America

The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (NWA PRSA) was recently named Chapter of the Year at the 2024 Horizon Awards, held during the Southwest District Conference. The prestigious recognition celebrates the chapter's exceptional growth, innovative programming and dedication to elevating the public relations profession across Northwest Arkansas and beyond.

To celebrate this achievement, the chapter invites members and the wider communications community to join them for a celebratory toast at 5 p.m. Oct. 24 at Fayetteville Beer Works, 2649 E. Mission Blvd. No. 1.

In recent years, the Northwest Arkansas PRSA chapter has made significant strides in expanding its membership base, offering high-impact events and educational programs and fostering a strong community of communications professionals. Through these efforts, the chapter has strengthened its role as a valuable resource for PR practitioners, advocating for professional standards and connecting members to career development opportunities.

"Being named Chapter of the Year is a testament to the incredible dedication of our members and supporters, who have worked tirelessly to grow our chapter and contribute to the public relations profession in Northwest Arkansas," said Amanda Horn, president of NWA PRSA. "This award is an honor and a motivator to continue setting the bar high for our community and profession."

As part of the Chapter's growth, NWA PRSA has focused on strengthening its partnership with the University of Arkansas PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) with integrated programming and mentorship opportunities. The collaboration has successfully landed PRSSA students internships and jobs post-graduation, paving the way for the next generation of professionals.

The gathering will be an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of the chapter and connect with fellow professionals in a festive atmosphere. Free registration is available at eventbrite.com/e/cheers-to-the-chapter-of-the-year-tickets-1046962642447.

For more information contact [email protected] or visitnwaprsa.org/.

Heart of America Artists' Association, Siloam Springs Center for the Arts

Heart of America Artists' Association and Siloam Springs Center for the Arts are collaborating to host the Growing the Arts Gala benefit at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at The Brick Ballroom located at 119 B South Broadway St. in Siloam Springs.

The event will include live music provided by Sara Jones and Ben Harris, an acclaimed guitar/vocal duo from Fayetteville. Member artists from HoAAA have donated paintings, which will be offered for sale in a silent auction and a live auction at the event.

The menu to be prepared by Chef Kevin Roberts includes house made pasta with three choices of sauces. A pasta-making station will be set up for those who wish to see the process during the event.

"This is our first time to collaborate with the Artists' Association," said event coordinator Jan Lauderdale, who serves on the board for Siloam Springs Center for the Arts. "It is a logical connection, since we are both non-profits trying to grow the artistic offerings in Siloam Springs."

Residents may be familiar with some of SSCA's past events, such as the annual Home Brew Showcase or Shakespeare in the Park. HoAAA recently held their annual Siloam Springs Plein Air competition and exhibition for local artists in high school, collegiate and adult categories. The gallery will continue to be available throughout 2024 at Olive & Opal.

More information about the gala event may be found at Siloam Springs Center for the Arts Facebook and Instagram pages. Tickets are $75 for individuals or $140 per couple and are available until atsiloam-springs-center-for-the-arts.square.site/. Proceeds will be divided equally between the two organizations.

HallowZing

The Scott Family Amazeum invites families to enjoy an unforgettable evening of sensory-friendly Halloween fun at HallowZing from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the museum, 1009 Museum Way in Bentonville.

The inclusive event is designed specifically for children with special needs, their siblings and grown-ups, offering a safe and supportive environment where everyone can experience Halloween their way.

The evening will feature hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activities, carefully curated to accommodate all children. From spooky science experiments to creative art projects, each interactive station is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for every guest.

Family friendly costumes are encouraged for attendees.

Admission is free for Amazeum members or $2 person for nonmembers. Admission is free for children 2 or younger. Advanced registration required at my.amazeum.org/26292/27037.

Special thanks to HallowZing partners: Arkansas Support Network, Autism Involves Me, Down Syndrome Connection, Play with Passion, Sunshine School, Pathfinders, Ability Tree, and Thrive Autism for helping to make this event a truly inclusive experience.

The Scott Family Amazeum, an interactive museum for families, is dedicated to creating immersive learning experiences integrating science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). With an emphasis on fostering curiosity and creativity, the museum encourages a community of exploration and inquiry. Featuring 50,000 square feet of exhibit space and an acre of outdoor space, the Amazeum welcomes over 250,000 guests annually. The museum operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Information: (479) 696-9280, ext. 215 or amazeum.org.

Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area

Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area will host a free astronomy program from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the park's visitor center. The Sugar Creek Astronomical Society will provide powerful telescopes for all guests to use. No reservations are necessary.

At 5:30 p.m., the indoor program will be an annual summary of the types of popular amateur telescopes readily available. This year, the program will include the relatively new "smart telescopes." The presentation will be aimed at those intending to buy their first telescope but should be of interest to anyone in general.

Public viewing of the stars begins at 6:30 p.m. Viewing will include Venus, Saturn, possibly Mercury and Jupiter, the Milky Way, Fall Constellations, the Andromeda Galaxy, as well as stars, star clusters, and other deep-sky objects.

Participants may wish to bring a flashlight covered with a red cloth (or red balloon), a folding chair. Binoculars and star charts are welcome. Recommended for ages 8 and older. Information: (479) 789-5006 or [email protected].

Fort Smith Public Library Endowment Trust

Join the Fort Smith Public Library Endowment from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Nov. 8 for the 17th annual Black Tie Bingo Gala at the Fort Smith Public Library located at 3201 Rogers Ave.

The evening will include fine dining, bingo games and raffle items in support of the Fort Smith Public Library Endowment Trust. Daren Bobb will be the emcee for the evening and entertainment will be provided by the Don Bailey Jazz Ensemble and Terri Bailey on the keyboard. Seating is limited; tickets are available for $150 each. Contact the library at (479) 783-0229 for tickets or visitfortsmithlibrary.org.

NWA Holiday Market

The sixth annual NWA Holiday Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 8 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale. The market will feature more than 160 booths of items such as gifts, decor, clothing, jewelry, health and beauty, food, children's, repurposed and handcrafted. There will be photo ops with Santa and parking is free.

Admission is a $5 donation for the Children's Safety Center of Washington County.

Information: (479) 756-6954, [email protected] or NWAHolidayMarket.com.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese (ACOM)

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese (ACOM) recently announced "Navigating Lolelaplap," a new exhibition that honors the Marshallese community by infusing a reverence for tradition with an eagerness to celebrate Marshallese Indigenous culture here and now. The focus show, which will be on view through March 31, 2025, features objects and stories shared from community members and works created by local artists and makers.

In the Marshallese language, "Lolelaplap" is the name for the Marshall Islands. Located in the Pacific Ocean about halfway between Hawaii and the Philippines, the island nation consists of five islands and 29 atolls (ring-shaped coral islands that encircle a lagoon). While separated by more than 6,000 miles, Lolelaplap and Northwest Arkansas share a close connection: Northwest Arkansas is the home to the largest concentration of Marshall Islanders in the United States. Navigating Lolelaplap explores that intergenerational connection rooted right here in the region.

Developed through a multi-year partnership between ACOM and Crystal Bridges, the show features works including "Canoe of One Community," a traditional kōrkōr canoe built by master boat-builder Liton Beasa in 2021 on the Crystal Bridges grounds. The exhibition also includes "Manit Day Weaving" (2023), a woven mat made of pandanus leaves and spray-painted by local artist Helmar Anitok; and two dresses, one of which was made by Tie Lawin and Fressana Lawin that features a stick chart design and was worn at last year's Stroll the Atolls event in Springdale.

The exhibition is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit the museum's website. Information: crystalbridges.org.

Artists 360 Creative Impact Award

A total of 31 Northwest Arkansas artists were selected for Artists 360's seventh cohort and awarded $300,000 in grants. This includes the selection of John Rankine, multimedia artist, curator and community arts organizer, of Eureka Springs, Ark., for the prestigious $25,000 Artists 360 Creative Impact Award.

Grantees will be the first Artists 360 cohort to benefit from practice-based funding, which will allow them to apply the grant to their overall creative development rather than the funding being tied to a specific project. Also new to this grant cycle is enhanced grant amounts across all categories, including the expansion of the student category into separate undergraduate and graduate grants.

Artists 360 ignites the careers of artists of all disciplines in Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian and Washington counties by providing money, strategic management and mentoring. By elevating local artists, Artists 360 brings value to the greater Northwest Arkansas region overall, creating a place where creativity and the arts can thrive.

"We are thrilled to broaden the scope of the Artists 360 program with the generous increased funding from the Walton Family Foundation," said Diane Scott, director of artist services at Mid-America Arts Alliance. "Artists 360's shift to practice-based funding provides recipients with the flexibility to invest in their creative practice, ultimately strengthening the arts ecosystem in the region. The combination of artist funding, professional development, and peer network development has made a significant impact not just on the Artists 360 grantees, but to artists across the region."

This year, the Artists 360 Creative Impact Award recognizes John Rankine of Eureka Springs for his achievements in the arts. The Creative Impact Award provides one exceptional artist based in Northwest Arkansas with unrestricted funds of $25,000 and professional development opportunities, including retreats that facilitate network building. Candidates are selected through both nominations and formal applications. Rankine was also an Artists 360 project grant recipient in 2018 for his photographic essay, Men With Earrings.

"At almost 70 years of age, I have been creating artwork for many years and also encouraging other artists through friendship and the curatorial process," Rankine said. "I can't begin to express the validation this award has given me--to be recognized by a jury of peers for my life's work and for the impact they believe I've made on our city's community of artists."

The additional 30 artists went through a competitive application process and include a wide range of disciplines and perspectives.

Community Activator Grants ($17,500) went to Bea Apple (Bentonville), Paige Dirksen (Bella Vista), Dr. Brandon Chase Goldsmith (Fort Smith); Paul Siebenthal and Hiba Tahir (both of Fayetteville.)

Practicing Artist Grants ($10,000) were awarded to Ana Buitrago, Danqi Cai, Lisa Marie Evans, Shelby Fleming, Vincent Frimpong, Elizabeth Muscari, Eddie Rodriguez and Sara Schellenberg (all of Fayetteville); Craig Hartenberger and CeCe Marie of Springdale; Dani Ives and Coco Vasquez (Rogers); John Dyas (Bella Vista) Jacob McCoy (Siloam Springs) and Esther Reina (Bentonville).

Graduate Student Grants ($5,000) went to Mayssa Hashaad, Basil Parnell, Caite Mae Ramos, Shannon P. Smith and Carletta Williams, all of the University of Arkansas.

Undergraduate Student Grants ($2,500) were awarded to Autumn Blaylock, Ronnie Gunderman, Austin Hughes and Jonathan Mendez of the University of Arkansas and Alex Dotulong of the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.

From its inception in 2018, Artists 360 has awarded $1.3 million to seven cohorts of 157 artists in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. The Walton Family Foundation provided $300,000 in funds for Artists 360 grant awards this year, up from $234,000 in 2023.

For more information about M-AAA's Artists 360 program, please visit artists360.art.

Artists 360 is made possible through philanthropic support from Steuart Walton and Tom Walton through the Walton Family Foundation.

The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (NWA PRSA) was recently named Chapter of the Year at the 2024 Horizon Awards, held during the Southwest District Conference. The prestigious recognition celebrates the chapter's exceptional growth, innovative programming and dedication to elevating the public relations profession across Northwest Arkansas and beyond. (Submitted photo)

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Local notes: 31 Northwest Arkansan artists selected for Artists 360 grants and received $300,000 total

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